In Columbus, Ohio tonight occured one of the biggest shocks in the BRHL2 Playoff history. Columbus Blue Jackets, the 8th seed in the West, beat the Colorado Avalanche. This wasn't just one win, but 4 in a row to complete a sweep amazing every single hockey analyst except for a monkey. McKenzie and Duthie expected a quick series for the Avalanche while Milbury and Pang thought it would last longer, only Maggie thought it would be a Columbus win.
The shock occurred early on when Columbus pulled off a double overtime win in Game 1, despite blowing a 3-0 lead early on the Blue Jackets shown resilence and ended up winning 4-3 on a rare Brendan Witt goal. Tomas Vokoun made 37 saves in the win and was named the first star.
Game 2 showed Colorado's frustrations from game 1 as they gave Columbus 9 powerplay opportunities and eventually allowing the game-winner just as a 5-3 penalty expired. Though Columbus scored again on a Anders Erikkson goal, the damage had already been done. Tomas Vokoun again provided solid goaltending, allowing 2 goals on 26 shots.
Game 3 was an attempt by Colorado to open up the game and after a six goal first period left the teams in a 3-3 tie, Colorado managed to score one in the second to go 4-3 up. However, Columbus didn't disappoint the home crowd as they dominated the third period, outshooting the Avalanche 17-6 and scoring three goals to win 6-4.
Game 4 was a last ditch effort by the Avalanche to win one game and although Martin St. Louis scored early in the first, Vokoun prevented the game getting out of hand by making 16 saves in the first alone. The Blue Jackets then rewarded their goalie with 3 straight goals, amazingly none on the powerplay despite 11 opportunities. Brendan Morrow made a desperate attempt to make a comeback but time was a factor and the Avalanche were swept away themselves.
Three Stars of the Series
1. Tomas Vokoun - 4-0-0, 2.53 GAA, .904SV% Though not putting up amazing numbers, Vokoun provided the Blue Jackets with solid goaltending at timely points of time.
2. Brendan Witt - 1 goal, 2 assists, 1 game winner, +2. Brendan Witt led by example, his goal being the key overtime winner in Game 1, Witt also led with 20 hits leading his team in the 4 games.
3. Brendan Morrow - 1 goal, 4 assists, +4. Morrow was one of the few bright spots on a disappointing Colorado team. His 14 hits was second on the team, while his +4 rating is amazing considering the four losses in a row.
Scapegoat of the Series
Olaf Kolzig, 0-4-0, 3.82 GAA, .875 SV%. If Colorado want to blame one player for the loss (other than blaming their entire team for undisclipined play) it would be Kolzig. A veteran goalie who didn't show up at all during the playoffs the Avalanche can blame Kolzig all they like.
