Making up one-third of the famed "Quebec Nordiques" legacy, the Colorado Avalanche have brought home some serious hardware in their time in Denver. With ten division championships, two Presidents' Trophies, and one Stanley Cup victory to their name, the Avalanche have a rich history that is packed with memorable moments. In this blog post, we'll take a look back at the ten most important goals in Avalanche history. Whether it's a championship-clinching goal or simply a moment that left an impression on fans, these goals are sure to send shivers down your spine. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this trip down memory lane!
Here are the top 10 goals in Avalanche history
10. Peter Forsberg scores the "Forsberg goal" in Game 6 of the 2001 Stanley Cup Finals
In the dying seconds of the third period, with the Avalanche trailing the New Jersey Devils 2-1, Peter Forsberg collected the puck in his own end and weaved his way through traffic before backhanding a shot past Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur to force overtime. The Avalanche would go on to win the game 3-2, knotting the series at three games apiece.
Forsberg's goal is widely considered to be one of the most iconic moments in Stanley Cup history, and it cemented his reputation as one of the greatest clutch performers of all time.
9. Nathan MacKinnon scores in OT to give Avalanche first playoff win in 11 years
After a decade-long playoff drought, the Avalanche finally returned to the postseason in 2019. And in their first game back, they needed overtime to get past the Calgary Flames.
Nathan MacKinnon played the hero, potting the game-winning goal just 1:28 into the extra frame. The goal sent the Avalanche bench and fans into a frenzy, and gave the team some much-needed momentum heading into the rest of the series.
8. Matt Duchene scores in OT to give Avalanche Game 7 victory over Sharks
After squandering a 3-1 series lead, the Avalanche found themselves in a must-win Game 7 against the San Jose Sharks in 2010. And once again, it was Matt Duchene who came through in the clutch.
Duchene scored just 1:22 into overtime, capping off a hat trick and sending the Avalanche to the second round of the playoffs. The goal was a fitting end to an incredible series, and it cemented Duchene's status as one of the league's brightest young stars.
7. Gabriel Landeskog scores in OT to beat Red Wings in Game
After blowing a 3-1 series lead, the Avalanche found themselves in another do-or-die Game 7 situation, this time against the Detroit Red Wings in 2014.
And once again, it was a young player who stepped up in the clutch. Gabriel Landeskog scored 4:32 into overtime, giving the Avalanche a 3-2 victory and sending them to the second round of the playoffs.
6. Paul Stastny scores OT winner in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals
After dropping the first game of the series, the Avalanche found themselves in a must-win situation in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks. And once again, it was Paul Stastny who came through in the clutch.
Stastny scored 6:27 into overtime, giving the Avalanche a 3-2 victory and evening the series at one game apiece. The goal was a huge momentum boost for the Avalanche, who went on to win the series in seven games.
5. Milan Hejduk scores OT winner in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals
After losing the first game of the series, the Avalanche found themselves in a must-win situation in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the New Jersey Devils. And once again, it was Milan Hejduk who came through in the clutch.
Hejduk scored 9:20 into overtime, giving the Avalanche a 3-2 victory and evening the series at one game apiece. The goal was a huge momentum boost for the Avalanche, who went on to win the series in seven games.
4. Ray Bourque scores OT winner in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals
With the Avalanche trailing the New Jersey Devils 2-1 in the best-of-seven series, Ray Bourque stepped up in a big way, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 3.
The goal was the first Stanley Cup Finals overtime goal of Bourque's illustrious career, and it gave the Avalanche some much-needed momentum heading into the rest of the series. The Avalanche would go on to win the series in seven games, giving Bourque his first and only Stanley Cup championship.
3. Peter Forsberg scores in OT to beat Red Wings in Game 6
After blowing a 3-1 series lead, the Avalanche found themselves on the brink of elimination in Game 6 against the Detroit Red Wings. But with their backs against the wall, they got a clutch performance from one of their all-time greats.
Peter Forsberg scored 2:17 into overtime, giving the Avalanche a 3-2 victory and forcing a seventh and deciding game. The goal was a fitting end to an incredible series, and it cemented Forsberg's status as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
2. Joe Sakic scores in OT to beat Stars in Game 6
After blowing a 2-0 series lead, the Avalanche found themselves on the brink of elimination in Game 6 against the Dallas Stars. But with their backs against the wall, they got a clutch performance from one of their all-time greats.
Joe Sakic scored 7:13 into overtime, giving the Avalanche a 3-2 victory and forcing a seventh and deciding game. The goal was a fitting end to an incredible series, and it cemented Sakic's status as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
1. Patrick Roy makes save in OT to beat Panthers in Game 4
In the first round of the 1996 playoffs, the Avalanche were trailing the Florida Panthers 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. And in Game 4, with the score tied at two and the clock ticking down in overtime, it was Patrick Roy who came up big for his team.
Roy made a save on a point-blank shot by Florida's Scott Mellanby, preserving the tie and giving the Avalanche some much-needed momentum heading into the rest of the series. The Avalanche would go on to win the series in seven games, and they went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they beat the Panthers in four straight games.
Roy's save is widely considered to be one of the greatest moments in franchise history, and it cemented his legacy as one of the greatest goalies of all time.
Conclusion
Avalanche fans have been treated to some of the most exciting hockey over the past few years. The ten goals we’ve looked at are a testament to that. What has your favorite goal been? Let us know in the comments below. As for the Avalanche, they continue to strive for more success and we can’t wait to see what else they will achieve in the future.
