Defenseman turned goalie: Josh Manson’s epic save spurs Avalanche comeback win

ST. LOUIS — The Colorado Avalanche eradicated the St. Louis Blues in Sport 6 of their Western Convention collection Friday evening because of a crucial save — not from goalie Darcy Kuemper however on a “heroic block” from defenseman Josh Manson.

“Manson’s save is among the largest of the sport,” coach Jared Bednar stated after the 3-2 win. “It stored us inside hanging distance. It is the kind of desperation and sacrifice that you just want out of your guys this time of yr.”

With lower than three minutes remaining within the second interval, the Blues had an influence play and all of the momentum. That they had taken a 2-1 lead and had been searching for a crucial cushion earlier than the third interval. Ahead Pavel Buchnevich had the puck to the proper of Kuemper and handed it throughout the zone to Blues ahead Jordan Kyrou.

Kuemper rapidly slid again to his left however Kyrou did not shoot. As a substitute, he carried the puck to the center as Kuemper rolled over onto his again exterior the objective crease. The Colorado internet was deserted. Kyrou had an opportunity to make it 3-1.

However then Manson saved the day.

“They threw it backdoor and Kyrou confirmed good persistence,” Kuemper stated. “I attempted to recover from there as fast as I may, however then he held onto it. [Manson] got here up with the heroic block there.”

The shot bounced off Manson as he slid throughout the objective line, and the puck was coated by Kuemper.

“It was a little bit of a panic, to be trustworthy with you,” Manson stated. “I knew he was an actual affected person participant. I knew he was going to carry onto that factor. As soon as I noticed him take the step, I [was] simply hoping that it will hit me, and I assume it did.”

After the whistle, Kuemper bought to his toes and tapped Manson on the chest twice, saying “thanks” to his defender.

“If that goes in … we’re a resilient group. I believe we’re nonetheless going to bounce again,” Manson stated. “But it surely was good to get it.”

The Avalanche are within the Western Convention last for the primary time since 2002, opening at dwelling in opposition to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday evening.