Oilers rally to make Game 1 close, but Avalanche win

If fans found themselves catching their breath after Game 1 of Avalanche – Oilers, it would be understandable. Just think about how both teams felt following such elevated play at high elevation?

In a game that sometimes teetered toward a blowout, the Avalanche instead got a scare against the Oilers, but lead the series 1-0 after winning 6-8.

Connor McDavid and Cale Makar both generated one-goal, two-assists games. Nathan MacKinnon scored a highlight-reel beauty. Just about every top player got involved.

Yet, the biggest stories revolve around the comeback, how Edmonton struggled with Colorado’s incredible transition skills, and the state of goaltending for both teams.

Oilers stung after controversial offside goal review goes Avalanche’s way in Game 1

In a thrilling start to Game 1, the Oilers often looked overwhelmed against the Avalanche. While the high-danger chances were close through the first period, the Avs hogged the puck, and shot volume.

Even so, the Oilers received a burst when Zach Hyman scored a 2-2 goal with just 23 seconds remaining in the first period.

Remarkably, Cale Makar answered back just nine seconds later … or did he? Understandably, the Oilers challenged the Makar call, wondering if Makar entered the offensive zone before Valeri Nichushkin got back.

Should the goal have stood, or did the league make the wrong call with that offside review video review? Tough call.

Either way, it was close.

Ultimately, the goal stood, and the Avalanche also received a power-play opportunity because of an Oilers’ failed review. (Aside: I’ll probably call for this rule to change at least once per playoff series, as it’s too harsh of a penalty for close calls.)

Instead of the Oilers being lucky to be tied 2-2 against the Avalanche entering the second period, they were down 3-2, and Colorado began with that power play. Nazem Kadri scored on a rebound to make it 4-4-2 early in the second.

Another tough start to series for Oilers, Mike Smith;…