DENVER — Arguably the two most talented teams in a weak Western Conference, the Avalanche and Oilers have nonetheless been thwarted by inconsistency and injury this season.
The hockey they’ve exhibited against each other in 2023 has served as both a reminder of the superior individuals whose ability elevated these teams to a conference final clash last May, and as a demonstration of the flawed, entertaining streakiness that defined that series.
The Avalanche pulled a rabbit out of a hat Sunday for the second time in as many Edmonton matchups this year, winning 6-5 after trailing 3-0, 4-2 and finally 5-3 in the third period. Artturi Lehkonen deflected a J.T. Compher shot through Jack Campbell’s five-hole with 4:12 remaining to tie it, and Mikko Rantanen won it with 21 seconds remaining in overtime.
