Thursday, May 31 Updated: June 1, 9:29 PM ET Avs get job done in second period By Brian A. Shactman ESPN.com EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – When the highlights for the 2001 Stanley Cup finals are shown, Ray Bourque's power-play goal in the third period of Game 3 will be a go-to highlight. It might have been the game-winning goal in Colorado's 3-1 win over New Jersey, but it didn't win the game for the Avalanche on Thursday. Devils goalie Martin Brodeur didn't have a good look at Ray Bourque's game-winning goal just 31 seconds into the third period Thursday. What won the game was killing a 5-on-3 penalty late in the first period, and then dominating the Devils in the second. "We didn't score on the 5-on-3, and our team just lost all its drive, all its composure," Devils coach Larry Robinson said. "The guys just stopped working." And the Avs responded – controlling New Jersey in the second period and outshooting the Devils 11-3. "In the first period, we got into penalty trouble and did a great job killing the penalties, except for that one goal," said Colorado captain Joe Sakic, whose two shots in Game 3 were in the second period. "We rolled all four lines, and it just seemed like everyone had a jump. "And I think the momentum we got from killing most of those penalties carried over in the second." Not scoring a goal in the middle period was about the only thing Colorado didn't do right. Beyond outshooting the Devils, the Avs had 15 blocked shots to New Jersey's eight through 40 minutes. In the hit department, it was 26-20 tilted toward the road team. Colorado also forced the Devils into taking three penalties -- totaling 4:58 of power-play time for Colorado. As a result, New Jersey shortened its bench and lost all its rhythm; the Devils' top players either became tired or cold, depending on their role. Even Bourque admitted the game swung his team's way long before his quick-strike goal just 31 seconds into the period. "I though the second period was our best," he said. And the best component of it was the amount of shots Colorado prevented from ever reaching goalie Patrick Roy. The Devils' offensive chances were reduced, and their frustration levels skyrocketed. "They had guys laying down, guys diving," Devils forward John Madden said. "It becomes frustrating because you start trying to overhandle the puck and take bad-angle shots. Maybe we need to change it and start drilling it at their heads, and maybe, they'll stop getting in front of pucks." The Avs were pleased to point to their penalty killing and overall defense as symbols of their commitment to winning the Stanley Cup. "I think it's a good sign of character from this team, Colorado's Shjon Podein said. "Guys are willing to do the little things it takes to win." Brian A. Shactman covers the NHL for ESPN.com and can be reached at brian.shactman@espn.com. Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories

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