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It's our night Everything went the Avs' way in Game 6
Updated: Sunday June 10, 2001 12:34 AM
Early on, the Devils had energy and offense -- largely due to two powerplay opportunities. The Avalanche had Patrick Roy. His message was loud and clear -- boys, get me one and I might just make it stand up all night long. As the first period progressed, the Avs started skating more purposefully, finally forcing a mid-ice turnover. A single long-range blast later -- one Martin Brodeur should have had -- and the Avs had their Foote in the Game #7 door, you might say. The Avs received some necessary breaks, too. A couple of bobbles by Bobby Holik in the prime scoring area, a goal waved off because Scott Gomez kicked it into the net and a goalpost by Alexander Mogilny all went the Avs way. But, beginning in the second period, the Avs made their own breaks as well. Dan Hinote harassed Holik into a retaliation penalty, which the powerplay promptly converted into a 2-0 lead. Alex Tanguay outworked Scott Niedermayer down low, made a spiffy spin move and forced Niedermayer to haul him down -- a sign that the Avs were now in full control and it was the Devils reeling. The one constant -- maybe the only reliable tendency in this series on both sides -- is that the team that has the lead relies solely on turnovers to fuel their counter-punch attack. The team that trails eventually makes a few mistakes in their haste to make up ground and both teams are quick and capable of capitalizing in transition. Mind you, even scoring first has only been a breakeven proposition in this topsy-turvy final. But, the score has directly dictated the style of play by both teams -- offensive aggression when trailing vs. defensive discipline when ahead. Game #7 -- what are the prospects? Consider this: the Devils already have two victories in Denver. Don't forget, though, the Avs have Patrick Roy. Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
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Two words -- resilient and brilliant -- immediately and appropriately come to mind. Such a self-assured performance, with his early excellence fueling his team's confidence and undermining the Devils best bids. 
His work in the trenches against the previously dynamic offensive duo of Petr Sykora and Patrik Elias was paramount. He will to win was obvious and infectious. His goal and two assists from the backline didn't hurt either. 
Energetic and effective as an agitator, Hinote's effort was symbolic of the collective contributions of the youngsters, including defenseman Martin Skoula and linemate Ville Nieminen. 