The Colorado Avalanche had a big-time test coming out of the All-Star break.
And the Avs passed with flying colors.
Colorado hung on to beat the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, 3-2, at Ball Arena.
Down 3-2 in the third period, Tampa Bay pulled its goalie with three minutes to go but the Avs survived a flurry of shots and prevented the Lightning from scoring despite Tampa Bay's 6-on-5 advantage.
Avs goalie Darcy Kuemper was simply terrific, allowing only two goals while making 36 saves.
Colorado jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Gabriel Landeskog and Devon Toews. Valeri Nichushkin's goal at 1:56 of the second period gave the Avs a 3-1 advantage.
It stayed that way until Brayden Point scored to get the Lightning within 3-2 with 4:06 to go in the second.
All that remained was for the Avs to hold on in the final period.
Colorado will next play at Dallas on Sunday, February 13 at 12 p.m. MST.
Postgame comments from Avs goalie Darcy Kuemper (first to speak) and forward Gabriel Landeskog.
Postgame comments from Avs head coach Jared Bednar.