Paul Stastny ties game, wins it in OT to give Avalanche Game 1 over Wild (Video)

Paul Stastny played the hero in Game 1 of the Colorado Avalanche’s divisional semifinal against the Minnesota Wild – twice.

The center scored with just over 13 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 4-4 and send it to overtime; then, at 7:27 of the extra session, he struck again to give the Avs the playoff win.

Here’s the tying goal:

“YOU JUST KNEW IT WAS GONNA HAPPEN!” That is some homer-rrific homerism right there, Colorado.

Erik Johnson’s shot from the left circle was deflected away by Ilya Bryzgalov, right to Stastny, whose bad angle shot found its way through with 13.4 remaining.

Then, in overtime, this happened:

“THERE IT IS!” Yes, there it was, Avs announcer. There is was.

Tyson Barrie makes this play happen, beginning with a keep at the blue line through his barreling through two Wild defenders – Kyle Brodziak and Matt Cooke – to open up Stastny for a point blank shot, reminiscent of Dale Weise’s goal for Montreal in overtime of Game 1 of their series vs. Tampa Bay.

It’s a truly special, truly important moment for Stastny. As the Avalanche rose to the top of the Central, there was always chatter about where he fit in, if he’d be traded and his general future with the Avs. He’s a UFA after this season.

But for one night, he’s the King of Colorado.