The early season flash from the Colorado Avalanche has dissipated but the Avs continue to surprise at times and Monday night was one of those times.
Jonathan Bernier made 39 saves for Colorado to get a 2-1 win over the Penguins in 
Pittsburgh.
Bernier was busy in the third period making 15 stops.
“Felt pretty good,” Bernier said. “Had some really good practices as of late. I think when you do that, it allows you to go into a game and not really think and just play.”
In that busy final frame, the Avs’ Mark Barberio scored to break a scoreless tie at 6:17.
“Great effort from all of our guys,” Avs head coach Jared Bednar said. “They’re the champs and we’re not there yet, but I think it’s a big test for us. It’s a test. You want to try and step up and play your best. … You know you have to show up when you’re playing Pittsburgh. Otherwise, you’re going to get embarrassed.”
Colorado held the Pens off until Blake Comeau struck for empty-netter.
“This was a big game. All around, I think we committed to good defensive hockey and we earned that one,” Barberio said.
The Pens spent plenty of time in the attack zone but could not find the finishing touch to beat Bernier.
“We’re disappointed we didn’t get the result, but there were a lot of things I liked about the game,” Pens head coach Mike Sullivan said. “We established a lot of offensive zone time. The power play wasn’t quite as sharp as it’s been, but that’s going to happen over the course of 80-plus games.
“We’ve got to find ways to find success 5-on-5. We just couldn’t find the back of the net tonight.”
Phil Kessel scored with 12 seconds left in the game to spoil the shutout bid by Bernier.
“It’s hard enough to get one, and when you’re so close, obviously it’s tough,” Bernier said. “At the same time, we got the big two points for us. That’s what matters.”
[WATCH: All Avalanche vs. Penguins highlights]
Tristan Jarry took the loss on 26 saves.
“I think it was one of the games where I wanted to bounce back and I wanted to play better than the night before. I think that’s been my mindset since I started the season here,” Jarry said after the loss.
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