10. Jamie McGinn’s last second goal in Buffalo. It’s not the prettiest goal, but it was amazing. I remember I was sitting on my coffee table (I kept changing places in my living room until the Avs scored their first, and then I stayed there for the rest of the night). As the clock was counting down I put my fingers over my eyes, a la horror-movie-watching style. When Ginner put the puck in the net, I nearly hit the ceiling, I was screaming like a murderer with a chainsaw was standing in front of me, and then I tackled my dog. So with that entertaining image in your mind, go ahead and watch. It still gives me chills.

9. Ryan O’Reilly’s OT winner on Military Appreciation Night. Poor O’Reilly had three golden opportunities during the third period, but failed to put the puck away. His usually composed demeanor left, as he slammed his stick, the bench door, and the boards at the end of two different shifts. (After scoring in OT, his first comment in an interview was “It was about time I put one in there!”) His angry celebration is one of my favorites, and David Jones sobbing-out-of-happiness face is priceless.

8. Matt Duchene’s third of the night in Dallas. Matt Duchene’s first hat trick was always going to be memorable for Avalanche fans, but he made sure that his third goal came as stylishly as possible. He dekes through four different Stars players, and with a quick flick of his wrist, gets the puck past Lehtonen.

7. First Goal of the Season- courtesy of Milan Hejduk. This is the type of goal that showcases Hejduk’s goal-scoring touch. It appears as if there is no where to shoot, and somehow the puck makes it in.

6. David Jones’ goal in Pittsburgh. I think this goal just shows exactly what Jones brings to the table. When he’s strong on the puck, coming down the right side of the ice, there’s  a very good chance the puck is going in the net. Plus, he splits two defensemen-two talented and experienced defensemen.

5. Jay McClement scores shorthanded against the Devils. Kyle Quincey made a wonderful pass, and McClement’s one-timer completes the play. Life is good when your team can score short-handed, and even better when the goal is as pretty as this one.

4. Gabriel Landeskog, boy wonder. I wanted to show Landeskog’s goal against the Philadelphia Flyers-I was there for that game, and he made a really nifty move to completely fool Bryzgalov. Alas, no one has put a video of it on youtube (that I could find). So, here is his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks. Two weeks into his first season in the NHL, and Landeskog is not only on the ice in the final two minutes of a gam (with the team down by one), but he pulls this move. And then he has an awesome tackle during his celebration.

3. Paul Stastny in Montreal. Stastny poke-checks PK Subban, and then cruises in on Carey Price. It was a simple little move, but I think it showcased Stastny’s strength: he’s not a flashy player, but he can get it done with soft hands nonetheless.

2. Stefan Elliott goes coast to coast, like Bobby Orr reincarnated. I wouldn’t mind seeing that for the next 15-20 years. (Also, when I told my Dad that he looked like Bobby Orr, he laughed skeptically. I WAS NOT EXAGGERATING.)

1. Matt Duchene’s bid for goal of the year- in Pittsburgh. Paul Stastny’s aggressive forecheck and subsequent pass set up Duchene’s crazy move. It’s in the running for goal of the year, so let’s hope Duchene and his goal are announced as the winner during the NHL Awards.

Any goals you think should have made my top 10 that didn’t? Let me know!