The Colorado Avalanche had a tough run in preseason. After only taking home one win out of a six-game trial run, there were undoubtedly huge expectations for the roster for their first regular season contest against the Vegas Golden Knights.
There were lots of variables for the team. Calum Ritchie and Colorado Eagle starter Ivan Ivan both took to the ice in an Avalanche jersey for the first time. Several fresh additions to the roster were adjusting to the Colorado style of play.
On top of this, the Golden Knights are a tough opponent and allow little room for error.
First period
Dynamic duo Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen opened scoring halfway through the first period.
MacKinnon ➡️ Rantanen 🚨#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/cPkBg5ciwu
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 10, 2024
The promising start was a relief after a very bumpy preseason road.
However, the early jump wouldn’t last for long. The hungry Vegas team came to play and exploited every mistake the Colorado squad made.
They answered Rantanen’s goal about 30 seconds after he scored, tying the game at one. For good measure, they then scored back-to-back to leave a two-goal lead to end the first frame.
A look at the tying goal… #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado https://t.co/9Y1PvBSzQm
— Savvy Rafkin (@savvyrafkin) October 10, 2024
The second of Vegas’ 3 goals for the period. https://t.co/kx5aFdxfTD
— Savvy Rafkin (@savvyrafkin) October 10, 2024
The third goal… 25 seconds after their previous. #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado https://t.co/jADLCTmMbo
— Savvy Rafkin (@savvyrafkin) October 10, 2024
There were no penalties in the first 20 minutes, which was becoming a startling trend ahead of the season. Concerningly, it means the goals scored by the opposition were a product of defensive breakdowns and a struggling goaltender.
Second period
Colorado caught a break about five minutes into the second frame. MacKinnon drew a penalty for tripping, and he then contributed an assist to Rantanen’s goal to bring the team back within two. Cale Makar picked up an assist.
Power play magic#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/pnRhDXPBvY
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 10, 2024
Again, the break didn’t last, and the Golden Knights lit the lamp once again.
With the help of Samuel Girard and Josh Manson, Casey Mittelstadt netted a goal toward the end of the period, once again sparking hope of a close game.
Mittsy nets the rebound!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/IjaIoAkhNX
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 10, 2024
At the 18-minute mark, Miles Wood took a seat in the box for boarding, leaving his team at the disadvantage. Again, the home team took the gift and converted, increasing the margin and ending the period ahead 5–3.
Third period
Colorado put Justus Annunen in the net to relieve Alexandar Georgiev in the final 20 minutes. Georgiev’s spotty performance has been a source of disagreement through his tenure in the burgundy and blue. He is a strong goalie, but often struggles to come up big when his team needs it.
The Golden Knights had a waived goal and headed to the box for high sticking, putting the Avalanche to the advantage.
One second after the power play ended, Rantanen scored his third goal of the night and recorded a hat trick on opening night, joining Joe Sakic and Peter Forsberg in Colorado history.
Mikko Rantanen appreciation post. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/uY5HM6mke5
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 10, 2024
Again, the positivity did not last long. Devon Toews received a double minor penalty and forced his team to play shorthanded for four minutes.
Two seconds into the power play, Vegas netted their sixth goal of the night with another two minutes to go.
They drove the final nail in the coffin on an empty net, finalizing the 8–4 result.
Takeaways
The loss results from compounding many avoidable mistakes.
Between broken down defense, unnecessary penalties, and struggling netminders, it’s a miracle that the score wasn’t worse.
While it is easy to place the blame on goaltenders, the defensive struggle of this game was a nearly absent presence in front of the net. Even the best netminders need help in preventing goals from the opposition.
Relying on the offense to carry the team is not a sustainable strategy, nor is it a common occurrence for the Avalanche.
The team will suit up for their home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, Oct. 12.