The Colorado Avalanche appeared to have a healthier roster on Thursday night compared to their game on Tuesday. The Avalanche would roll Cale Makar and Andrew Cogliano back in against the Winnipeg Jets. Bowen Byram would also play after not finishing the game against the Anaheim Ducks. The Jets had a solid 7–3 record in their last 10 games as they arrived in Denver. In that same time frame, the Avalanche were 6–2–2. The injuries have helped very little, especially if they are coming back early. Let’s evaluate what went awry in the 4–2 loss to the Jets.
Takeaways
— As touched on above, I think players are playing hurt already. Makar was not doing his transitions from forwards to backwards at a normal speed. In addition, he abandoned a couple of plays. Mikko Rantanen has not scored a goal in eight games now, and has has failed to post a point in the last two games, a rarity for him.
—The neutral zone was impenetrable for the Avalanche. Winnipeg did an excellent job of shutting down the neutral zone, especially in the second period. The Jets’ defense effectively hindered Colorado’s offensive efforts in their zone.
Last shot of the first period 🚨
First shot of the second period 🚨 pic.twitter.com/34VgBAwGu2
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) December 8, 2023
— Colorado did not convert on any of their four power play chances in the game. In the third period, they enjoyed a 5-on-3 advantage for 47 seconds. The Avalanche only managed two shots on goal during that power play.
— Nathan MacKinnon is shouldering a lot of the offensive workload. Similar to beer league ringers, MacKinnon single-handedly carries the puck into the zone and sets up the play. He can only maintain an average of 22:28 per night for a limited time into the season. It is time for the other players in the top six to step up.
Nathan MacKinnon makes it look soooo easy. 🫢 pic.twitter.com/mGGwX5QCcM
— NHL (@NHL) December 8, 2023
Conclusion
The Avalanche are experiencing a rough patch. They are trying to find themselves as the injuries roll in. Compared to last season, most of the bottom six were regulars for the Colorado Eagles. Valeri Nichushkin should be back soon from his illness and that will provide an enormous body down low on the power play. Regardless, the Avalanche must quickly adapt to playing without key players in the lineup. Their next game will be on Saturday against the Eastern Conference’s Philadelphia Flyers, who have now won three in a row.