For most of the preseason, the Colorado Avalanche could not hit their stride. The team has looked disjointed and out of sync and a four-game losing streak was not a good look for them with regular season play only one week away.
Finally, with only two games remaining before regulation play, the Avalanche secured their first victory over the Vegas Golden Knights 3–1, who they previously fell to in a 6–1 defeat.
The good
Colorado rapidly picked up the speed of play, especially after their last match. Passes were connecting, communication improved, and Justus Annunen held down the net beautifully.
Jonathan Drouin led off the scoring in the first period, getting help from Nathan MacKinnon and Calum Ritchie.
29 ➡️ 27 https://t.co/hei4zLFsf2 pic.twitter.com/ZF9IjXegQi
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 4, 2024
It is promising to see not only the expected players producing goals but also help from recent additions to the roster.
Sam Malinski also made his presence known on the ice. He spent considerable time with the team in the 2023–2024 season and has consistently fought for his spot in the lineup.
Malinski certainly looks ready for regular season… #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado https://t.co/GnGYlTUaAA
— Savvy Rafkin (@savvyrafkin) October 4, 2024
He scored in the second period to bring Colorado to a two-goal lead. Parker Kelly and Logan O’Connor picked up assists.
In stark contrast to Tuesday’s game, the team significantly cut down on penalties, only accumulating three.
The bad
Even though the play was an improvement from the previous four games, there were still a few rough patches needing work before the stakes were higher.
While penalties had significantly decreased, Vegas’ Jack Eichel capitalized on the power play and brought the score back within one goal.
Power Play Eichel 🤩 pic.twitter.com/wgRKyYPsVx
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) October 4, 2024
Within the first seven seconds of the second period, the Avalanche drew a penalty, only to give up the power play by sending their own player to the box for holding four seconds later. Colorado couldn’t convert on either of their power plays.
Only seven seconds into the second period, the #Avs draw a penalty for slashing.
Four seconds later, Colorado goes to the box for holding.
4-on-4. #GoAvsGo @TheRinkColorado
— Savvy Rafkin (@savvyrafkin) October 4, 2024
The presence of youth on the roster and an unusual lineup may contribute to some of this.
This game was much better in the sense of giveaways, but they only took the puck from the Golden Knights twice.
What’s next?
The team will play the Utah Hockey Club (formerly the Arizona Coyotes) on Saturday, before facing the Golden Knights for their season opener on Oct. 9.