The Colorado Avalanche lost their second game in a row. In the game against the New Jersey Devils tonight, they had only temporary control. The Devils corralled Nathan MacKinnon for most of the game. He tried playing his game. It did not work. A scoreless game for him is unusual. Concrete skates seemed to play for a big part of the game. Whilst two quick goals helped tie the score, it wasn’t enough.
MacKinnon is absolutely furious, kicking things on the bench as he leaves.
Don’t blame him honestly. That’s a rough loss #GoAvsGo https://t.co/ZEIdC5pa2h
— x – Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) February 7, 2024
Takeaways
— Throughout a lot of tonight’s game the Avalanche’s skates seemed full of concrete. Not only the defensive core, but most of the players struggled to keep their feet moving. Did the long break contribute to it, or the fact they played last night? Only the players will know. Whatever the reason, it created problems, giving the Devils more opportunities than they needed.
Devils doing a great job contesting absolutely everything and the Avs are struggling to get good looks because of it.
A glacial pace power play isn't ideal either #GoAvsGo
— x – Locked on Avalanche 🏔️🎙️ (@LOPN_Avalanche) February 7, 2024
— Winning faceoffs was an enormous problem for the Avalanche. When you only win 35 percent of the face offs, you cannot hope to win a game. Face off wins create puck possession. Not winning the puck draw gives your opposition an advantage. An advantage the Avalanche did not need to give the Devils tonight.
Cale Makar picks up the loose puck and sneaks it past Vanecek, trimming Colorado's deficit down to 1!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/0NrGVbllZ8
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 7, 2024
— There were stand out players. Samuel Girard, Josh Manson, Artturi Lehkonen. The second line of Logan O’Connor, Ross Colton and Miles Wood again made their presence felt. Zach Parise did his part in only his second game with the Avalanche.
Lehky's hit 🤌 Cale's goal 🤌#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/BI9PycwpFN
— x – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 7, 2024
Well how do you doooo! Sammy G with a bombbbb 🙌
— Katie Gaus (@katie_gaus) February 7, 2024
— Whilst Justus Annunen was tighter in net than in his previous NHL start, it is clear to say the Avalanche have a back up goaltender problem. Annunen let in five of 31 shots. We cannot blame a lack of defensive support for all of them.
Sam Girard winds up and hammers one home for Colorado's second goal in 28 seconds, 3-3 game!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/jyU35kuhEJ
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 7, 2024
Conclusion
The Avalanche’s playoff hopes hinge on certain players improving their game. The defensive game is still lacking. Other players must step up for the Avalanche when the top line is shut down. Depending on only Alexandar Georgiev, in net is unfeasible. The back up goaltender situation needs to be addressed. With a day off to regroup the Avalanche next face the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday That won’t be an easy match.