Sour Start To Colorado Avalanche’s 6 Game Road Trip

By Jordan Long

The Colorado Avalanche are back in action after the All-Star Break.  They are in the midst of a 6-game road trip.  Colorado was anticipating playing well since they won 4 out of their last 5 games heading into the All-Star Break.  They played the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils.  Unfortunately, Colorado dropped a tough game to the New York Rangers in overtime 2-1.  Last night, Colorado lost 5-3.

            The Colorado Avalanche had a hot start against the Rangers, scoring the game’s first goal with 1:48 left in the first period.  Colorado gave up a goal with 8:43 left in regulation.  The Rangers would put an end to the game in overtime when Alexis Lafreniere scored 1 minute and 53 seconds into the extra frame.

            The Avalanche then had to play the New Jersey Devils on a back-to-back situation. Colorado again had a hot start when Mikko Rantanen scored 1 minute and 23 seconds into the game.  42 seconds later the Devils tied the game at 1.  The Devils scored 2 in the second to take a 3-1 lead.  Colorado wouldn’t give up, scoring two goals in 29 seconds in the third which evened the game at 3. The  Devils would go on to score the next two goals to win the game 5-3.

            The Avalanche have been outscored on this road trip 4 to 7 so far.  The power play hasn’t done anything.  Colorado has chances to score but they have been turned away as they are 0 for 6 on the man advantage.  The Avalanche are doing well creating offensive opportunities but can’t find the back of the net.  The Avalanche have outshot the Rangers and the Devils by a combined 71 to 60.  It doesn’t seem to matter. The Devils and the Rangers were able to win both games.

  Colorado is generating offense but needs to do better on the power play.  They should produce more shots and screen the goaltender. That way the goaltender can’t see the puck as easily.  When they have a lead protect it. Colorado can’t allow teams to dictate the play in the defensive zone.  If they do, teams will spend time with the puck and those will end in goals. At least there is time to improve on this road trip.  If they win 3 or 4 games that are left on this road trip, it would be successful.  Colorado will be back on home ice on February 18^th when they face Arizona.