Wednesday night’s loss to the Stars was a tough one for the Colorado Avalanche to swallow. It was a game where they could have gotten a point while fending their division rival off. In the end, both teams got a point as the game proceeded to overtime and then ended in a shootout.
Following the game, head coach Jared Bednar said that he had very few issues with his team’s game.
"I watch our team play like that, I have very little issues with the way we played. I’ve said it all along, I’m not going to judge your team on results only. I think that’s a losing battle. I think you play like that, good things will happen."Head coach Jared Bednar
Yup, the tough reality of the NHL (or in any sport), is that sometimes no matter how well you play, the other team just comes out with the win. I really have to give credit to Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger. He played absolutely lights-out. Both goaltenders did, actually. To force the game into a shootout after going through regulation and overtime tied 1-1, it can’t be stressed enough how well both goalies played, but particularly Oettinger.
Scott Wedgewood saw just 18 shots on goal, while Oettinger saw 34. The offensive game of the Avalanche was superior. It just did not result in multiple goals. That’s just the way it goes sometimes in the NHL. Tough gritty battles are something that helps make teams better. The beauty of this sort of game is that it doesn’t happen all the time. We can come out on Friday and see five goals put on the board for the Avalanche.
Heading closer to the postseason, the Avalanche are now just two points ahead of the Stars in the Central division following the loss. Thankfully, Colorado got a point because the game went into overtime, but it would have been much better had they won in regulation, and not allowing Dallas to get one point.
The Avalanche have 15 games remaining in the regular season. That is plenty of time to get back into a groove like they were on in the early parts of the season. If they are successful in doing that, a playoff series against whoever they face could be easier. Maybe it will be the Stars, maybe the Minnesota Wild. Either way, they should be prepared for the long fight.