Avalanche finally get a real test in first loss of season

The Colorado Avalanche ran into a bit of a brick wall on Wednesday night in their first real test of the season against Winnipeg Jets.

When everything was said and done, the Avs dropped a tight 3-2 decision at the Canada Life Centre. Kyle Connor was Colorado’s executioner, as he tallied two goals on the night. Meanwhile, Fedor Svechkov and Jaden Schwartz got their first goals in an Avalanche uniform.

Despite the evidently disappointing result, there were some positives to keep in mind.

Depth scoring showed up when needed

The Avalanche got some much-needed depth scoring. It was the third line that did the heavy lifting offensively, scoring two goals. Schwartz gave Colorado the lead early in the second period.

The Jets scored twice to take a 2-1 lead into the second intermission, allowing Svechkov to tally his first as an Avalanche.

In the end, Svechkov and Schwartz ended up with two points apiece.

It’s worth pointing out that TJ Hughes looked good out there. He seemed much more comfortable, especially on the power play. He is yet to notch his first NHL point, but you have to think that it’s just a matter of time.

Power play looked good despite getting just one chance

One of the major reasons why the Jets managed to halt the Avalanche offense was that they stayed out of the penalty box. Winnipeg took just one penalty in the entire game.

Despite not scoring on their only chance, the Avalanche managed five shots on their lone chance. They came close to scoring, but just couldn’t get past Stuart Skinner.

Yes, the Jets deserve credit for playing a tight defensive game, particularly after losing Josh Morrissey for most of the game.

The Avalanche power play still looks dangerous even though it hasn’t scored since the first game of the season.

MacKenzie Blackwood not to blame for the loss

There may be some temptation to pin the loss on MacKenzie Blackwood. However, he was sharp on the night.

The Jets managed just 19 shots on the Avalanche, which kind of makes Blackwood’s line look a little iffy. 16 saves on 19 shots isn’t exactly Vezina Trophy stuff. But when you look at the goals, well, can you really blame Blackwood?

Perfetti’s goal is a good example. The Jets youngster shoved Brock Nelson, allowing him to redirect the point shot past Blackwood. Had Nelson remained in position, the Avalanche netminder would have made the save.

Connor’s game-winner was a terrible misplay by Sam Malinski. The Avalanche defense let Blackwood take the shooter. However, Malinski did not take the passing lane away. Blackwood did a good job of getting across, but the pass and the shot were too good.

It’s worth pointing out that the entire sequence started with a lost puck battle in the offensive zone by Nazem Kadri. The lost puck battle led to the 3-on-2 that ended up in the back of the net.

And so, a couple of misplays cost the Avalanche two points on Wednesday night.

Now, there’s nothing more to do but look forward to Thursday night against the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome.

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