The Colorado Avalanche ended their East Coast swing on a downer. The Avs lost their fourth regulation game this season. The hard-fought battle against the Tampa Bay Lightning was a bit of a revenge game for the Bolts. Colorado took the teams’ first meeting 3-2 back in early November at Ball Arena.
The game ended with plenty of extracurricular activity. Perhaps the Lightning still have a chip on their shoulder from the 2022 Stanley Cup Final. Regardless, it was good to see the Avalanche pushing back.
On another note, the Avalanche played without captain Gabriel Landeskog and defenseman Devon Toews. Both are recovering, following tough injuries. Fortunately, neither is expected to be out for any significant period.
So, let’s dive into this edition of the Avalanche news.
Florida Lesson for Avalanche
Interestingly, the back-to-back losses came against the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Those two clubs are known for sharing a key trait: They play relentless forechecking games. The Panthers and Lightning constantly attack, looking to create turnovers and pressure opposing teams to rush plays, make mistakes, and disrupt puck possession.
That’s precisely what the Avalanche faced in South Florida. The Avs went from their usual high-flying, possession-driven game to dumping the puck and trying to win battles along the boards. It’s not that the Avs can’t play that way. It’s just that’s not the team’s style. The Avalanche thrive on entering the zone with speed and using their skill to outgun opponents.
The game in Tampa was close. It took a great play and an even better shot to beat the Avs on Tuesday night. Still, the lesson is there. The Avs will need to adjust to those grinding games if they are to survive in the postseason.
Back-to-back losses
Tuesday night’s win also marked the first time the Avalanche have lost more than one regulation game in a row this season. While the Avs technically lost four in a row in late October, three of those losses came in overtime or via the shootout. That four-game spell featured just one regulation loss.
The two consecutive losses mark the first time the Avalanche have faced a significant downturn. While there’s hardly anything to worry about, it’s important for the club to reset. The good news is that the Avs will kick off a seven-game homestand on Thursday night against the Ottawa Senators.
That’s the perfect opportunity to turn the page and reset the clock.
Wedgewood might need a break
One of the concerns emerging for the Avalanche is overworking Scott Wedgewood. He’s been playing ironman hockey ever since MacKenzie Blackwood hit the shelf back in December. At some point, Trent Miner will need to take over just to give Wedgewood a breather.
Perhaps the games against Ottawa and the Columbus Blue Jackets could offer a chance for Miner to get a spot start.
Sure, coach Jared Bednar likes to roll with the hot hand. But at some point, overplaying Wedgewood will become a serious consideration. There’s no indication that’s the case at this point. So, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
The Avalanche will get Wednesday off before facing off against the Senators on Thursday night at Ball Arena.