The Colorado Avalanche lost their second game in as many nights, dropping a 3-1 no-show against the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center on Sunday night. The Avalanche fell flat against the Blues after losing 2-1 to the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.
While the Avs got out to a 1-0 lead on Devon Toews’ seventh of the season, they couldn’t hold the lead. The Blues replied with three straight goals in the second period. Goals from St. Louis captain Brayden Schenn, Colton Parayko, and Dylan Holloway sealed the Avalanche’s fate on Sunday night.
The Avalanche made a late push to get back into the game, outshooting the Blues 13-8 in the final frame. However, the effort wasn’t enough to get back into the game. With the back-to-back losses, the Avalanche let four points fly away this weekend.
Now, the Avs’ situation in the standings, while hardly alarming, does raise some concern. The Vancouver Canucks are five points back of the Avalanche for the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference, with the Calgary Flames trying to make a late charge.
If the Avalanche continue to slide, as they are 5-5-0 in their last 10, the wildcard race could get tighter, leading the Avalanche to fight for their playoff spot this season. The Avalanche’s schedule isn’t precisely the easiest, meaning the club will have to play hard in order to ensure they get as many points out of their remaining games.
Looking at the Colorado Avalanche’s next five games
Speaking of the Colorado Avalanche’s schedule, the next five games present some significant challenges. The Avs will have a couple of days off before hitting the ice again on Wednesday night at home against the New Jersey Devils. The Devils are tied for second in the Metro Division and look like a solid playoff team this season.
Then, the Avs face a crucial divisional game against the Minnesota Wild next Friday night, the team they are currently chasing in the Central Division. A win would be important in closing the current four-point gap between both clubs.
The Avs will get next weekend off, as they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks at home. These two games against bottom-dwelling teams are must-win for the Avs. Colorado cannot afford to let these four points slip away.
These four points are essential as the Avalanche will face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, March 8 at home. The Leafs currently lead the Atlantic Division and look like one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. As such, the Avalanche will be in tough against a Toronto team poised to make a solid playoff run.
In short, three of the Avalanche’s next five games will be against tough opponents. This part of the schedule means the Avs need to get their offense going as precious points are quickly slipping away. Considering there won’t be many “easy” games coming up for Colorado, it’s time to turn up the intensity.