Notes from another disappointing Colorado Avalanche performance

The Colorado Avalanche dropped a highly discouraging decision 6-4 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night at Ball Arena. No disrespect to the Blue Jackets, but this game was one the Avalanche should have easily won. Instead, the Avs found themselves needing to claw back into the game.

After the Avs were down 3-1 heading into the second intermission, the club came out grinding and tied the game early in the third period. But less than a minute after tying the game, the Blue Jackets reclaimed the lead and then pulled away for good.

So, with that in mind, here’s a look at notes from Saturday night’s discouraging loss by the Colorado Avalanche.

Notes from Saturday night’s Colorado Avalanche loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets

The goaltending was dreadful

All right, let’s address the elephant in the room. The Avs goaltending situation has gone from concerning to imminent nuclear threat time. Alexandar Georgiev was pulled for the second straight game. This time, Georgiev gave up three goals on nine shots. He played a little over 21 minutes, getting pulled after Adam Fantilli made it 3-1 on what was a very weak goal.

Now, let’s focus on that Fantilli goal for a second. That was a goal that any NHL-caliber netminder should have stopped. Of course, Fantilli deserves credit for making a nifty shot. But given the angle and the circumstances, that should not have come close to a goal.

The play started with Columbus netminder Daniil Tarasov playing the puck behind the net. Then, Kevin Labanc got the puck in the Jackets’ zone and zipped a cross-ice pass to Fantilli.

So, here’s where things get tricky. Avs’ defender Calvin de Haan did the right thing. He got down on one knee to block the shot. Doing so took the passing lane away from Fantilli. That left Fantilli, the shooter, to Georgiev. Fantilli shot from an awkward angle and the shot squeaked through the five-hole.

Honestly, the Avs defense can’t be blamed for the goal. De Haan played the situation right. Sam Malinski had his man tied up as they were both heading to the net. Parker Kelly, the forward on the play, followed the trailer on the play, potentially taking the pass away from Fantilli.

Everyone on the ice played the situation well. The goal was solely on Georgiev. That goal prompted Jared Bednar to pull the plug. However, Justus Annunen wasn’t lights-out in relief. He gave up two goals on 13 shots. While not awful, it wasn’t what the Avs needed to win the game.

I’m afraid this discussion is far from over.

Credit for the comeback

The Avs deserve credit for coming back even after Georgiev’s debacle. Colorado clawed their way back into the game. Miles Wood and Casey Mittelstadt were on the money, showing what the Avs’ offense is capable of doing.

However, the back-breaker was the Kirill Marchenko goal that came about a minute after Mittelstadt tied it. Still, kudos to the Avs’ offense for their resilience.

The power play was solid

Nathan MacKinnon and Mittelstadt added markers with the man advantage. Overall, the Avs’ power play went 2-for-4. That bodes well, especially as it seems the Avs will need to score a bunch of goals to win games.

On a bright note, Ivan Ivan got his first point of the season. He assisted on MacKinnon’s power play goal. It’s great to see Ivan playing well thus far.