Colorado Avalanche drop preseason opener against the Dallas Stars

The Colorado Avalanche dropped their preseason opener against the Dallas Stars 3-2 at Ball Arena on Monday night.

The contest did not feature both teams’ top players. Instead, it was a showdown of mainly non-roster players and prospects vying for a spot on the roster. In particular, one prospect that hit the ice was the Avalanche’s first-round pick from 2023, Calum Ritchie.

Justus Annunen got the start, with Trent Miner as his backup. So, let’s get into the details of the long-awaited return of the Colorado Avalanche to the ice.

A closer look at the Colorado Avalanche preseason opener loss to the Dallas Stars

The goal scorers

Matthew Phillips put the Avs on the board, tying the game at one late in the first period. Then, Cal Ritchie scored his first preseason goal on the period, giving the Avs a 2-1 lead heading into the dressing room after 40 minutes.

Ritchie’s goal was a nifty wrist shot from in close. The goal could be an indication of what Avalanche fans can expect from this high-level prospect. With this start, Ritchie could be inserting his name into a roster spot. But it’s still too early to tell.

The goaltending

Justus Annunen stopped 14 of 15 shots in a little over 30 minutes of play.  Trent Miner entered the game in relief of Annunen midway through the second period, making 16 saves. However, Miner gave up two goals in the third period, costing the Avalanche the game.

Despite the disappointing loss, the goaltending looked solid overall. While it’s difficult to envision Miner leapfrogging Annunen on the depth chart, he could be making a case for himself to be among the first call-ups in case of injury this season.

Miner’s showing in camp thus far could catapult him to the starting job with the Colorado Eagles at the AHL level. It remains to be seen if Kevin Mandolese can outperform Miner throughout the rest of camp.

Other notes

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare got into the game as well as prospects Jean-Luc Foudy, Sean Behrens, and Jason Polin. Bellemare and Polin are both in the mix for fourth-line roles. So, their game tonight, while encouraging, is not quite up to what the Avs may be looking for. Of course, it was only the first game and it’s still relatively early in camp.

Meanwhile, Behrens looked fine out there. He should be headed to the AHL where he can earn regular playing time. Nevertheless, depth defensemen like Calle Rosen did not overly impress.

Other blueliners in the mix for roster spots, Oliver Kylington and Jacob MacDonald could take a backseat if Berhens truly emerges as a solid NHL defenseman. Still, Berhens’ likeliest destination is the AHL where he can continue building on his impressive skillset.