Like the RMS Titanic, the Colorado Avalanche left the dock strong, glimmering with confidence and a two-game win streak, firing on all cylinders. But like the Titantic, (spoiler alert) they hit an iceberg and sank to a cold, dark ending on Saturday, losing 4-2 to the Ottawa Senators.

“They did a real good job, you gotta give them credit” said head coach Jared Bednar of the Senators. “I don’t think we have enough guys tugging on their rope tonight… We had a slow start and we worked our way back into the game and we had opportunities to finish out the first period, we drew some penalties, we got a little more dangerous and we weren’t able to sustain it through the second… Just not hard enough, not quick enough for the bulk of that game.”

The Avalanche came out with intensity in the first period. Off a right place, right time tip by Matt Nieto on a shot from the point by Cody Goloubef, the Avalanche carried a one goal lead after the first period. But what started so strong for the Avalanche, came crashing down as the flood gates opened for Ottawa. The second period, was the iceberg.

Starting goalie Calvin Pickard made a gorgeous, point blank right leg pad save midway through the period that was top play worthy, but fell apart afterwards, allowing three goals in the period. Defensive breakdowns by Colorado and adjustments from Ottawa worked like a charm and Colorado never rebounded.

Ottawa continued the flurry of shots throughout the game, outshooting Colorado 31-16. The Avalanche recorded only six shots on goal for the final two periods.

“They’re always above your checks. They’re jumping every pass. Tight defensively, especially in the neutral zone” said head coach Jared Bednar.

Avalanche notes:

  • The Avalanche play five of their next eight on the road, including two games next week against the Detroit Red Wings.
  • The Avalanche have 15 games remaining in what appears to be the second-worst year in franchise history, since moving to Denver.
  • The Avalanche failed to win their third game in a row, a streak they have not achieved this year.

What’s next:

The Avalanche will travel to Arizona for a Monday night battle against the Coyotes.