The Colorado Avalanche didn’t find the back of the net in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. Colorado put 32 shots on goal, challenging Steve Mason with double-digit attempts in each period, but couldn’t strike pay dirt in a 4-0 loss.
The Flyers, meanwhile, scored early and often on Jeremy Smith, who earned his third start in a row after picking up his first NHL win on Saturday against Buffalo. Wayne Simmonds scored twice in the game’s first 8:07, once shorthanded and once on the power play to propel Philadelphia to an early lead. Jakub Voracek also scored on the man-advantage in the first period to put Colorado in an impossible hole. Jordan Weal scored his first NHL goal 7:16 into the second period and the rout was on.
Three different Avs skaters – Jarome Iginla, Erik Johnson, and Nathan MacKinnon – each put five shots on Mason in the loss. While Philadelphia did much of its damages on the power play, going 2-for-3, Colorado could not capitalize on four attempts of their own.
Colorado continues a three-game road trip with a pair of dates in Canada. They skate in Ottawa on Thursday and in Winnipeg on Saturday, then return to Denver on Sunday for a date with the Blues.
