The Colorado Avalanche are losing a faster clip than they’ve ever experienced since moving to Denver in 1995. They’re also losing by bigger margins than most fans can remember. Both those numbers climbed again on Saturday with a 6-1 loss at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets.
Colorado, who ranks dead last in the NHL in both goals scored and goals against, couldn’t stop the onslaught from Winnipeg. Blake Wheeler and Nikolaj Ehlers each had a goal and two assists, and Patrik Lainescored his NHL rookie-leading 32nd in the victory. Avalanche goaltender Calvin Pickard allowed five goals on 20 shots before Jeremy Smith relieved him of his duties for the night.
The Avalanche were just as bad on the offensive end, only scoring in the game’s final 15 seconds. Colorado mustered just three shots on goal in the first period. Their 17 wins on the season are last in the NHL by a wide margin, trailing Arizona who is next closest with 23. Their 1.95 goals per game are 0.3 behind New Jersey, who ranks 29th and their 3.33 goals allowed is 0.1 behind the Coyotes.
Colorado’s .294 points percentage on the season is now flirting with the 1990-01 Nordiques team that finished at .288. Colorado has all but locked up its worst season since moving to Denver and could end the season with the second-worst points percentage in franchise history. Only the 1989-90 Nordiques (.194) were worse.
Colorado will have to try and put the blowout loss behind them quickly. They return to Pepsi Center on Sunday for an evening matchup with the Blues. St. Louis is one point outside of a Wild Card spot heading into Sunday’s action.
