The Avalanche were hoping lightning could strike twice in overtime, but it was the Lightning that struck for the OT-winner. On Friday night Colorado picked up a win at Carolina in extra time thanks to a blast by Mikko Rantanen; on Sunday it was Tampa Bay’s Jonathan Drouin who played the hero in the 3-2 win.
Rantanen did find the back of the net for Colorado, scoring one of two third-period goals by the Avalanche. Matt Duchene also scored to square things with under a minute remaining in regulation and earn at least a point in the loss.
Calvin Pickard made 37 saves in the loss, including 17 in the first period. Brayden Point scored a goal to give Tampa Bay an early 1-0 lead. Vladislav Namestnikov doubled the advantage halfway through the second period. Colorado was 0-for-4 on the power play.
The OT loss earned Colorado point No. 35 on the season. They remain 12 points behind the next closes team, Arizona. Colorado hosts the Kings on Tuesday; Los Angeles is two points behind Calgary for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.
