In the second game of a back to back on home ice, the Colorado Avalanche, who were riding a winning streak of 5 games, looked tired and un-inspired against a visiting Chicago Blackhawks squad that entered Ball Arena 2-6-1. The game, for all that it was, and wasn’t, essentially was sorted in the first 20 minutes.
After 4 straight wins between the pipes for Justus Annunen, including his most recent that came less than 24-hours earlier against Ottawa, the emerging starter would get the night off. Alexander Georgiev, who struggled at the onset of the season got the nod, which was not a surprise given the schedule. But even after a rest and some time for reflection, a difficult first period, that in no way was the 28-year old solely responsible for, told a similar story to the Avalanche’s 0-4 start. Colorado came out in front of a home crowd noticeably flat and were “no good”, according to Head Coach Jared Bednar.
In a span of 8 minutes the game saw 4 goals scored in what was certainly a roller coaster of emotions for the Avalanche and the 18,000 plus faithful that were in attendance on a Monday night.
Chicago struck first on a power play blast by Philip Kurashev from just inside the blue line. It would elude Georgiev at 8:47 on the Blackhawks fifth shot of the game, a goal that quickly took the bluster out of the home crowd.
The Avalanche have proved their resilience thus far this season and would do so once again. Casey Mittlestadt, extended his point streak to four games with a goal to equalize the game at 10:16 as Logan O’ Connor and Sam Malinski gathered the helpers. The centerman has compiled 2g/6a in that span and is second on the Avalanche in goals with six. Mittlestadt was as open as one could be in the National and found twine for his 6th of the season.
Less than a minute later though, immediately off an offensive zone draw, Lukas Reichel was positioned net front and a shot from Craig Smith found the side mid-section of Reichel and made its way past the Colorado netminder to make it 2-1. The mistake off the draw, was a rarity for the Avalanche who won 57% of the draws this night.
Ryan Donato would make it 3-1 after significant offensive zone sustained pressure by the Hawks. Georgiev made the initial stop and the rebound was collected and pushed pass the visibly frustrated goalie. Donato was able to elude the defense of Cale Makar for the goal and the Avalanche found themselves in a seeping hole as the first was coming to a conclusion.
But the MVP, while on a 5 on 3, turned on the jets and took matters into his own hands, bringing the game to within one at 3-2 on a play where he skated like a man amongst boys. The goal, and the primary assist by Makar, extended both to 10 game point streaks to start the season. Georgiev would also add an assist, the first point by an Avalanche netminder this season. Chicago out shot the Avalanche 12-7 through 20.
The Avalanche would out shoot the Hawks 2-1 in the second 10-5, but much of that period and a substantial amount of the third were ack luster and quite frankly sloppy. Georgiev made some significant saves to keep the game to within a goal all the way through the final minute of the game.
Colorado, down a goal and with the clock the enemy, pulled Georgiev and went with the extra attacker. Chicago, in the throngs of desperation, added two empty netters and became the eventual 5-2 winners.
The loss was a sting after for the better part of two weeks the Avalanche had been trending up. The loss is a set back but the message remains the same, set a bar and stay at it until it can be reset higher. Injuries have been no secret and have come at an uncomfortable rate for the Avalanche. Ross Colton blocked a shot in the first and played a regular shift pattern for most of the second until leaving the bench and not returning. The lower body injury is being assessed, and more will be known in the coming days but he will “miss some time” according to Bednar.
The Avalanche will take the day off Wednesday before returning to action at Ball Arena on Wednesday to face the Tampa Bay Lightning.
