Pressure rising in push for playoff berth
The Avalanche’s playoff future hangs in the balance over its final 15 regular-season games, with each result impacting the final Western Conference wild-card slot.
Colorado enters its Saturday game against Arizona at the Pepsi Center with 78 points, one behind the Los Angeles Kings for the final playoff slot. No need to remind Colorado players, who like most fans are checking the standings after each game as the team tries to get into the postseason for the first time since 2014.
“Everybody looks,” said left winger Matt Nieto. “We’re aware of the position that we’re in.”
With time running out before the Avs’ home finale April 7, a sense of urgency has developed from opportunities lost.
Colorado finished regulation play tied in three consecutive games this week only to lose in the extra period each time — giving the Avalanche one point instead of two each night. Add it up, and Colorado has left three points on the ice in as many games.
“These points are crucial for us,” said rookie center Tyson
Jost. “We’ve got to bear down if we ever get in an overtime situation again.”
The silver lining, though, is that Colorado (35-24-8) at least secured a point in each game during comeback efforts.
The Avs trailed Nashville 2-1 entering the third period, Chicago led 1-0 late in the first and Columbus had a two-goal advantage to start the third. Colorado battled its way back in each game.
“Part of it is we need a little bit more urgency in our defending,” said coach Jared Bednar. “I think we’ve made a couple poor reads. There is a lot of open ice if you make a mistake, and other teams are going to capitalize on it.”
Help is on the way with the return Saturday of goaltender Jonathan Bernier, who missed 10 games because of a head injury.
The Avs also anticipate the eventual return of injured defensemen Erik Johnson (shoulder) and Mark Barberio (upper body), though Bednar would not provide a timeline for their return.
Amplifying the pressure to win, four of Colorado’s next five opponents are Central Division teams. Soon, it will be win or stay home this playoff season.
“We’ve been down in a few of the games and have found ways to battle back and get a point, which is huge,” Nieto said. “Now, going forward, we’ve just got to find a way to find two points.”
Bednar added: “I don’t doubt our team’s want, commitment and their drive. It’s there.”