Avalanche falls against Wild
Colorado suffers first back-to-back losses of season
DENVER — The Avalanche power-play unit scrambled late in the second period Wednesday when a turnover in their defensive zone gifted the Minnesota Wild a shorthanded goal.
The Colorado miscue personified a 6-2 loss at Ball Arena.
The Avs’ shots-on-goal advantage (31-25) didn’t pay dividends as star ting goalie Philipp Grubauer’s brilliance streak in net also hit a minor setback. Colorado (9-6-1), suf fering back-to-back losses for the first time this season, will aim to rebound in games Friday and Saturday at the Arizona Coyotes.
On Wednesday night, the Wild (10-6-0) took an early lead midway through the first period by capitalizing on an Avalanche turnover. For ward Nazem Kadri sent an errant pass that led to a Wild odd-man rush. Avs goalie Philipp Grubauer stopped the first shot attempt, but Wild forward Mats Zuccarello collected the rebound, and snuck the puck over Grubauer’s right shoulder pad into the net.
The Avs trailed 1-0 and were outshot 11-9 to close the first period.
Colorado had ample oppor tunity to strike back early in the second with a two power-play chances within the opening 5 minutes. The Avs failed to capitalize on either oppor tunity — a continuation of the team’s PP issues in the Vegas series (0-for-9 over four games). But moments later, with both teams at full-strength, for ward J.T. Compher scored the equalizer from the high slot, assisted on a drop-off from defenseman Sam Girard.
The one-goal tie didn’t last for long.
Minnesota scored twice within about three minutes, courtesy of forwards Zach Parise and Marcus Foligno, with the second goal being short-handed. The Wild took a 3-1 lead into the third period.
Colorado finally broke its power-play drought with 17 minutes to go when a Kadri wrister, assisted by Mikko Rantanen, found the back of the net. But it proved too little, and too late.
The Wild added three insurance goals, including one open-net, late in the third period to seal the victor y.
Avs for ward Brandon Saad was unavailable to play Wednesday night as he anticipated his wife giving bir th, Bednar told reporters before the game. For ward Logan O’connor entered the lineup in Saad’s absence.