Going into the 4 Nations Face-Off, there was talk about how the break would be good for the Colorado Avalanche. Instead, they have a litany of questions aside from what to do at the trade deadline. Coming off a loss to the Nashville Predators, the team needed a bounce back against the St. Louis Blues.
Instead, the Avalanche looked flatter than ever. With no jump and no urgency to their game, they ended their road trip with a 3-1 loss to the Blues. Let’s get into the takeaways from the latest Avalanche loss.
Offense Still on Break
Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar commented on their experience in leading Canada to a win at the 4 Nations Face-Off. While that was all fine and well, it seems like the team is still on break because the offense has been completely dormant in the two games since the tournament ended.
Once again, the Avalanche produced their share of shots but only managed one goal. Juuse Saros was hot for the Predators, but Jordan Binnington didn’t have to be exceptional for the Blues to walk away with the victory. It’s just been the epitome of Avalanche hockey lately.
There is too much talent on this team to be this bad offensively. The rest of the lineup needs to figure things out because MacKinnon, Makar, and Martin Necas can’t be the only ones to score on a regular basis. Something has to change and there needs to be a shift from leadership, first and foremost.
Net Front Defense Once Again a Failure
The Avalanche have been largely good defensively, especially since Mackenzie Blackwood showed up. Having said that, the team’s net-front defense let them down against the Predators, and it was enough for the Preds to win, even with two shots in the third period.
We’re going to hear a lot about trade deadline targets, but there is not a single player out there that will fix the current problems the Avalanche are having. Against the Blues, all three goals came because the Blues gathered rebounds or were allowed to operate in front of the net.
Related: Colorado Avalanche’s Key Targets at the 2025 Trade Deadline
Let’s try not to be too harsh about it because it is a recent stretch of issues, but it is something that needs to be addressed. Unless the offense can outscore those mistakes, this is going to be the difference between advancing and going home in the playoffs.
Uninspired Hockey
Defensive lapses and offensive struggles aside, there is one thing that readily jumps out when watching the Avalanche. The complete lack of jump and urgency is the most apparent thing, and it was hoped that the 4 Nations Face-Off would give everyone some much-needed rest.
Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that the Avalanche are going through the motions. They are playing the most uninspired hockey of the season so far, and it is costing them points in the standings. The margin for error is too slim to be doing this regularly.
We’re about six weeks away from the playoffs and the Avalanche look like they are primed for a first round loss. Given how they are playing, a matchup against the Winnipeg Jets or Vegas Golden Knights is almost certainly going to see the Avalanche sent home.
Next 6 Games Crucial
The Avalanche have a somewhat reasonable stretch coming up with their next six at home. They host the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks. They need to win at least three of these games but should realistically be shooting for five.
The Avalanche are four points back of the Wild for third in the Central Division and seven back of the Dallas Stars for second. They also have played two more games than either, making the margin even thinner. It’s time to snap out of this funk and fast.
