The Avalanche lost 3-1 to the on Wednesday at the . The game story is here.
THREE STARS
- Alex Goligoski. Coyotes defenseman had the game-winning goal and was plus-2.
- Antti Raanta. The best friends for Arizona’s goalie were his right post and crossbar in the third period.
- Clayton Keller. The 19-year-old had the game-winning assist and produced four shots for the ‘Yotes.
WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
In the holiday spirit, the NHL appointed Colorado-based referees Brad Watson and Dave Jackson to work the game. Watson, 56, is was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and is the NHL’s oldest active referee. Jackson, 53, is from Montreal and recently worked his 1,500th game, most among active refs.
NEXT UP
Toronto, Friday at the Pepsi Center, 7 p.m.
FIVE TAKEAWAYS
Sloooowww starts at home. The Avalanche is 2-4 at home this month and slow starts have been the problem in each of the losses. The Avs registered just 13 shots through two periods Wednesday, including just five in the second frame. It’s a problem.
Second thoughts. Avs rookie forward , 19, played a team-low 7:47 and made the turnover that led to Arizona’s game-winning goal. He continued to play in the third period but this fine young man would be better served playing for Canada — likely as captain — at the World Junior Championship in Buffalo … Or as sophomore stud at the University of North Dakota. Jost isn’t ready for the NHL. Early injuries may have stalled his progress but it’s simply not working with this teenager with an extremely high ceiling. Let’s hope it turns around but as of now the Avs made two mistakes with this kid — taking him out of college and then not loaning him to Hockey Canada for a couple weeks.
Killing them. The Avalanche was perfect on the penalty kill for the ninth consecutive game, going 27-of-27 during that stretch. Overall, the Avs have killed off their last 28 disadvantages. “PK was great — again,” coach said. “If the rest of our game had the urgency our PK does we’d be a lot more successful.” Colorado’s PK is now 111-for-133 on the season (83.5 percent) and 54-for-58 (93.1 percent) at home — the best home home penalty kill in the league. The Avs haven’t given up a power-play goal at home since Dec. 1 against New Jersey.
Frustrated. Colorado’s best player, , wears an “A” on his chest and has typically been great about sharing his thoughts with the media. Lately, however, he’s run for cover. He declined an interview after Saturday’s 6-2 win at Arizona and darted for the private changing room after Wednesday’s morning skate and the ensuing game. I believe he’s frustrated, and simply protecting himself from something he might say. He knows how much this team depends on him, and if he doesn’t produce he obviously takes it personally. We will present that question at an upcoming practice.
The Fine Finn. had a goal to extended his point streak to a career-best seven games (two goals, six assists) — the longest streak by an Avs player this season and longest since ’s seven-game streak in November 2015.
Jared Bednar after lay an egg at home, losing 3-1 to AZ
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers)
