The Colorado Avalanche dominated the stat sheet but couldn’t crack the win column Wednesday night, falling 2-1 in a shootout to the Anaheim Ducks at Ball Arena. It was one of those games where the numbers told one story, but the eye test told another.
Let’s start with the shot count: 41-17 in favor of the Avs. On paper, that’s a beatdown.
But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that Colorado’s offensive rhythm wasn’t quite in sync. The Avalanche controlled possession, peppered Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal all night, but too often the puck movement lacked sharpness.
There were missed connections, over-passing, and a shortage of those clean, high-danger chances that usually define Colorado’s attack.
Still, the Avs were in this game because of their defensive structure. Anaheim didn’t generate much - just 16 shots in regulation, and only a few of those were legitimate threats. Without that defensive discipline, this one might not have even made it to overtime.
Artturi Lehkonen was the one who finally broke through. His one-timer with 3:39 left in regulation tied the game and salvaged a point for Colorado.
It was a much-needed moment for both the team and Lehkonen, who’s been trying to find his rhythm after some recent struggles. That’s now back-to-back games with a goal for him, and both tallies have come in clutch moments.
But despite the late-game heroics, the Avalanche couldn’t finish the job. In the shootout, Anaheim converted two of their three chances, while Colorado came up empty.
A Tale of Two Ends
The first period didn’t offer much in the way of fireworks. The Avs outshot Anaheim 9-4, but head coach Jared Bednar wasn’t thrilled with how his defensemen moved the puck.
“I didn’t love the way our back end moved the puck in the first period,” he said postgame. “So I didn’t think our offense was doing a whole bunch.”
Things opened up a bit in the second, but not in the way Colorado hoped. The Ducks struck first after a turnover deep in the Avalanche offensive zone.
Sam Malinski lost the puck near the blue line, and Anaheim quickly transitioned the other way. Cutter Gauthier fed Jeffrey Viel, who used Malinski as a screen and beat Scott Wedgewood clean for his second goal in three games.
That was the only goal through 40 minutes, despite Colorado generating some quality looks. Zakhar Bardakov had a prime chance in tight, jamming away at a rebound in the crease.
Ross Colton had a pair of golden opportunities, including one off a strong forecheck and feed from Gavin Brindley. But Dostal stood tall - and then some.
The Avs had two power plays in the second period but couldn’t get much going. The top unit struggled to establish consistent pressure, and poor puck control led to multiple zone exits by Anaheim. It was a frustrating stretch for a team that usually thrives on the man advantage.
Lehkonen Levels It Late
Colorado threw everything it had at Dostal in the third. It took 15 shots in the period - and 56 minutes of game time - before one finally found twine.
Brock Nelson set up Lehkonen for a clean one-timer that beat Dostal and tied the game 1-1. Just moments earlier, Nathan MacKinnon had a vintage look from the left circle, but Dostal made a spectacular cross-crease save to deny him.
That sequence summed up the night: Colorado generated chances, but Dostal was the difference. MacKinnon’s frustration boiled over as he slammed his stick on the glass - a rare display of emotion from the usually composed star.
Anaheim nearly stole it in regulation. On their 14th shot of the night, a loose puck bounced high over Wedgewood and trickled toward the goal line. Victor Olofsson got back just in time to sweep it away and preserve the tie.
Overtime saw the Avs generate three more shots, including a dangerous look from Nelson, but Dostal once again had the answer. In the shootout, Nelson and Martin Necas were both denied, and Anaheim cashed in twice to seal the win.
Bright Spot: Lehkonen Trending Up
Lehkonen’s goal was more than just a game-tying tally - it was a sign that he’s starting to regain his form. Bednar bumped him down to the second line for this one, hoping to spark something.
It worked. That’s now two games in a row with a goal for Lehkonen, and both have come in big moments.
Monday’s goal helped fend off a late Capitals push, and Wednesday’s forced overtime.
For a player who’s been grinding to get back to his usual level, this is a promising stretch.
Tough Moment: Malinski’s Misstep
Sam Malinski has been thrust into a big role with Devon Toews sidelined, skating on the top pair with Cale Makar. For the most part, he’s handled the assignment well. But with more ice time comes more pressure, and Wednesday’s turnover was costly.
The Avs were buzzing in the offensive zone when Malinski lost the puck at the blue line. Anaheim pounced, and seconds later, the puck was in the back of Colorado’s net.
Viel used Malinski as a screen and beat Wedgewood clean. It was a tough moment in an otherwise solid stretch for the young defenseman.
Bednar eventually swapped Malinski and Samuel Girard, looking to stabilize the top pairing.
Bottom Line
This was a game the Avalanche could’ve - and probably should’ve - won. They outshot, outskated, and outpossessed the Ducks. But a hot goalie and a couple of missed opportunities were enough to flip the script.
Colorado walks away with a point, but they’ll know this one got away. The good news?
The defense was sharp, Lehkonen is heating up, and the effort was there. Now it’s about turning that effort into execution.