Avalanche Blanketed, Trotz Steps Away, and NHL Storylines Heat Up
Monday night brought a rare sight in Denver: the Avalanche shut out on home ice. It was the first time all season Colorado failed to light the lamp, and it came at the hands of an old rival. Meanwhile, Barry Trotz stunned the hockey world with his announcement to step away from the front office in Nashville, and momentum continues to shift across the league as the Sabres surge and the Panthers slide.
Let’s break it all down.
Avalanche Stalled Out Early Against Red Wings
It took just 33 seconds for the Red Wings to strike in Ball Arena, and from that point forward, the Avalanche were stuck in chase mode. Detroit’s early tally set the tone, and Colorado never quite found their rhythm offensively.
Despite pushing the pace and generating chances, the Avs couldn’t solve Detroit’s goaltending. A late empty-netter sealed the deal, handing the Red Wings a 3-0 win - their first victory in Denver since 2015.
That 2015 win, by the way, didn’t even come at Ball Arena. It happened outdoors at Coors Field in the Stadium Series, a night that marked the final game in an Avalanche uniform for Alex Tanguay.
Fast forward to now, and Tanguay’s behind the bench as an assistant coach for Detroit. Talk about full circle.
As for Colorado, the loss was a reminder that even the league’s elite can have off nights. But there’s a bigger storyline brewing: all signs are pointing to captain Gabriel Landeskog suiting up for Sweden at the Winter Olympics. Sweden opens their tournament on February 11, and if Landeskog is indeed ready to go, it would mark a major milestone in his return from injury - and a huge boost for the Swedes.
Barry Trotz Steps Down as Predators GM
In one of the more unexpected moves of the season, Barry Trotz announced he’s stepping away from his role as general manager of the Nashville Predators. This isn’t a move to another team or a return to coaching - Trotz is retiring.
The timing caught many off guard, but Trotz will remain in the GM chair through the trade deadline and will assist in the transition as Nashville begins the search for his successor. Trotz has been a foundational figure in the Predators’ organization, and his exit marks the end of a significant chapter in franchise history.
Sabres Stay Hot, Panthers Continue to Slide
In Buffalo, the Sabres are catching fire at the right time. Alex Lyon played the hero’s role, backstopping the team to another key win. The Sabres are suddenly a team to watch in the Eastern Conference playoff race, showing poise, structure, and timely scoring.
On the flip side, things are unraveling in Florida. With both the Maple Leafs and Senators picking up wins, the Panthers have now dropped to the bottom of the Atlantic Division standings. Just a season removed from being one of the league’s most dangerous teams, Florida’s playoff hopes are fading fast.
Flyers Captain Demoted Again
It’s been a bumpy ride in Philadelphia, and the latest shake-up sees the Flyers’ captain back on the fourth line. It’s not the first time he’s been moved down the lineup, but it’s certainly a signal that the coaching staff is looking for a spark - or perhaps sending a message. With the season slipping away, the Flyers are clearly in evaluation mode.
From surprise retirements to playoff races heating up, the NHL is delivering no shortage of drama as we roll into February. Whether it’s a powerhouse like Colorado stumbling or a surging Buffalo squad making noise, there’s plenty to keep an eye on as the stretch run approaches.