In an unusual twist, the Avalanche found themselves in a penalty predicament during their 5-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild. Within a mere 53 seconds, Colorado was hit with three minor penalties, leading to a prolonged 5-on-3 situation. The Avs managed to fend off two penalties, but the Wild capitalized on the third, pulling ahead 2-1 and maintaining their lead for the rest of the game.
It all started when Gabe Landeskog was penalized for elbowing at 14:15. While the Avs were already short-handed, Valeri Nichushkin was called for cross-checking at 15:04, setting up a daunting 5-on-3 penalty kill for 1:11. As if things weren't chaotic enough, Brent Burns inadvertently sent the puck over the glass, further complicating matters for Colorado.
Landeskog returned from the box at 16:15, but the timing of the penalties meant that Burns' penalty clock was delayed until Landeskog’s expired. By the time Joel Eriksson Ek found the net on the power play, Burns still had 39 seconds left on his penalty, despite being in the box for 2:29.
Here are ten key takeaways from this intriguing matchup:
- The Avalanche penalty killers were on the verge of success until an unfortunate own goal shifted momentum. Mackenzie Blackwood was solid in net, but a deflection off Cale Makar’s stick allowed Eriksson Ek's pass to sneak past him.
- By the end of this sequence, penalties were lopsided at 6-1 against the Avs. Colorado's discipline faltered, with four minor penalties in the second period alone.
- This isn’t the first time penalties have plagued the Avs. They took five minors against the Utah Mammoth, managing a 4-for-5 penalty kill performance.
- One penalty, however, seemed questionable.
Makar was penalized for slashing after Yakov Trenin’s stick broke, despite no contact. This call led to the Wild's first goal.
- The Avalanche had opportunities on the power play in the third period but failed to capitalize. Minnesota then extended their lead to 3-1 shortly after.
- Despite the loss, the game was a thrilling contest.
The Avalanche's top line, featuring Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, was dynamic, matching the Wild's intensity. Both teams tallied 27 shots through 40 minutes, with Blackwood and Minnesota’s Filip Gustavsson putting on a goaltending clinic.
- Joel Kiviranta took a hard hit from Zach Bogosian, leaving the ice with assistance. Coach Jared Bednar had no immediate update on his condition, with the Avs set to face Chicago next.
- Martin Necas showcased his skill with a stunning goal, marking his third in two games since the break.
- The chaotic penalty sequence unfolded just 45 seconds after Necas tied the game, leaving the Avalanche scrambling to regain momentum.
- Ultimately, while the Avalanche showed flashes of brilliance, the penalty troubles overshadowed their performance, providing a learning moment as they prepare for their next challenge.