Thoughts and observations from 3-1 Avalanche loss to Ducks

ANAHEIM, Calif. – I never really felt good about this game, probably because I’ve just seen way too many games in this building where it didn’t go the right way for the Avalanche against the Ducks. The Honda Center (forever known as “The Pond” to me and many others) has been something of a graveyard for the Avs in their history.

It’s a tough building to play for a visitor. The ice is usually bad, the lights seem too dim always, the games start later so everybody’s body clock is always a little off (except tonight’s, with a 5 p.m. local start, which is a weird time too). Even the great Avs teams of the past lost here a lot.

So, yeah, not surprised the Avs lost 3-1 to the Ducks. And, I’m not overly concerned that the Avs have a 3-3 record after the first six games. A lot of Avs Twitterati seemed really upset about the loss tonight and the record overall, but I’m just not there yet. Fact is, they will win most games if they keep playing like they did tonight (33-15 shots advantage). It was a night where a goalie stole one for the opposition. Pretty much, that’s it.

But will I spare everyone the rod of criticism? No. I’ve got some nits to pick, starting with: