Avalanche Wrap: Rantanen Overlooked, Losing Streak Ended

The Colorado Avalanche salvaged their week with a win over the Edmonton Oilers last night.

The rest of the week, however, was not a whole lot of fun.

Here’s a look back at a tough week for the Avalanche that ended on a high note.

Monday

Darren Helm, who stepped up in big moments during the Avalanche’s Cup run, returned to the lineup against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The new year started just as 2022 ended, with a tough loss at home to Vegas.

Jared Bednar was very critical of a sloppy second period after the loss.

There were not many bright spots in the loss.

Tuesday

The Turning Point in the Vegas game came when the Avalanche couldn’t bury a great chance at one end, moments before giving up the tying goal.

The next day at practice, we got the most significant update to date on Gabriel Landeskog and Bowen Byram.

Wednesday

I had a great chat with Andreas Englund, who has filled in admirably this season with all the injuries. He’s fighting to prove he belongs in the NHL.

Thursday

Top prospect Sean Behrens and Team USA would take home the Bronze medal at the World Junior Championships.

Cale Makar was chosen to represent the Avalanche at the NHL All-Star game in February.

That night, the Avalanche would collapse in the second period and drop their fifth straight game.

In the loss, the team would get very little from the majority of their forward core.

Friday

A bizarre play on an icing call from one of the most dependable players on the team was the turning point in the loss to Vancouver.

Cale Makar may have been the Avalanche’s selection for the All-Star game, but the NHL got it wrong. It should have been Rantanen.

Saturday

Just a few nights after losing to him, a report came out that the Avalanche are still one of the teams pursuing Bo Horvat.

The superstars on the team would take matters into their own hands, ending the Avalanche’s five game losing streak.

There were plenty of bright spots in the victory, with J.T. Compher and Sam Girard stepping up.

Sunday

A great stick by J.T. Compher was the turning point against the Oilers.

The Avalanche have looked like the Colorado Eagles at times this season with all the injuries. Part one of evaluating all those call-ups.