Avalanche Wrap-Up: Tufte Time, Challenge Ahead For Landeskog

It’s been a few weeks since we did a Colorado Avalanche weekly wrap. Did I choose the best week to do it? Not necessarily, but it needs to be done.

On the ice, it was a slower week, with the Avalanche only playing two games. Down in the AHL, Riley Tufte is unstoppable, and while he got a taste of NHL action this week, you have to wonder when it becomes Tufte time for good.

Off the ice, Gabriel Landeskog met the team in Buffalo, and went on Swedish television to update everyone on where he’s at in his recovery from knee surgery.

Here’s a look back at what you might have missed the previous week at CHN, and a peak at what’s coming.

Monday

On Viaplay in Sweden, Gabriel Landeskog gave an update on what he’s going to have to change when he does eventually get back on the ice.

Against the Sabres, the Avalanche were shutout (getting used to that), but avoided major injury to Cale Makar.

Tuesday

While in Buffalo, Landeskog gave Erik Johnson a gift he’ll never forget.

Riley Tufte got the call-up to the NHL, and Jared Bednar explained why he likes Girard and Byram together.

Wednesday

Former Avalanche star Paul Stastny called it a career after 17 seasons.

Ahead of the game against St. Louis, Ross Colton told me he had more to give. A sign of things to come, I guess. (+)

Colorado found their scoring touch (briefly) against the Blues in their 4-1 victory.

After his first goal against a goaltender in an Avalanche uniform, Ross Colton was all smiles.

Thursday

The team did a great job protecting Ivan Prosvetov, something they’ve struggled to do for Alexandar Georgiev of late.

He might not be fully healthy, but for 25 seconds, Cale Makar showed why he can take over a game when he wants to. (+)

You ever wonder why Devon Toews sits on the floor in between periods? No? Well, I asked anyway.

Friday

Ivan Prosvetov explained to me why he came to North America at a young age.

Saturday

Riley Tufte scored three goals for the Eagles on Friday night, and added an assist on Saturday. Surely he’ll be back with the Avalanche this week, right?

In what should have been a great game, the Avalanche were embarrassed by the Vegas Golden Knights.

Sunday

Saturday’s game may have been the worst game Valeri Nichushkin has played in an Avalanche uniform.

A lot of things went wrong prior to the third Vegas goal. A lot of things. (+)

A Look Ahead to Next Week

• Avalanche are home all week with three games at Ball Arena
• Nikolai Kovalenko scheduled to return to action in the KHL
• Reasons for optimism, concern after 10 games
• Does Patrick Kane sound a little more intriguing after the last four games?
• Coverage throughout the week

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