10 Observations: The Avalanche Let Montreal Hang Around for Too Long

DENVER — The Avalanche nearly escaped with a victory on Saturday despite playing poor offensively for pretty much the entire game.

Instead, their early first period lead was erased late in regulation and the Montreal Canadiens held on to win in the shootout.

It happened. Just like last season, the Avs saw its longest winning streak of the season end on home ice against the Habs.

10 Observations

1. Jakub Dobes is not getting much of a chance to ease into this NHL thing. He went from taking on the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in their building to a matchup against Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and the Avs. All things considered he’s done an admirable job. Dobes followed up a 34-save shutout last weekend with 23 saves against Colorado and just one goal against.

2. Rantanen scored his 100th career power-play goal in the first period. Assuming he signs a long-term deal to remain with the Avs, he’ll get a shot to climb up the franchise ranks and probably get as high as second. Joe Sakic leads with 205. MacKinnon is on Rantanen’s tail with 96.

3. The Avalanche couldn’t get anything else going on the PP after Rantanen’s tally. You just knew they had nothing left in the tank after failing to make much of anything on the power play chance late in regulation. Colorado finished 1-for-5.

4. Jusso Parssinen got a chance on the second power-play unit tonight. He was with Devon Toews, Ross Colton, Artturi Lehkonen, and Samuel Girard. The recent injuries to Valeri Nichushkin and Ivan Ivan opened up some opportunities and head coach Jared Bednar wanted to see what he’s got in the Finnish forward. Unfortunately, it didn’t last all game. Joel Kiviranta ended up taking over.

5. The irony of Colton getting shoved into the opposing goalie and receiving a two-minute minor for interference. Maybe it’s irony, or perhaps officials aren’t happy with Bednar after his comments last game. It wasn’t the same referees that officiated the game against Buffalo but by their standard, Zach Benson should’ve gotten a penalty instead of a goal.

Lehkonen’s goalie interference in OT was the cherry on top.

6. This game was full of sloppy play on the offensive side. From both teams. The Habs were on the second of a back-to-back and the Avs just seemed like they were fine with holding a one-goal lead and not letting things get too physical. It didn’t work, and now they’ll have to prepare for the Panthers with a big bounce back performance in mind.

7. Midway through the second period, Keaton Middleton had an open look at the goal after firing a one-timer pass from MacKinnon. He just barely missed the net. Would’ve been really fun to watch him score there.

8. It’s only one game, but Mackenzie Blackwood didn’t do all that well in the shootouts. He admitted postgame that these aren’t his favorite. This is one part of the game that Alexandar Georgiev always excelled at.

9. Didn’t love Rantanen trying to dangle his way into the crease on the shootout. He’s one of the best shooters in the world. Just fire that thing on goal.

10. Great news on the Scott Wedgewood front. After further evaluation, Bednar said the goalie doesn’t have a high ankle sprain and will be in a boot until Monday. He’ll get checked again at that time and then the team will formulate a plan to get him back to playing. Bednar again said he’ll be out week to week.

Wedgewood was in the locker room postgame patting Blackwood on the back. He wasn’t going to let the night end without showing support for his fellow goalie. Even while walking in a boot.