Deen’s Daily: Demko Shines, Wood Spirals; Rakell Joins Team Sweden; Ovi Goal Watch Heats Up

The Avalanche were physically outmatched against the Canucks and blanked by Thatcher Demko. Altitude Sports is officially back on Comcast and Xfinity for local fans. Also, Alex Ovechkin scored again and two more big injuries hit the Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — February 5.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche’s third-period parade to the penalty box led by Miles Wood, wasn’t the way to come back from a one and eventually two-goal deficit. Instead, their game spiraled in a 3-0 loss to Vancouver.

It’s official. Koenke Sports & Entertainment and Comcast have put an end to a nearly six-year-long dispute. Avalanche games are finally back on Xfinity.

Heading into Tuesday, the Avalanche were riding a two-game shutout streak. Here’s how they did it — although they were unable to replicate it on the road.

Around the NHL

Ovi Watch: Ovechkin scored an empty-net goal with a second remaining to get to 25 goals on the season. He’s 17 away from Wayne Gretzky’s goals record.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Rickard Rakell was added to Team Sweden’s roster for the 4 Nations Faceoff. The Pens then fell in a shootout against their division rival.

Montreal Hockey Now: Projecting realistic trade deadline returns for several of the Habs’ players who could be dealt before March 7.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: It’s clear the Flyers are making space to make a splash. Here are some names to watch for them moving forward.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils lost a key defenseman to injury in their shootout victory over the Pens.

NYI Hockey Now: No Mat Barzal, no problem. The Islanders got one over the Golden Knights to stay in the wildcard race.

Boston Hockey Now: Jeremy Swayman blanks the Wild, helping the Avalanche remain within reach of a top-three seed in the Central Division.

Ottawa Hockey Now: The playoff races in the East are heating up. The Sens’ loss to Tampa Bay had implications in the Atlantic Division. They also lost a forward to injury.