Aarif Deen
The Avalanche’s power play struggled, and their 10-game winning streak ended. But the more concerning news was the injury to team captain Gabriel Landeskog. Also, the Penguins are on a roll, and the San Jose Sharks signed a 3C that could’ve been a trade deadline rental option for Colorado.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — January 5.
Colorado Hockey Now
Sunday was not a good day for the Avalanche. The biggest news of the day was team captain Gabriel Landeskog leaving the game with an upper-body injury.
READ MORE: Avalanche’s Gabriel Landeskog Hurt, Leaves Game After Crashing Into Net
The score was 1-1 when Landeskog left. But the Panthers had the only other goal the rest of the way, effectively ending the Avs’ 10-game winning streak.
Even after the Landeskog injury, the Avalanche had opportunities on the power play and could not capitalize. They finished the night 0-for-4 on the man advantage.
READ MORE: Postgame Wrap: Landeskog Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Avalanche’s Loss to Florida
Devon Toews also didn’t play against the Panthers. He left the game Saturday in Carolina briefly but returned and finished game. So it’s likely his injury is the result of that play, and could be some soreness.
READ MORE: Devon Toews Out For Avalanche With Upper-Body Injury
Around The NHL
Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs rebounded quickly from a bad loss to the Central Division worst St. Louis Blues. They followed that up by beating the Dallas Stars in OT. The Stars are now 0-2-3 in their last five games.
San Jose Hockey Now: One of the potential 3C options for the Avalanche is off the board. Alex Wennberg opted to sign an extension with the Sharks.
Detroit Hockey Now: After publicly calling out his top line, Todd McLellan changed up the Red Wings’ lines on Sunday. Lucas Raymond is getting a demotion to the bottom six.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins will not quit. That’s five straight wins after a big comeback against Columbus. Sidney Crosby, per usual, led the way.