December 6th 2024.
The Colorado Avalanche were up against the Carolina Hurricanes at the Lenovo Center, and it was clear from the start that the Avs were not going to have an easy time. The Avs were usually the ones dictating the terms of engagement, but the Hurricanes were one of the few teams in the NHL that could make them look like everyone else. That's exactly what happened on Thursday night.
Colorado's players were constantly chasing the guys in red, especially after giving the puck back to them. The Hurricanes dominated possession time and the shot clock, ultimately winning the game 5-3. It was Scott Wedgewood's first start for the Avalanche, and although he had 22 saves in relief during Tuesday's game, he couldn't quite keep up with the Hurricanes' relentless offense.
"We didn't move the puck quick enough, didn't handle their pressure well enough," said Avs coach Jared Bednar. "Sometimes we were trying to make the most difficult pass. I think when you're playing Carolina, it's got to be the simplest form of your game that there is until you can create space and find the space behind them."
Despite some excellent chances from the Avs' top line, their normally ruthless finishing skills seemed to have escaped them for the night. The rest of the team also struggled to create any extended offensive pressure, resulting in multiple turnovers in their own zone. Carolina had the Avs under siege for most of the game, and it was a tough battle for Colorado to keep up.
"We know that's the way they play. Teams know that and you prepare for it, scout it and find ways to exploit it," said Avs defenseman Devon Toews. "I think we were able to exploit it in some big ways, but just not consistently enough to win the hockey game."
There was a glimmer of hope late in the third period when Valeri Nichushkin scored to make it a one-goal game. But in the end, Carolina had the puck in the offensive zone with Colorado desperately chasing it before the Hurricanes finally sealed the deal with an empty-net goal.
The first period was a tough one for the Avs, with Carolina dominating in shot attempts 30-8. Artturi Lehkonen managed to sneak one past Carolina goalie Pyotr Kochetkov with a perfect pass from Cale Makar. Lehkonen's goal was his sixth in 15 games this season, and he has been on a hot streak lately with a goal in three of the past four games.
In the second period, the Hurricanes pulled ahead with two more goals. The Avs' second line, in particular, had a tough time, with Carolina having an 8-0 advantage in shot attempts whenever they were on the ice. It was a tough night for Casey Mittelstadt, who was struggling with the worst slump of his time with the Avs. He took two penalties and had a costly turnover that led to Carolina's third goal.
Wedgewood, who finished with 30 saves, kept the Avs in the game and nearly sparked another incredible comeback. "He was great," said Toews of the Avs' new goalie. "We're there to battle for him, and he's there to battle for us. That's what we love. His communication is really good and it's only going to get better with more reps and more time."
Despite the loss, the Avs are determined to bounce back and continue their strong season. Want to stay up to date with all things Avalanche? Sign up for the Avalanche Insider to get all the latest NHL analysis.
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