DENVER, CO – Two nights ago in Dallas the Avalanche played a game against a heavily veteran Stars team, and competed to a level that Coach Bednar was impressed by. Tonight through 20 minutes at a well attended Ball Arena, a solid and energetic first period gave way to two lack luster periods resulting in a 6-3 defeat including an empty netter.
At this point in the training camp cycle the expectations become greater, the leash shorter, and the clock is ticking substantially faster for players racing against it to earn a spot on the opening night roster. The opportunities also become fewer, so when given, it’s about finding a way to standout and avoid blending in.
The Avalanche collectively skated to a 1-1 tie through the first 20, and opened the scoring during a lengthy 1:43 two man advantage. It was Sam Girard below the goal line who made a short feed to Ivan Ivan who in turn made a great touch pass to Miles Wood for the tap in past Karel Vejmelka. Five minutes later, Utah found the equalizer, also on the power play, Colorado got caught puck watching exposing the right side of the ice and a one timer from Dylan Guenther found the net.
In the second the energy had most certainly shifted with the Avalanche looking fatigued and Utah finding another gear. Perhaps the brightest part of the second period was the performance by Sam Malinski. An early double minor for high sticking put the Avalanche up a player, and Malinski exemplified the offensively minded defensive strategy. The 2nd year pro took it nearly coast to coast, then danced across the crease low stuffing it in for a 2-1 lead. After that it would be all Utah…Guenther found his second at 7:19 to tie the game. At 13:13 Cameron Hebig sent in a knuckle puck floater that gave the Hockey Club a lead on a puck that Justus Annunen will have wanted back. Then in the final minute of the second, a rebound bounced just out of reach of the Annunen, but in perfect position for Josh Doan who had the tap in for a 4-2 lead.
The third was more of the same, but it was certainly highlighted by the first moment of flash and creativity by the prospect Cal Ritchie. Trailing 5-2, the Avalanche were looking for a spark, and they got it from Ritchie, who made it 5-3 with a highlight reel goal against a proven NHL goalie. Ritchie picked up the puck in neutral ice and found himself very much alone on a clean breakaway. He cut to the middle and just before the hash marks, fake wiffed on a shot to get Vejmelka to bite, and he did, Ritchie then proceeded to snap a great shot past the Utah net minder. Following the game, Ritchie with a smile, explained it was something he’s done before and has been working on for some time, most recently just the other day at practice.
The takeaway from a defeat is the enemy of time for certain players. Several more cuts were made, and that will now become a daily occurrence. The Avalanche will take the day off tmrw and be back in action Tuesday night at Ball Arena for the final pre season game on home ice. You can expect to see a bolstered roster for burgundy and blue.
TRANSACTIONS 9/29/24
The Colorado Avalanche announced today that the following players will be placed on waivers with the intention of being reassigned to the Colorado Eagles’ (AHL) training camp:
Jacob MacDonald, D
Additionally, the following players have been reassigned to the Eagles’ camp:
Oskar Olausson, RW
Chase Bradley, LW
Tye Felhaber, LW
Nikita Prishchepov, LW