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From Lion To Lamb

March 9, 2022, 2:25 PM ET [5 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Colorado Avalanche came out of February playing hockey like a lion and a little over a week into March and they look more like a lamb.

After ending the month of February without a regulation loss the 'Avs already have two through five games (2-2-1) in March. Tuesday night's 5-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils may have been the worst loss in ages for this club.

Colorado led 3-0 in the first period but allowed the Devils to score the game's next five goals en route to the win. New Jersey was clearly the better team on this night despite the early deficit and even the 'Avs players to a man said NJ was hungrier, faster, and more physical.

This loss comes on the heels of another near-disaster on Monday night when a 5-1 third period lead meted away. Colorado held on for the eventual 5-4 win versus the New York Islanders.

But something is amiss and even coach Jared Bednar sees it, calling the NJ a disaster, and said his team looks "mentally tired."

Colorado had been 23-0-0 when leading after the first period and hadn't lost the second game of a back-to-back in regulation in the last two seasons.

The Devils were on every puck and looked much faster than the 'Avs and that doesn't happen ever. I agree with the coach. This team looked like it had heavy legs.

This could easily just be another one of the bumps in the regular season but it's one Bednar is not going to let linger. You can count on that.

I expect a better effort when they hit the ice again on Thursday. It better effort because with games coming up against Carolina, Calgary, and the Kings - one tired game could soon become the club's first real slump of the season.

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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