Avalanche Vs. Red Wings Recap: Detroit Can't Come Back, Colorado Wins 4-3

The Colorado Avalanche (32-27-4, 68 pts) made it four in a row on Saturday night, putting away the Detroit Red Wings (41-19-3, 85 pts) for a 4-3 win.

G Jimmy Howard (23 saves, .852 SV% Saturday night) started in the net for the Red Wings, but he got overwhelmed quickly by the Avalanche offense. Only 1:35 into the game, LW Gabriel Landeskog blasted a 9-foot wrister for a 1-0 lead. A little over a minute later, despite a two minute interference penalty on C Mark Olver, the Avalanche fired a shorthanded goal past Howard as RW David Jones pushed the lead to 2-0.

In the second period, Landeskog scored another goal, and the defense fended of a Red Wings power play for a 3-0 Colorado lead. The Avs began the third period shorthanded and Detroit responded, getting on the scoreboard with a 28-foot LW Jiri Hudler goal. After a recently-acquired RW Steve Downie goal, Hudler scored his 20th goal of the season to put the game at 4-2.

A minute and a half later, C Valtteri Filppula fired a 9-foot wrister past G Jean-Sebastien Giguere (28 saves, .903 SV%) to put the game at 4-3, but the Colorado defense held strong, fighting off four more shots on goal to close out their 4-3 win.

The Avalanche will be back in action on Monday, taking on the Anaheim Ducks at 9:00 p.m. ET.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Red Wings blog Winging It In Motown.

Avalanche Vs. Red Wings: Colorado Rolls Into Detroit To Face Dominant Wings

So far, the Steve Downie trade is looking like a great move for everyone involved. The aggressive forward was a difference maker for the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night, scoring a goal and assist in the 5-0 rout over the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets. Now, the Avalanche face a greater challenge extending their current winning streak to three games as they face the Detroit Red Wings, who just had their NHL record 24 game home winning streak snapped on Thursday night in a shootout against Vancouver.

The Downie trade is also looking pretty good for the Detroit Red Wings. They traded their 2012 1st round pick in the upcoming draft for Kyle Quincey, and he made an immediate impact with solid defense and a goal in his first game back as a Red Wing. He adds significant offensive upside to their deep blue line and solidifies Detroit's status as a serious Cup contender.

For the Avalanche, injuries continue to create turnover in the lineup. T.J. Galiardi will play for Colorado after missing the past week, but Peter Mueller will again sit out with a day-to-day torso injury. Milan Hejduk is also out with an injury, as is defenseman Ryan O'Byrne. The team depth is being tested, but so far has been producing. Mark Olver has been a force since his callup (four points in his four games), and top forwards Gabriel Landeskog, Paul Stastny, and David Jones are all averaging around a point per game the past 10 contests. This recent offensive outburst has bumped Colorado up to 20th in the league in scoring, just six goals from league average.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere is healthy and will get the start in net for Colorado. Jimmy Howard is the likely starter for Detroit.

Puck drops at 5:00 p.m. MDT.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Red Wings blog Winging It In Motown.

Avs Vs. Blue Jackets: Semyon Varlamov Leads Colorado To 5-0 Victory

Avalanche Vs. Blue Jackets Score Update: Colorado Takes 2-0 Lead Into 3rd Period

The Colorado Avalanche built on the 1-0 lead over Columbus they brought into the second period with a goal by Gabriel Landeskog at the 11:36-mark. Steve Downie -- a recent acquisition from the Tampa Bay Lightning -- and Ryan O'Reilly assisted on the goal, which was Landeskog's 16th of the season.

Related: Avalanche Vs. Blue Jackets: Colorado Heads To Columbus

Columbus still leads in shots on goal overall, 17-14, but the Avalanche had a 9-8 edge in the second. Both teams had a couple of power play opportunities but were unable to convert.

A win for the Avs would be their second in a row, and would give them 66 points on the season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Blue Jackets blog The Cannon. And for more from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Avalanche Vs. Blue Jackets Score Update: Colorado Ahead 1-0 After 1st Period

It took a little while, but the Colorado Avalanche finally got on the scoreboard against the Western Conference-worst Blue Jackets on Friday night. David Jones scored a goal with less than 30 seconds remaining in the opening period to give Colorado its 1-0 edge. It was Jones' 13th goal of the season.

Related: Avalanche Vs. Blue Jackets: Colorado Heads To Columbus

The Blue Jackets actually out-shot Colorado 9-5, and they've had the only power play opportunity of the game so far. The Avalanche won six of 10 faceoffs in the period, while Columbus out-hit Colorado by a 14-10 margin.

Colorado can pull into a tie with Calgary for second place in the Northwest Division with a win.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Blue Jackets blog The Cannon. And for more from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Ryan O'Byrne Injury: Avalanche Defenseman Expected To Miss 2-3 Weeks

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan O'Byrne injured a knee against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night and probably will miss two or three weeks of action.

O'Byrne, who had one goal, five assists and an even plus-minus rating in 61 games for Colorado, suffered the injury on his final shift in Wednesday's game with the Los Angeles Kings, the team said. He was placed on the injured reserve list.

But the Avs are likely to have seven defensemen available to play against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night, according to the Post.

Related: Avalanche @ Blue Jackets, Game 62 Preview

The puck drops in Friday night's Avalanche vs. Blue Jackets game at 5:00 p.m. MT on Altitude.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Blue Jackets blog The Cannon. And for more from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Avalanche Vs. Blue Jackets: Colorado Heads To Columbus

The Colorado Avalanche took care of business against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night, dominating the slumping Kings 4-1 and completing the season sweep for the first time since moving to Colorado in 1995. The victory may have forced the Kings to make a panic move, as the preseason contender struggles to make the playoffs.

On Thursday night, Los Angeles made a blockbuster trade for some goalscoring, acquiring forward Jeff Carter from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jack Johnson and a first round draft selection. Right now, Columbus is the center of the hockey world as they are in the process of dismantling their expensive (and extremely disappointing roster) -- and Colorado is flying straight into the eye of the storm.

Carter is gone. Antoine Vermette was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for picks. Superstar winger Rick Nash is on the trading block and may be moved by next Monday's trade deadline. With so many players on the move, the current Blue Jackets roster is in a state of transition.

For Colorado, such an opponent should be an easy two points in the standings. Semyon Varlamov is playing well in net, Matt Duchene is healthy, and newly acquired forward Steve Downie was a force on the ice against Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the injury bug has severely tested Colorado's defensive depth. Ryan O'Byrne has been placed on the Injured Reserve for the next two weeks with a knee injury. Rookie defensemen Tyson Barrie and Stefan Elliott have been recalled from AHL Lake Erie to fill the roster. Erik Johnson will play against Columbus, but may not be 100% healthy. T.J. Galiardi will also make his return to the ice after missing the previous week.

This is a game that the Avalanche should win. But with the Detroit Red Wings looming on the horizon (and the current Columbus roster playing for their jobs), the Avalanche may get caught looking ahead.

Puck drops at 5:00 p.m. MDT

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Blue Jackets blog Jackets Cannon.

Avalanche Vs. Kings Final Score: Colorado Topples LA 4-1

The Los Angeles Kings are struggling at the moment, entering tonight's contest vs. the Colorado Avalanche as losers of three straight, and the Avs certainly weren't about to let a sinking team ahead of them in the standings find their footing in the Pepsi Center. The Avs knocked off LA 4-1 in a wire-to-wire victory on Wednesday night. The win propels Colorado to 30-27-4, while Los Angeles falls to 27-22-12.

The Avs charged to a 3-0 lead out of the gates behind goals from Mark Olver, Paul Stastny and Jay McClement. That was enough for Los Angeles to pull starting goalie Jonathan Quick, but the damage was already done. Stastny would also beat Kings backup goalie Jonathan Bernier in the second period to push the lead to 4-0. It was the 15th and 16th scores of the year for Stastny.

Dustin Brown scored his 15th goal of the year to spoil the shutout for Colorado goalie Semyon Varlamov, who was otherwise brilliant.

LA out-shot Colorado 33-27 on the evening.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Kings blog Jewels From The Crown.

Avalanche Vs. Kings Score Update: Colorado Takes 4-0 Lead Into Third Period

The Colorado Avalanche trail the Los Angeles Kings in the Western Conference standings, but the Avs are leaving no doubt as to who the better team is tonight at the Pepsi Center. Colorado leads LA 4-0 after two periods in a game highlighted by a stellar effort from Avs goalie Semyon Varlamov. The Kings are actually out-shooting Colorado 24-22 through the first two periods, but Varlamov has kept LA off the scoreboard entirely.

Colorado took a 3-0 lead into the second period and pushed it 4-0 when Paul Stastny beat Kings goalie Jason Quick for his second score of the night. Statsny's 16th goal of the season was set up by teammates Gabriel Landeskog and Matt Duchene.

The second period got a bit chippy with seven total penalties being handed out. Colorado's Chuck Kobasew and LA's Jordan Nolan each drew 10 minute game misconduct penalties.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Kings blog Jewels From The Crown.

Avalanche Vs. Kings Score Update: Colorado Leads 3-0 After One

The Colorado Avalanche are trying to hand the Los Angeles Kings their fourth consecutive loss tonight, and after one period, the Avs are off to a good start. Colorado leads the Kings 3-0 at the Pepsi Center during an opening frame that featured plenty of action at both ends.

Colorado got on the scoreboard seven minutes into the game when Mark Olver beat Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick. Olver's second goal of the season was set up by David Jones and Daniel Winnik. Paul Stastny made it 2-0 with his 15th goal of the season later in the period. With under 3:00 left, Jay McClement scored his eighth goal of the year off assists from Ryan O'Reilly and Chuck Kobasew.

Colorado out-shot the Kings 11-10 in the period. The Kings hold a 9-6 advantage in faceoffs, while hits are tied at seven.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Kings blog Jewels From The Crown.

Avalanche Vs. Kings: Colorado Returns Home For Must-Win Game

The Colorado Avalanche made some waves before the NHL Trading Deadline, acquiring winger Steve Downie from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Kyle Quincey. Now they're hoping the physical winger can add some offense as they enter a critical game against the Los Angeles Kings Wednesday nigh at Pepsi Center.

The Los Angeles Kings currently hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference despite their league-worst offense. It's tough to believe, but a club that features Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, Mike Richards, and Drew Doughty has managed 128 goals on the season, an average of 2.13 goals scored per game. This underachieving bunch has been one of the major disappointments in the league this season and yet currently sit in playoff position thanks to a stout defense and the stellar goaltending of Jonathan Quick. With a .933 SV% on the season, Quick has established his presence as one of the very elite goalies in the world. His 1.91 GAA may be the biggest reason the Kings even have a chance at the postseason this year.

For Colorado, their playoff fate lies with the offense. A stout defense and solid goaltending have both been surprises this season, but the lack of production from their top forwards has been a troubling trend. Center Ryan O'Reilly (previously known for his defensive play) and rookie Gabriel Landeskog have led the charge, but they have not been supported by stars Matt Duchene and Paul Stastny. Veteran Milan Hejduk is also having a one of the poorest seasons of his career. With Peter Mueller and T.J. Galiardi both suffering injuries, Colorado is hoping the addition of winger Downie can make a difference offensively.

This is as close to a must-win game as you can get in February. With a regulation victory, the Avalanche can pull within two points of the Kings. A loss pushes that deficit to six points.Colorado has won the first three games of this series and are looking for the season sweep in the biggest game between these two franchises this season.

Semyon Varlamov will get the start in net for Colorado. Jean-Sebastien Giguere is healthy enough to serve as backup.

Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. MDT.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Kings blog Jewels From The Crown.

Avalanche Vs. Jets Final Score: Winnipeg Pulls Away For 5-1 Victory

The Colorado Avalanche fell behind by two goals to the Winnipeg Jets in the second period and were unable to mount a comeback on Sunday night, ultimately falling by a 5-1 margin. The Avalanche actually out-shot the Jetson the night, but Jets goaltender Ondrej Pavelec played well and stopped 31 of 32 Colorado shots.

Related: Avalanche at Jets Live Thread

Winnipeg expanded its lead in the third period with special teams -- Andrew Ladd and Bryan Little each scored on the power play to round out the scoring in the game.

Colorado's lone score came in the second period from Gabriel Landeskog.

With the loss, Colorado dropped to 29-27-4 on the season.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Jets blog Arctic Ice Hockey. And for more from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Avalanche Vs. Jets Score Update: Winnipeg Leads 3-1 Through 2 Periods

The scoring has picked up after a slow first period, and the Winnipeg Jets have claimed a 3-1 lead on the Colorado Avalanche.

Related: Avalanche at Jets Live Thread

Evander Kane got the scoring started for the Jets with a goal less than two minutes into the second -- it was his 22nd tally of the season. Bryan Little followed that up less than two minutes later with his 17 goal of the season to give the Jets a 2-0 cushion.

Gabriel Landeskog answered with a power play goal to bring the Avalanche back within one, but Kyle Wellwood made the score 3-1 in Winnipeg's favor shortly thereafter.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Jets blog Arctic Ice Hockey. And for more from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Avalanche Vs. Jets Score Update: Colorado And Winnipeg Scoreless After 1st Period

In a relatively uneventful first period on Sunday night, neither the Colorado Avalanche nor the Winnipeg Jets were able to light the lamp, and the only power play opportunity of the period belonged to the Jets following a high sticking double minor called on Paul Stastny.

Related: Avalanche at Jets Live Thread

Winnipeg finished the period with seven shots on net, while the Avs had six. Colorado won six of 11 faceoffs in the opening period and also out-hit the Jets 23-18.

It's an important game and stretch of the season for both teams, as both are very much in playoff contention but not in the top eight in their respective conferences right now.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage of this matchup, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Jets blog Arctic Ice Hockey. And for more from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Avalanche Vs. Jets: Matt Duchene Returns To Lineup

On December 29, the Colorado Avalanche had found themselves right in the middle of the playoff conversation. They had won six of eight games and were starting to gel as a team, finally, after a very inconsistent rollercoaster beginning to the season.

Then star forward Matt Duchene (who led the team with goals) went down for "at least a month" with a serious knee injury just before the start of a brutal stretch of the schedule.

Since that point, the Avalanche have managed a 9-8-3 record without Duchene -- in no small part thanks to Paul Stastny rediscovering his scoring touch and rookie Gabriel Landeskog discovering how to become an NHL power forward. Without their most talented player, the Avalanche stayed afloat for the past 20 games and still find themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt.

With only a single week (and four games) remaining before the NHL trade deadline on February 27, Colorado is still trapped in limbo between buying and selling at the deadline. Defensemen Hal Gill and Pavel Kubina have already switched teams for significant value, and the Avalanche may be tempted to swap some of their defensive depth, like Kyle Quincey, for a top winger or a couple of picks in this year's draft.

Colorado's opponent, the Winnipeg Jets, also find themselves in a very similar position. They have a young team with postseason aspirations and a rabid fanbase that would love to see the playoffs in their first year back in Manitoba. There are two extremely valuable points on the line for both clubs, and there should be an electric playoff atmosphere in Winnipeg for this matchup between Western and Eastern Conference teams.

Goalie Semyon Varlamov will start in net for Colorado. The young netminder has had three spectacular games in a row, including stealing a point against St, Louis, filling in admirably for an injured Jean-Sebastien Giguere against Vancouver, and allowing only a single goal against the high-flying Edmonton Oilers. If he's getting hot, it could go a long way towards solidifying the Avalanche's postseason chances.

Puck drops at 6:30 p.m. MDT.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Jets blog Arctic Ice Hockey.

Avalanche Vs. Oilers Recap: Avs Win, 3-1

In a game whose major storyline was who the Colorado Avalanche had scratched prior to the dropping of the puck, it was a few old standbys that powered the Avs to victory. Ryan O'Reilly assisted on all three of Colorado's goals on Friday night, bring his total to 29 on the season, and Gabriel Landeskog scored his 14th goal of the season while also picking up his 18 assist.

The game-winning goal came from center Mark Oliver, who notched his first goal of the season on the second period on assists from O'Reilly and Landeskog. That goal gave the Avs a 2-0 lead, which they would never really come close to giving up. Landeskog would score on the power play midway through the second to cap the scoring for the Avs on the night, and the third goal was more than enough for Colorado.

The Avs got a fantastic game out of goalie Semyon Varlamov, who started in net on Friday night in the stead of the injured Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Varlamov, who was playing in only his third game this month, turned away 26 of Edmonton's 27 shots.

The Avs will take Saturday off before returning to the ice to take on the Winnipeg Jets.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Oilers blog Copper N' Blue

Avalanche Vs. Oilers Score Update: Landeskog Gives Avs Two Goal Lead

Avalanche Vs. Oilers Score Update: Avs Up 1-0 At First Intermission

Avalanche Vs. Oilers: Shorthanded Colorado Heads Into Edmonton

The Colorado Avalanche have been pretty lucky with injuries this season (all apologies to Peter Mueller and Matt Duchene, who have both missed substantial time), but their luck appears to be turning at precisely the wrong time.

The wounded include:

T.J. Galiardi will likely miss at least a week with a leg injury.

Peter Mueller has a lingering torso injury (but should play in the next couple of games).

Jean-Sebastien Giguere tweaked his groin in the first period against Vancouver.

Duchene will miss Friday's game against the Edmonton Oilers, but is a possibility to return against Winnipeg on Sunday according to the Denver Post.

For reinforcements, Colorado has called up winger Mark Olver and goalie Cedrick Desjardins from AHL Lake Erie. Olver will get the start against the Oilers while Desjardins will backup Semyon Varlamov in net. The Avalanche paid a heavy price for the young Russian goaltender this offseason, and now is Varlamov's time to take back the starting job. After a spectacular game against Vancouver (and another against St. Louis the previous game), Varlamov will have several starts to put together consistent performances and keep the injured Avalanche in the playoff hunt.

The Oilers can sympathize with injuries to key players. Calder Trophy favorite and 2011 first overall pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins missed an entire month due to a shoulder injury, then reaggravated the injury just two games into his return. Forwards Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle have also missed multiple games this season due to various injuries. When healthy, Edmonton's core is one of the most dangerous in the league and can score on anyone. They represent a very tough matchup for Colorado and have already beat the Avalanche three of their four meetings this season.

Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. MDT

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Oilers blog Copper N' Blue

Avalanche Vs. Canucks Final Score: Canucks Top Colorado 3-1

Colorado goalie Semyon Varlamov only let in one goal on Wednesday night against the Vancouver Canucks, but that's all it took to down the Avalanche at Rogers Arena. Jannik Hansen beat Varlamov to give the Canucks a 2-1 lead, and Alex Burrows added an empty net goal to reach the final margin. The win moves Vancouver to 36-15-6. Colorado falls to 28-26-4.

Hansen's 14th goal of the year was set-up by teammate Cody Hodgson. The game was mostly even, with Vancouver finishing with a 31-30 lead in shots and holding a 28-23 advantage in faceoffs. Colorado had more hits 33-31.

Vancouver took a 1-0 lead just :13 seconds into the game when David Booth scored his 11th goal of the season. The Avalanche would tie the game in the middle of the second period when defenseman Erik Johnson scored his third goal of the year.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Canucks blog Nucks Misconduct.

Avalanche Vs. Canucks Score Update: Colorado, Vancouver Head Into Third Tied 1-1

The box score reflects an even game through two periods tonight between the Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks, so it's no surprise the teams head into the final period tied 1-1. Colorado tied the game halfway through the second period when defenseman Erik Johnson beat Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. Johnson's third goal of the season was set up by Milan Hejduk and David Jones.

The Canucks have out-shot the Avs 21-20 through two periods. Hits, which Vancouver leads 24-21, and faceoff wins (16-15 Canucks) are also fairly even.

There were three penalties in the second. Vancouver's Dan Hamhuis drew two minutes for Interference on Daniel Winnik.The Canucks earned another penalty when Alex Burrows was called on holding Jan Hejda's stick. Gabriel Landeskog drew the lone Colorado penalty for goalkeeper interference.

Semyon Varlamov has not allowed a goal for Colorado since replacing Jean-Sebastien Giguere at the end of the first period.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Canucks blog Nucks Misconduct.

Avalanche Vs. Canucks Score Update: Colorado Trails 1-0 After First Period

Times have been tough lately for the Colorado Avalanche, who enter tonight's road game against the Vancouver Canucks as losers in six of their past eight games. After one period on Wednesday, Colorado trails the Canucks 1-0.

Vancouver didn't waste much time getting on the scoreboard. Just :13 seconds into the game, David Booth beat Colorado goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere to put the Canucks up 1-0. Booth's 11th score of the season was set-up by teammates Mason Raymond and Kevin Bieksa. Semyon Varlamov would replace Giguere in net late in the period.

The first period also featured a fight between Cody McLeod of Colorado and the Canucks' Byron Bitz, for which each received a five minute major. There were no other penalties in the first period.

Vancouver out-shot Colorado 10-7 in the first period. The Canucks also held advantages in hits (16-13) and faceoffs (9-5).

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Canucks blog Nucks Misconduct.

Avalanche Vs. Canucks: Colorado Seeking Road Success In Vancouver

Colorado begins a stretch of home games leading into the NHL Trading Deadline on February 27.