Avalanche Vs. Coyotes Final Score: Phoenix Hands Colorado Sixth Loss In Seven Games

The Colorado Avalanche are officially in free fall. They have lost six of their last seven games, and have been shut out their past two games. Colorado hasn’t scored a goal in over 120 minutes of game time.

At least the lack of scoring wasn’t for lack of effort this time. Unlike the last couple of games, Colorado came into this game playing with a chip on their shoulders. They hustled, played fast and physical, and did a generally good job of puck control. Unfortunately, bad bounces and Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov made certain that Colorado leaves Jobing.com Arena scoreless.

Former Avalanche player Radim Vrbata had two goals on the evening, giving him 13 goals on the season. Scottie Upshall added a goal in the second period and Ray Whitney added two assists on the night.

With the victory, the Phoenix Coyotes have moved to fourth place in the Western Conference and now trail the Pacific Division leading Dallas Stars by a mere two points.

Colorado now travels to Minnesota and will play the Wild on Wednesday night. Peter Forsberg may make his debut during that game.

Avalanche Vs. Coyotes: Phoenix Takes 2-0 Lead After Two Periods

The Colorado Avalanche have struggled lately, and a lack of effort has been especially concerting the past week. There was no lack of effort in the second period, as the Avalanche outworked and outhustled the Phoenix Coyotes the entire period. Unfortunately, it was a bad break that kept the Avalanche off the scoreboard and allowed Phoenix to double their lead late in the period.

Despite being the faster and more dominant team for most of the period, Colorado failed to convert on two power plays. Ilya Bryzgalov has stopped all 19 shots he’s faced.

Late in the period, Phoenix caught a break as Kyle Turris completely missed a shot on net. The puck drifted towards the open net and Scottie Upshall was able to flick it past Craig Anderson for his team-leading 16th goal of the season.

Phoenix has outshot Colorado by a 19-14 margin, though Colorado had a 8-6 advantage in the second period.

Avalanche Vs. Coyotes: Radim Vrbata Gives Phoenix 1-0 Lead After First Period

Despite an evenly played first period, the Phoenix Coyotes have a 1-0 lead going into the first intermission after Radim Vrbata deflected the puck past Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson for his 12th goal of the season. Martin Hanzal and Ray Whitney were credited with assists on the goal.

A Ryan O`Byrne turnover in the zone allowed Phoenix to take possession and Vrbata was able to skate between Ryan O`Reilly (in his first game back from injury) and John-Michael Liles, who is playing in his 500th career NHL game.

Colorado forward Cody McLeod was called for a roughing penalty at 18:20, but the Avalanche’s penalty kill was able to kill off the remainder of the period without allowing a goal. They currently have the second best road penalty kill in the NHL, and haven’t allowed a road power play goal since December 11 against the Washington Capitals.

Phoenix is outshooting the Avalanche by a 11-6 margin.

Avalanche Vs. Coyotes: Ryan O'Reilly Returns

After losing two straight games since the All-Star Break, the Colorado Avalanche hope to get on the right track in Arizona as they face the Phoenix Coyotes for the third time in the past month. Phoenix has won the previous two meetings by a combined score of 7-2 -- though their 5-2 victory over Colorado was not your average game.

Colorado has good news, as forward Ryan O'Reilly will return to game action much sooner than anticipated. O'Reilly has missed seven games since injuring his shoulder on January 14 against the Minnesota Wild. His presence should give the Avalanche a much needed presence on the penalty kill, and help stabilize a third line that has been in flux the past two weeks.

The recently signed Peter Forsberg will not play tonight due to immigration issues, but will make his debut in an Avalanche sweater later on this four game road trip.

Phoenix has played themselves into playoff position (along with every other team in the Pacific Division) though they are 2-4 in their past six games and have not had their usual brilliant goaltending from Ilya Bryzgalov. Much like the Avalanche, their offense has struggled to remain consistent. With the traditionally slow style that Phoenix craves, it could be a sluggish game on both sides.

Craig Anderson will start in net for Colorado. Ilya Bryzgalov is the likely starter for Phoenix.

Puck drops at 7:30 pm MST.