Colorado Avalanche Final Score: David Jones Scores Two Goals in Avalanche Loss

Following Wednesday night's 3-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild, the Colorado Avalanche have now lost five games in a row and seven of their last eight. David Jones scored the Avalanche's two goals, one at 15:11 in the first period and then the second one 32 seconds into the third period.

The Wild scored two goals in the first, Antti Miettinen scoring a power play goal at 15:00 and Martin Havlat at 15:51. John Madden scored their third and final goal at 10:42 in the second period.

The highlight of the third period to go along with Jones' goal was a multi-player penalty call at 7:32. Colorado' Brandon Yip and Ryan Wilson received roughing penalties while Minnesota's Brent Burns, Cal Clutterbuck and Martin Havlat received roughing penalties as well.

Colorado's Craig Anderson stopped 14 of 17 shots and was pulled in favor of Peter Budaj, who stopped all seven shots he faced. Niklas Backstrom made 23 saves on 25 shots.

The Avalanche resume play on Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday night on the road. The puck drops at 5:00 p.m. MT.

Avalanche Vs. Wild: Colorado Desperate For A Goal

Okay, now it's getting desperate. The Colorado Avalanche enter tonight's game against the Minnesota Wild in absolute free fall. They have lost six of their past seven games, and have seen their playoff chances dwindle as well. They are in 13th place in the Western Conference less than two months after leading the Northwest Division. Hope still remains, however, as they are only five points out of a playoff spot and are starting to get healthy.

The long awaited return of forward and Colorado legend Peter Forsberg will have to wait another day, as he has been delayed by immigration issues. Look for his season debut to take place on Friday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Hopefully his imminent return will spark a dormant Avalanche offense that has now gone six straight periods without a goal, by far their longest stretch of the season.

Another forward has finally returned, as Ryan O`Reilly made a speedy recovery from a shoulder injury suffered against these very same Wild and played on Monday against the Phoenix Coyotes where, despite a solid team effort, Colorado suffered yet another disappointing loss. He will be in the lineup again tonight.

Both teams were shut out by Phoenix their previous contest, with the Wild gaining three whole days to rest. They have used a great 2011 to push their way into playoff contention, though currently are on the outside by two points. Tonight's winner gains a huge step towards that ultimate goal.

Craig Anderson will again start in net for Colorado. If the Avalanche are to make the playoffs this season, it will be on his shoulders. Niklas Backstrom has been fantastic for Minnesota this season, and will again get the start in net.

Puck drops at 6:00 pm MST.