The Colorado Avalanche aren't off to a great start, trailing 2-0 against the Phoenix Coyotes after one period on Thursday night. Colorado has played well of late, winning five of its past six games, including four wins in overtimes or shootouts and a loss in another shootout.

The two teams are actually knotted up at 9-9 in terms of shots on goal, but Semyon Varlamov has struggled in the goal for Colorado with just seven saves on nine shots. The Coyotes' first goal came just a few minutes into the game when Raffi Torres scored his 15th goal of the season to give Phoenix the lead.

Kyle Chipchura followed up over ten minutes later with another goal to expand Phoenix's lead to two goals. Neither team was able to capitalize on any of its power play opportunities in the period.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Coyotes blog Five For Howling.