Semyon Varlamov is only 23 years old and has been very good at times for the Avalanche this season, but the former first round draft pick would probably rather forget Colorado’s 4-1 home loss to the Coyotes on Wednesday. The Avalanche out-shot Phoenix 40-28, but Mike Smith shined and Varlamov didn’t. A goal from Lauri Korpikoski (his third of the year) was the nail in the coffin as Colorado’s impressive attack continued to get denied. Radim Vrbata would add an empty-netter for his second goal of the night to reach the final tally.
The loss drops the Avalanche to 7-4, leaving them squarely at 14 points. Colorado has now lost three of its last four games.
Next up for the Avalanche is the Dallas Stars on Friday. Dallas has been among the most pleasant surprises in the NHL this season, leading the Pacific Division with 16 points.
For more coverage, please visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey or our Coyotes blog Five For Howling.