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.