The struggles continue for the Colorado Avalanche, as they fall to the Anaheim Ducks by a 6-2 margin. They have now lost 17 of 18 games, and have plummeted in the Western Conference standings.
The Avalanche led this game 1-0 after the first period on a beautiful deflection and shot by Ryan O’Reilly past Ducks goalie Dan Ellis in the final minute of the period, rewarding Colorado for playing a more physical game throughout. Colorado was outshooting Anaheim by a 12-8 margin after that period.
Things went downhill from there, as the Ducks scored four goals in the second period, putting the game out of reach. Saku Koivu, Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Dan Sexton all scored in the middle period for Anaheim, ensuring the Ducks will gain two precious points for the evening and placing them within striking distance of a playoff spot.
Colorado, on the other hand, is now well within reach of top three draft pick in the upcoming June Entry Draft. With an Ottawa Senators victory, the Avalanche fell behind Ottawa in the standings.
Colorado goalie Brian Elliott stopped only 27 of 33 shots for a dismal .818 SV%. David Jones, one of the few highlights of this season, added another goal in the second period. He now has a career high 24 goals on the season, proving that he can be a top winger when healthy.
Colorado now travels to Nashville for the second game of a back-to-back to play the Predators.