The Colorado Avalanche are struggling right now. Losers of four of their last five games, the Avs need a win in the worst way tonight against the visiting Florida Panthers. After two periods, Colorado trails the Panthers 2-1 at the Pepsi Center.
Florida got the scoring started in the first period when Marcel Goc scored a power play goal with five minutes remaining in the opening frame. Goc's fifth score of the season was assisted by Michal Repik and Dmitry Kulikov.
Colorado would tie the score at 1-1 when Peter Mueller scored his first goal of the season off a pass from defenseman Erik Johnson. The tie score would be short-lived. Florida would retake the lead with just 1:12 left in the second when Stephen Weiss scored his 12th goal of the season. Brian Campbell and Kulikov were each credited with assists.
The Avalanche have out-shot Florida 25-19 thus far.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and Coyotes blog Five for Howling. For news and notes from around the NHL, visit SB Nation's NHL news hub.