The Colorado Avalanche narrowly avoided a disaster on Saturday night, salvaging a 5-4 shootout win against the Montreal Canadiens after surrendering a 4-1 lead.
The Avs appeared to be in control, thanks in part to Brock Nelson’s two-point effort. However, a sudden surge by the Canadiens—who struck twice within 30 seconds—turned the game into a nail-biter. Despite their struggles, the Avalanche managed to force a shootout, where Nelson once again delivered, securing the crucial two points.
While the Canadiens’ comeback was impressive, the Avalanche’s inability to maintain focus against a non-playoff team raises concerns. With the postseason approaching, every point matters, and lapses like this could prove costly in the playoffs.
With roughly a dozen games left in the regular season, Colorado must tighten up defensively and maintain intensity throughout 60 minutes. Their likely first-round matchup against the Dallas Stars will demand nothing less.
