The Colorado Avalanche suffered a stunning 3-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2 of their Western Conference series on Friday night in Denver, putting Colorado in a 2-0 hole as the matchup shifts to Las Vegas. The setback was especially notable because the Avalanche had led entering the third period in 45 previous games this season and had not lost any of those contests. This time, they held a 1-0 advantage before allowing two goals in a little more than two minutes late in the third period, followed by an empty-net goal.
The Avalanche played without star defenseman Cale Makar for a second straight game, and his absence continued to affect both ends of the ice. Colorado’s power play struggled, the offense lacked its usual rhythm, and the defensive structure looked unsettled without one of the league’s top blue-liners. Makar is officially sidelined with an upper-body injury after being banged up in the previous round against Minnesota. Coach Jared Bednar said there is urgency to get Makar back, but emphasized that the decision will be made by the player, not the team.
For much of the game, Colorado appeared poised to even the series after dropping Game 1 by a 4-2 score. Goalie Scott Wedgewood was on track for the first playoff shutout of his career before Vegas struck late. Jack Eichel tied the game, Ivan Barbashev quickly put the Golden Knights ahead, and Barbashev later sealed the win with an empty-net goal. The late collapse left the Avalanche frustrated after what they considered a stronger all-around performance than in the opener.
Captain Gabe Landeskog said the team improved in many areas, but admitted that the most important one — scoring goals — remains a problem. He also acknowledged that the Golden Knights’ successful penalty kills in the third period may have shifted momentum when Colorado was trying to protect its lead. Still, he stressed that the team must reset quickly and focus on one win at a time rather than looking too far ahead in the best-of-seven series.
The Avalanche entered the playoffs as the Presidents’ Trophy winner and one of the Stanley Cup favorites, powered by a deep roster and 17 different goal scorers during a dominant regular-season and early playoff run. But their recent scoring drought and Makar’s injury have exposed vulnerabilities at a critical time. Now, facing elimination pressure despite only two games played, Colorado must rediscover its offense and stability if it hopes to keep its championship chase alive.
