Avalanche charged with failure to appear in 4-0 loss to Flames

WHERE/WHEN

January 2, 2016 Game 39
Pepsi Center Denver, CO

HIGHLIGHTS

After a tough overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks two days ago, the Colorado Avalanche were looking to get back on track versus the Calgary Flames with what is becoming a staple for them and scoring the game’s first goal. A parade of John Mitchell penalties, however, would stem the tide and give the Flames back-to-back power play opportunities.

Dougie Hamilton would capitalize on the second power play opportunity as he turned an awful Gabriel Landeskog turnover into a 1-0 lead for the Flames just 7:57 into the contest. Despite several scoring chances for each team, the game would head into the second period still sitting at 1-0.

The Flames would jump out in the second period and use a pair of tip-in goals from Josh Jooris at 8:18 and Matt Stajan at 10:47 to push the Flames lead to 3-0. A Tyson Barrie turnover would turn into a 4-0 Flames lead when Mikael Backlund beat Semyon Varlamov, ending his night and bringing on Calvin Pickard.

A mostly lifeless third period saw the Avalanche hit three posts and take eight more minutes in penalties, thwarting whatever hopes Colorado had at coming back. The Avs finished the third period with a palty one shot on goal and the Flames would walk away with an easy 4-0 victory.

THREE STARS

1. Karri Ramo – 26 saves, shutout
2. Josh Jooris – 1 goal, 1 assist
3. Micheal Ferland – 1 assist

PLAY OF THE GAME

In a game as lopsided as this one, the play of the game and turning point are the same. Calgary’s first goal would hold up throughout the game and the Avalanche would never seriously threaten Karri Ramo all night.

BY THE NUMBERS

QUOTE OF THE GAME

“We had another very good crowd tonight and we need to be better in our building. We need to dominate in our building and be more dangerous. We have to play better hockey.” -Head Coach Patrick Roy

Full postgame audio with Patrick Roy:

LASTING IMPACT

The loss allows Nashville to put some breathing room between themselves and the Avalanche as the gap now stands at six points. Winnipeg, trailing Colorado for most of the past month, has closed the gap for catching the Avs to just one point.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Avalanche continue a season-high five game homestand as they welcome the visiting Los Angeles Kings on Monday, January 4th. Puck drop is 7:00PM MST.