INSTANT REACTION: Avs kick off back-to-back on the road with 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators

The Colorado Avalanche decided that saving legs – or whatever that performance was tonight – was more important in the first game of a back-to-back. The Avs lose this one against the Ottawa Senators 5-2.

Mackenzie Blackwood started in net for the Avs, facing new signing James Reimer on the other side of the ice. Scott Wedgewood is on the trip after welcoming his second child into the world last week, and backed up Blackwood tonight.

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The first period was one of the most boring periods of Avalanche hockey so far this season. Shots were just 9-4 in favor of Ottawa.

Things get a little more exciting on the goal-scoring front in the second period. Nathan MacKinnon falls and tries to keep the puck in Colorado’s possession, but his attempt is fruitless, and Ottawa goes the other way. Ultimately, it’s Nick Cousins beating Josh Manson in front of Mackenzie Blackwood to get things going at Canadian Tire Centre.

Parker Kelly takes advantage of bad puck coverage by Ottawa on a bank pass, but the tie doesn’t last long as less than 20 seconds later, Ridley Greig beats Keaton Middleton back to Colorado’s net and beats Blackwood with a shot. After 40 minutes of lackluster hockey from the Avs, they trail 2-1 heading into the third period.

Claude Giroux leads Ottawa into the third period to make it a two-goal lead. Valeri Nichushkin gives the Avs a little life with a timely goal, but two empty net goals from Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle put this game away to make it a 5-2 final in Ottawa.

Forwards did not show up today

Shot on goal totals:

• Valeri Nichushkin: 2
• Parker Kelly: 1
• Jack Drury: 1
• Nathan MacKinnon: 1
• Gavin Brindley: 1
• Zakhar Bardakov: 1
• Victor Olofsson: 2

18 shots on goal across your entire team, and your forwards only put up half of them? That is inexcusable after putting up 37 shots on goal against Toronto just a few days ago.

Especially considering that your top shooting guy in Nathan MacKinnon generated absolutely nothing of substance until the third period.

Avs postgame pod