Devils' 6-3 Loss to Avalanche: Defense Unravels

The New Jersey Devils' defense unraveled, especially late in the game, in their 6-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, moving them to 7-4-1 on the season

The New Jersey Devils had a difficult task ahead of them last night, especially since the Colorado Avalanche were coming off a 7-0 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights a couple of nights ago. Unfortunately, the Devils made it more difficult on themselves than it needed to be. Here are three takeaways from the 6-3 loss. 

Devils’ Defense Fell Apart

The game got off to a good start. The Devils played well in the first period, scored the first goal, and went toe to toe with the Avalanche at five-on-five. But it wouldn't take long for things to unravel. 

A lot happened in the second period, but even before Ross Colton lost his cool with a boarding minor and a high-sticking major, there were signs the Devils were in trouble. They were giving up numerous high-danger chances because they were allowing odd-man rush after odd-man rush. 

It didn't catch up to them in the second period because the Devils scored two power-play goals off Colton's seven minutes worth of penalties. But even then, Dougie Hamilton made a poor decision to leave the middle of the ice, giving Miles Wood an easy breakaway opportunity for a shorthanded goal. 

The odd-man rushes did not stop in the third period, either. The Devils continuously gave up odd-man situations, and eventually, their sloppy play caught up to them. 

This wasn't an odd-man rush, but Chris Tierney made an ill-advised pass to the center of the ice toward Alex Holtz, resulting in a turnover. The Avalanche took advantage and scored the go-ahead goal to go up 4-3. 

A few minutes later, Max Willman made a poor decision at his blue line, crossing himself up with another Devils skater and giving Nathan MacKinnon a 2-on-1 opportunity he made no mistake about to give the Avalanche a 5-3 lead.