The Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights opened up the first leg of their preseason back-to-back on Tuesday night at Ball Arena. The Avalanche took the game late with a 4–2 win, closed out by a Joel Kiviranta empty-netter. Colorado remains undefeated in the preseason at 4–0, while Vegas falls to 2–3.

There was plenty to like for the Avalanche in their comeback after being down 2–1 at the end of the second period. However, there are already some concerns about health and player depth after this game.

View from the Mountaintop

Special teams would be the name of the game from the get-go. While the Avalanche didn’t allow a single shot on the first Vegas power play, it was the first of three in the period they’d have to fight off.

Trent Miner made eight stops in the first period but was shaky. He had some trouble with puck movement, particularly almost tapping the puck into his own net. However, he’d recover afterwards for a solid 22-save performance.

But at the other end of the ice, the team showed a good preview of the third line. Sam Malinski had a nice outlet pass up to Ross Colton, who fed Jack Drury for the opening goal on a 2-on-1.

But Malinski showed some struggles in the second period, particularly on Vegas’ second goal. Already playing on his off-side, Joe Fleming sold him on a toe drag. While it’s only the preseason, Malinski’s spot may not be as safe as it seems with an excess of right-handed defensemen on the team.

Jason Polin cleaned up for the game-tying goal, and Colton would score Colorado’s third goal with help from Drury. But Gavin Brindley, despite not being credited with a secondary assist, set up the play brilliantly with his rush chance at the net. He continues to shine in the preseason. It’s making the team’s decision about the roster much, much harder.

However, there’s plenty to be concerned about when it comes to defensive depth for the Avalanche. Ronnie Attard was involved in a hard open-ice collision and left the game. Defense might be a question mark for both the Avalanche and Colorado Eagles. They are already without Sam Girard, Hank Kempf, and Connor Kelley. Matthew Stienburg also left after blocking a shot.

Up Next

These two teams will be right back at it on Wednesday night. This time, they’ll play on the Las Vegas strip at 7:00 p.m. MT. Jared Bednar mentioned likely playing more veterans on the road during his in-game interview with TNT, thanks to the back-to-back.