We have finally worked our way through the preseason, Avs fans. It was a long week, but the Colorado Avalanche made it out mostly unscathed. On Saturday afternoon they played the Utah Mammoth but got shut down in the last game as they lost 2–0. It could have been a lot worse if it weren’t for goaltender Scott Wedgewood.

The Wedgewall held as much as it could

Scott Wedgewood held off the Mammoth as much as he could with the roster in front of him. The Avs allowed nine power plays for the Mammoth, letting them score on one of them. Utah scored a second after a power play expired, so it might as well have been a power play goal. But the veteran goaltender looked as though he had not missed a beat. He was on top of plays and working post-to-post with no issues. Despite head coach Jared Bednar wanting Mackenzie Blackwood to reclaim the starting position, Wedgewood might still offer strong competition.

Lysell makes an effort

Fabian Lysell, acquired by the Avs from Boston in exchange for Ivan Ivan, showed effort in the preseason. He was noticeable in Saturday’s game with his aggressiveness on the offensive side of the puck. On several occasions, Lysell attempted to carry the puck, but going to the edge and dipping his shoulder for a run to the net. He recorded an assist in Monday’s preseason game but stood out much more this time. Lysell was skating a lot rather than gliding around as well. Unfortunately, it may be too little, too late with T.J. Hughes now fighting for the last roster spot.

DiMarsico and final notes

Matthew DiMarsico really stood out for the Avs late in the game. He had only 12:30 of ice time, but 1:45 of that was while on the power play. He has shown Avs fans an affinity for going toward the net and using his impressive shot. DiMarsico even had a shot that went off the post and was close to being the only goal of the game for the Avs.

Taylor Makar played only one period of the game, leaving with an injury after the first intermission. Rodio broadcaster Conor McGahey confirmed that Makar was being evaluated, but there was no update after that. Both DiMarsico and Makar are going to be vital pieces to the youth movement this season. If Makar is not healthy, it could set him back in the depth chart.

Up next

With the preseason wrapped up, the Avalanche will play their first regular season game on Wednesday, September 30 against the Los Angeles Kings. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. MT and the game will be broadcast on TNT.

We can probably expect about 14 to 16 players to be reassigned to the Colorado Eagles over the next 24 hours.