The Colorado Avalanche lost their first of the preseason with a final of 2–1 to the Vegas Golden Knights. It was the second half of a back-to-back, and the Golden Knights came out with more desire for the win. Colorado was outshot 32–22, with Gabriel Landeskog scoring the lone goal for the Avalanche. The roster for the Avalanche consisted mostly of their NHL players this time around, but so did the Golden Knights’. It made for a fast and defensively loose game. The Avalanche just could not keep up the pace on Wednesday as the Golden Knights came from behind to seal the victory.

Views from the Mountaintop

Gabriel Landeskog is looking like his old self. During the game against the Utah Mammoth, Landeskog dropped the gloves in defense of Cale Makar. On Wednesday night during the first period, the captain sniped a goal between a defender’s legs. A drop pass from Valeri Nichushkin late in the first period set up Landeskog for the shot and his first goal of the preseason.

Defenseman Jack Ahcan has been making a run for first call-up if the Avalanche need a defenseman. Over the last two nights, he received praise from the TNT broadcast crew and then again from the Golden Knights’ crew. Ahcan is in his third year with the organization, making his Avalanche debut late last season. During the last two games, he has shown how he can drive the play for the offense and then avoid contact in his own zone. Last season, Ahcan played 62 games straight for the Colorado Eagles, averaging 23 minutes a night on the blue line. He also served on the power play and penalty kill units.

Sam Malinski continues to struggle as he plays on his off side. He has struggled in two consecutive games on things that were easy for him last season. On Tuesday, Joe Fleming toe-dragged the puck around Malinski to work his way to the net for an easy goal. Fleming played most of the season in the AHL and spent time in the ECHL. On Wednesday, Reilly Smith checked hard behind the net him to separate him from the puck, allowing William Karlsson to score and take the lead.

Up Next

The Avalanche will travel to Dallas to take on the Stars in their last game of the preseason on Saturday. The game will begin at 4 p.m. MT and broadcast on NHL Network.