TORONTO — The Avalanche decided to suppress their injury-induced pent-up frustration by suppressing shots.
“We’re just kind of used to it now,” Mikko Rantanen said when asked about the latest blow: Artturi Lehkonen’s broken finger.
If it sounds like he’s being defensive, it’s because the Avs are: Lights-out defending turns out to be the best coping mechanism.
A team that was at a defensive nadir one week ago is suddenly playing its best defense of the season. Colorado (38-22-6) is averaging 19 shots allowed in the last three games and 20.2 in the last five.
Starting late in the second period vs.