PITTSBURGH — The day before they played the then-undefeated Avalanche, multiple veteran players on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster offered a warning: If their scuffling club didn’t play better and pay attention to important details, the visiting team was going to punish them.
Two days later, Buffalo coach Don Granato offered a very similar message before his Sabres played host to the Avalanche. Both teams put forth arguably the best performances of their young seasons, and the Avs went home on a two-game losing streak.
The Avalanche has plenty of experience “getting their best shot” from opponents. Colorado just spent last season as the reigning Stanley Cup champion.