NEWARK, N.J. — In the Avalanche’s least inspiring stretches early this season, the immediate temptation might be to label any lethargy as a championship hangover. Colorado did, after all, have the shortest offseason recharge in the NHL.
Friday night’s 1-0 loss to the Devils was a special hangover of its own variety.
Three nights after winning a shootout in New York that unfolded with as much suspense as a regular season game can pack, the Avalanche crossed the Hudson River and failed to sleepwalk through New Jersey, despite outshooting the Devils 24-23.
Colorado (4-3-1) had been shut out only once in its previous 153 games and only five times in the last three seasons, including playoffs.