‘Not Hаppy wіtһ tһe Wаy We Plаyed’: Avѕ Uneven іn OT Wіn

Blackwood made 27 saves and excelled in one of his toughest battles since joining the Avs. The 28-year-old goaltender has faced three 30-plus shots- and four 25-plus shots- games and has not allowed more than two goals in any of the 11 games he has started

“Sometimes the games take shape and they’re a little quieter, and sometimes they’re a little busier. So as a goalie, you don’t control the game at all, you’re kind of just in your own little world back there, kind of reacting to the shape that the game takes on,” Blackwood said. “So for me, no expectations of how games are going to go. Just try and do your best and be patient throughout the whole thing.”

Avs Leadership Reliable in Challenging Victory Over Rangers

Head coach Jared Bednar was not in good spirits after the win. He was candid about the disdain of his team’s performance saying, “Ultimately, it’s like we only had half a team playing. That’s it. Sums up everything.”

Bednar credited Logan O’Connor for his work ethic and said some players were great, some average and others played poorly. O’Connor is an essential member of the team’s leadership group, which is important in a tight, tough game like Tuesday night’s.

“The leaders in here are awesome. Always making sure we’re still believing. And with this team, you’re never out of it. It’s just a matter of sticking with it … wasn’t our best night, but just the fact that you’re able to keep the belief,” Parker Kelly said. “We got a huge 6-on-5 goal from the leaders. Just goes to show that they’re practicing what they preach. It was really good to see.”

Kelly took part of the blame for some of the team’s lack of engagement and said they were not mentally prepared from the get-go. He was joined at Wednesday’s optional practice by forwards Joel Kiviranta, Juuso Parssinen, Jason Polin, Jere Innala, Ross Colton and Casey Mittelstadt. Defenseman Sam Malinski, Keaton Middleton, Calvin de Haan and Sam Girard were on the ice as well

“It’s optional for certain players. We’ve got a lot of data and science behind it, and some guys need a little bit of work and want to go on the ice, and other guys really didn’t need to touch the ice today. We taxed some guys pretty hard last night, unfortunately,” Bednar said.

How Avs Goaltenders Support Team Outside the Net

The Avalanche’s awareness of their subpar play was important in figuring out how to earn the two points. Blackwood said he isn’t the most vocal in the room during games but supports his team in other ways.

“Honestly, not that verbal. I mean, I say good job, but I’m not yelling or trying to fire them up or anything. It’s not really my role,” Blackwood said. “I’m not super talkative in the middle of the game, but trying to be positive.”

Scott Wedgewood said it can be tricky if and what to say in a difficult game, and that he picks his spots as a backup when contributing to discussions between periods.

“I get the luxury of seeing the same image the coaches get to see, I’m right under the mix of it. I get to see their emotions, what’s available. And then obviously the coaches get the video and recap in their meetings and stuff, and come in and address the guys,” Wedgewood said. “But little things, if it’s just a shot lane or a tendency of a goalie, where he’s looking, who has the puck, that stuff gets reiterated to the guys. But when the team’s fighting it and no one’s pouring out charisma and things like that, you got to pick your spots. Try to say a little thing yesterday, just try and build energy if you can, but you don’t want to overstep and be the happy-go-lucky guy when everyone’s fighting it.”

Colorado is focused on regrouping after that challenging win and being prepared to face the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night. Kelly said the team needs to make a collective effort to have better starts which could be a key to turning around their game.