Morning Flurries: The Wild Suck

Cat and Tom went to bed early like losers and left me with the Flurries. I hope you like my style!

The Avs

Let’s get this over with, the Colorado Avalanche lost to the Minnesota Wild 3-2 in a close, but frustrating affair. [Mile High Hockey]

Despite the scoresheet, Semyon Varlamov was Colorado’s best player tonight, allowing just one even-strength goal on 18 shots, 8 for 9 on the power play. A “lucky” empty net goal cost the Varlamov and the Avs a chance at victory as they applied the pressure late. Well, I’d say the black hole that is the Avalanche offense outside of the MacKinnon line had a bit more to do with it, but we’ll stick to the first one.

The Altitude Sports boys gave their take from the loss. Rycroft’s report card failed the smell test for me. A “D” for a power play going 0/6 and giving up a shorty? C’mon. Complaining about not getting a seventh power play is needless and stupid. It’s not like the power play was going to score on it at the rate they were going last night.

Coach gave his own thoughts on the game. Someone give that man a hug.

I’m appalled no one knows Mork Barberio’s name. Appalled!

The Prospects

In agonizing symmetry, the Colorado Eagles got dropped 6-1 to the Iowa Wild in AHL action. Yep, those Wild. And would you look at that, the power play vs. the Wild appears to be an organizational issue! [Colorado Eagles]

Iowa Wild forward Jordan Greenway registered a hat trick, while the Wild scored three goals in the second period to propel Iowa to a 6-1 victory over the Colorado Eagles on Saturday. The Wild scored a pair of goals on the power play, while holding the Eagles 0-for-5 on the man-advantage in the contest.

Familiar face Sheldon Dries got the only goal of the game for the Eagles. Good move there.

Hating the Wild is a major mood.

The Game

Auston Matthews got injured in the Maple Leafs’ 3-2 comeback win over the WInnipeg Jets. Thanks for that, by the way. [Pension Plan Puppets]

The hit happened in the second period, and Matthews did not return to the game. In keeping with the new way of things in the NHL — more on that Monday as the league announces their new gambling initiatives — the Leafs came right out and said it was a shoulder injury during the game.

Jake Allen injured himself while making a spectacular save on Brandon Saad. [St. Louis Game Time]

Zach Sanford collided with Allen’s head, clearly sending his head awkwardly snapping backwards. Allen was down on the ice for about a minute before getting up and being helped. Chad Johnson finished the period and the game, saving all five shots against.

The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without defenseman Victor Hedman for at least a week. They also lost 7-1 to the Arizona Coyotes last night. Double yikes. [NHL dot com]

The 27-year-old defenseman, who won the Norris Trophy last season, was injured in the second period of a 3-2 win at the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday when he was hit by forward Ryan Reaves. Hedman left the game and did not return.

The Orlando Solar Bears are going with an X-Ray themed jersey for charity this Halloween! [NHL dot com]

Orlando dubbed its game “Boo With The Bears,” where fans participated in a costume competition and did trick-or-treating around the arena. The Solar Bears auctioned the jerseys off to those in attendance, with proceeds benefiting the Jewett Foundation, which supports programs and partnerships that empower and change lives in the Greater Orlando community.

GRITTY! GRITTY EVERYWHERE!!!