NEWARK, N.J. — In the Avalanche’s least inspiring stretches early this season, the immediate temptation might be to label any lethargy as 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.