No, the Colorado Avalanche weren’t able to pull out the win in their first game out in Los Angeles during the Rookie Faceoff Tournament, but it’s not really about wins and losses in this tournament. You’re looking for strong performances from specific players heading into camp, and the Avalanche got that from the guys you want to see perform.
Colorado fell 4-3 to the Anaheim Ducks, but didn’t look too bad in the process. Anyone who managed to watch the entire game on the team site deserves a lot of credit, because the camera work was enough to make a normal person lose their lunch. Perhaps it will be better for the other three games in the tournament, but don’t count on that being the case.
Calum Ritchie picked up two assists, and would have had the third assist on the final Avalanche goal if those existed. They don’t, but it was a great start for the 19 year old center. His pass through the “royal road” on the opening goal for Colorado was a thing of beauty, as he drew all the defenders to him before find Jason Polin on the other side of the ice. Sean Behrens also picked up an assist on the play.
Things we love to see!
A look at Polin’s goal ⬇️#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/KoGD46Vfig
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 14, 2024
Ritchie’s second assist came on a goal by Oskar Olausson. The former first round picks connected off a face-off, with Olausson’s shot sneaking past the Ducks goaltender. Because of the horrific camera angle, it’s hard to tell exactly how the shot went in, but it does showcase the quick-strike ability of the 21 year old Swede.
The third and final goal was created by Ivan Ivan, who was a breakout star in the tournament last year. He carried the puck from his own end into the offensive zone, and maneuvered around everyone before dropping the puck to Max Curran, who the Avalanche selected in the fifth round this season. Curran had plenty of time to beat the Ducks goaltender, but it was Ivan who did a lot of the work. He’s a high-IQ player who will probably get a decent look when camp opens up next week.
The Avalanche rookies will be back at it later today when they take on the Seattle Kraken at 4 PM MST. Because it’s the second half of a back-to-back, some players will get the day off, but we’re not quite sure who that will be just yet. Colorado’s final game will take place Monday at 12:30 PM MST against the San Jose Sharks.