The Colorado Avalanche dropped their fourth straight game (0-1-3) on Sunday, falling 4–3 in overtime to the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center.
The loss was especially painful, coming just a day after a tough 3–2 defeat to the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Despite playing on back-to-back days, Colorado delivered an inspired effort and nearly came away with the win.
Goaltender Trent Miner provided a strong start, keeping the Avalanche within striking distance and allowing them to erase an early 2–0 deficit. While he surrendered a pair of soft goals, his overall performance was commendable and gave Colorado a fighting chance.
The Avalanche rallied from a 3–2 deficit to force overtime, showing plenty of resilience. Unfortunately, a costly defensive lapse in the extra frame proved to be the difference, sealing another heartbreaking loss for the club.
First, Jack Hughes put Martin Nečas on skates with a filthy move that left the Avalanche defenseman completely lost. Hughes danced around him with ease but missed his backhand attempt, sending the puck off the boards and onto Cale Makar’s stick.
Makar quickly shoveled the puck toward Nečas, who tried to handle it with his hand. However, the replay showed Nečas already skating up ice before securing possession — a costly mistake that allowed Simon Nemec to swoop in and recover the loose puck.
From there, the outcome was inevitable — and the Devils sealed the game on the ensuing play.
The costly defensive lapse ultimately robbed the Avalanche of a victory — and an extra point in the standings. Some may call it nitpicking, but moments like these often determine the difference between contenders and average teams. In the NHL, it’s the small details that win and lose games.
Martin Nečas’ mental error proved decisive, gifting the Devils a golden opportunity they likely wouldn’t have had otherwise. By getting ahead of himself, he opened the door for New Jersey to capitalize and secure the overtime win.
The Avalanche can only hope Sunday night serves as a valuable learning experience. Their focus now shifts to Tuesday’s rematch at Ball Arena, the second and final meeting between the two teams this season. With home ice and a chance for redemption, Colorado will look to snap out of its slump and reestablish the sharp, disciplined play that defines a true contender.