Avalanche Struggle with Ineffective Power Play in Lopsided Loss to Penguins

Colorado's top players log heavy minutes as injuries and lineup changes take a toll

Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:25am

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The Colorado Avalanche suffered a 7-2 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the team's struggling power play emerging as a key factor in the lopsided loss. Head coach Jared Bednar acknowledged that the power play's ineffectiveness was sapping the team's overall momentum, as they failed to capitalize on several early opportunities. Despite outshooting the Penguins 17-10 in the first period, the Avalanche trailed 4-2 and were unable to mount a comeback, with Pittsburgh adding three more goals over the final two periods.

Why it matters

The Avalanche's power play struggles have been an ongoing issue this season, and the team's inability to convert on the man-advantage in this game proved costly. With several key players sidelined due to injury, Colorado's top skaters like Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri were forced to log heavy minutes, which may have contributed to the team's lack of energy and execution as the game wore on.

The details

The Avalanche had four power play opportunities in the game, including two in the first period when the game was still close, but they were unable to find the back of the net. This allowed the Penguins to maintain momentum and eventually pull away with a barrage of goals. Colorado's skaters were also criticized for their careless play with the puck and lack of urgency in their defensive efforts.

  • The Avalanche trailed 4-2 after the first period despite having two power play opportunities.
  • Colorado failed to generate any offense on a third power play chance early in the second period, and Pittsburgh then made it 5-2.
  • Before the second period ended, a power-play goal for Pittsburgh made it 6-2.

The players

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who acknowledged that the team's struggling power play was sapping their overall momentum.

Nathan MacKinnon

The star center for the Colorado Avalanche, who expressed frustration with the team's inconsistent power play performance since the Olympic break.

Brock Nelson

The Avalanche forward who has struggled offensively, with zero goals and five assists in his last 10 games.

Cale Makar

The star defenseman for the Avalanche, who has been inconsistent on the defensive end alongside partner Devon Toews.

Nazem Kadri

The veteran forward acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline, who has seen his ice time increase significantly despite the team's depth at center.

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What they’re saying

“When you don't have a good power player, when you're just going breakout, breakout, the other team is going to get momentum.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach (Colorado Hockey Now)

“We need everyone on the same page, and we need more communication before the game. Since the break, it felt like we've been pretty good. And then Winnipeg and then tonight was just off again. Can't really explain it. It's been like that all season.”

— Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Hockey Now)

What’s next

The Avalanche will need to quickly regroup and address their power play issues ahead of their upcoming game against the Dallas Stars, who are also coming off a loss. The team's depth will continue to be tested as they await the return of several injured players.

The takeaway

The Avalanche's struggles with their power play have become a recurring theme this season, and the team's inability to capitalize on early opportunities proved costly in this lopsided defeat. With key players logging heavy minutes due to injuries, Colorado will need to find a way to get their special teams and overall game back on track to avoid further setbacks in their quest for a playoff spot.