Playing Not To Lose - Avs at Detroit Feb. 1

The month of February is going to be, by far, the biggest test for the Colorado Avalanche this year. The Avs started the month in Detroit Friday night, a month that will see them play 10 of 14 games on the road, and only 1 against a team that is not currently in a playoff spot or on the verge of one. Throw in the fact that they will most likely have to play this month without Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth, and you have got yourself quite a conundrum.
From the opening faceoff, you knew this game would not resemble Wednesday night's win vs. Chicago. The Avs, though they played a spirited game, played the entire game as though they were trying not to lose, instead of trying to win. The Red Wings controlled the puck well, created chances, and didn't allow the Avalanche to mount any kind of offensive attack for the first 40 minutes. The Avs were able to muster 3 shots on goal in the 1st, followed up with 1 in the second. That's right, one shot on goal. The Avs did have a goal disallowed with 8 seconds left in the 2nd period when Scott Hannan was pushed into the goal post trying to come around the net, and while he stayed out of the crease and hung on to the crossbar, Milan Hejduk threaded a shot through his legs and into the goal. Thanks to a golden globe worthy performance by Hasek, who "allegedly" was interfered with, the goal was immediately waved off. That was the best chance the Avs had to gather any momentum, and it was for naught.
The Avs did show up for the last 20 minutes though, creating chances and actually registering 11 shots on goal. Peter Budaj continued to be the only reason the game was tied, but all that changed with 2:40 left in the 3rd when Henrik Zetterberg potted a wraparound to take the lead for Detroit and seal victory. Kris Draper would add an empty netter with :13 left, and that was that.
It was obvious again, that the Avs have a long way to go when it comes to competing with the best teams in the league. Yes they are dealing with injuries, but they didn't even give themselves a chance to win for the first 40 minutes. While they were able to keep Detroit to the outside for most of the game, the game plan was to clearly hope Budaj could steal a shutout through 3 periods, steal a point, and maybe a second in OT or the shootout. Unfortunately, the Wings finally broke through late, and that was that.
The Avs power play went 0-3 and continues to look horrible, spending more time in their own end rather than attacking. On the bright side, the PK killed 4 Wings opportunities including a big 5 on 3 early in the 1st period.
The Avs travel to St. Louis today, a game they really need. With Budaj's performance last night, one would assume that he would get the start tonight, but with Joel Quinneville, who knows.
Numbers!!!
Goals
Wings: Zetterberg (30) from Datsyuk (45) and Rafalski (35)
Draper (9) from Datsyuk (46) and Lidstrom (44)

SOG
Avs: 3-1-11 - 15
Wings: 14-9-13 - 36

PP
Avs: 0-3
Wings: 0-4

Standings:
Avalanche 58 points - 7th in West
Red Wings 82 points - 1st in West