Alternate captain Nathan MacKinnon was frustrated after the Colorado Avalanche suffered a Game 1 loss in the Western Conference Finals. The team entered the series with an 8-1 playoff record and was the favorite for the win.

However, the tables were turned, and they succumbed to a 4–2 defeat against the Vegas Golden Knights. Throughout the night, the Avalanche struggled to control the neutral zone and were forced into making errors.

After the game, while talking to the press, MacKinnon acknowledged his team's disappointing display.

“We just weren’t sharp. Our execution was poor from everybody,” MacKinnon said, as per Yahoo Sports. “Yeah, just got to be sharper than that.”

After a scoreless first period, Vegas hit the ground running in the second. Thanks to Dylan Coghlan and Pavel Dorofeyev, the Golden Knights went 2-0 up, before Brett Howden added another 1:34 minutes into the third period.

Avalanche winger Valeri Nichuskin cut the deficit to 3-1, as Vegas sought a comeback. Captain Gabriel Landeskog brought his team to within one, but that was it.

Vegas' Nic Dowd snatched a goal in the final minute to seal the 4-2 win.

MacKinnon believed both teams had their opportunities, with the Golden Knights delivering in front of the goal. His comments highlight how the game quickly changed after a few goals.

"We had chances. They didn’t do a whole lot either,” MacKinnon said. “It was kind of a nothing game, and then they got a few goals. And really good team obviously, but I thought we did a lot of damage to ourselves."

He also noted his team's dysfunctional structure which led to failed goalscoring scenarios.

"Yeah, just guys kind of everywhere. You know, execution, like I said, needs to be better, and obviously we’re capable of being a lot better than that.”

Colorado tried multiple defensive rotations throughout the night, which explains their fragility. On the other hand, Vegas goaltender Carter Hart shut down 36 attempts and kept the opponents at bay.

The Avalanche clearly missed their defensive talisman Cale Makar.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar provides an update on Cale Makar

Cale Makar was absent from Game 1, which led to numerous defensive shifts for the Avalanche. His absence was especially felt after Dylan Coghlan's opening goal and the miscommunication which led to Pavel Dorofeyev extending the lead.

Furthermore, the team may continue to suffer defensive lapses, as Makar is also set to miss Game 2. Vegas coach Jared Bednar clarified his position in the post-game presser.

“He’s not,” Bednar stated when asked about Makar's availability on Friday.

This has created uncertainty around the team lineup for Game 2. However, Bednar will keeps the cards close to his chest.

“Yeah. I’m not going to give you any other lineup decisions. I’ll give you eight out. That’s it," he said.

With their star defenseman out, the Avalanche must find another way ahead of Game 2 and bounce back in the series.

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Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Sijo Paul