After a brutal stretch of losses, the Avalanche looked like they had a solid chance to win last night in Vancouver, but ended up losing the game 4-2 (Denver Post). It marks the team's 19th loss in 20 games, a remarkable slide that even has the hometown paper of last night's opponents wondering what's gone so wrong: "Those few people still going to games in Denver, where only a few years ago the Avalanche were considered one of the NHL's mightiest franchises, are witnessing something historic: An epic reversal in form that completes a boomerang trajectory as violent as any seen in recent history" (Vancouver Sun).

The Avs stand in stark contrast to the University of Denver Pioneers, who head into this weekend's Final Five tournament with a clear focus on winning (Denver Post). Also shaming the Avs are the Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League, sitting at first place with four games left in their regular season. The Eagles beat the Laredo Bucks 5-0 Wednesday night in front of their 300th consecutive sellout crowd at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland (Fort Collins Coloradoan).