Stanley Cup Favorite Avalanche Suddenly in Trouble Down 0-2 to Golden Knights

The Colorado Avalanche were the best team in the NHL all season long and into the playoffs, with the best chances to win the Stanley Cup. And even through the first two rounds of the playoffs, that dominance held true. This team still looked every bit like the best team in hockey and still looked like the favorite to win it all this season.

But suddenly, the favorites are down 0-2 in the Western Conference Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, and they are in real trouble.

Colorado just lost both games at home to start the series, which means the Avalanche are now heading to Las Vegas for Games 3 and 4 in a significant hole. Vegas has completely flipped the pressure onto Colorado, and that is what makes this such a huge storyline. It is one thing to fall behind in a series. It is another to lose both home games and hand all the control to the other side.

Colorado has dealt with numerous issues, from injuries to some of its best players not performing at the highest level. At the same time, Vegas has looked very comfortable, very composed, and completely in command of the series through the first two games.

That is what should be most concerning for the Avalanche. The Golden Knights do not look rattled by the moment at all. They look like the team dictating the pace, the pressure, and the terms of the matchup. And now they get to go back home with a 2-0 lead and a huge opportunity to take total control.

So as the series shifts to Game 3 in Vegas, the Avalanche have a massive task in front of them. If they want to get back into this series, they likely need to find a way to split at minimum, and realistically may need both games to get this thing back to even. It will not be easy, but that may be their only path.