Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Annunen suffers first loss after new contract deal

Originally posted on The Rink | By Shelby Paugh | Last updated 3/27/24

Justus Annunen got the start and the loss tonight against the Montreal Canadiens. The Colorado Avalanche announced this morning that they signed Annunen to a two-year, one-way NHL contract.

First period

Nathan MacKinnon wasted no time extending his streak for the longest point streak. Forty-three seconds into the first period against the Canadiens, MacKinnon snapped one past Canadiens’ goaltender, Sam Montembeault.

With this goal, MacKinnon ties his own record from earlier this season with 19 points. He also becomes the first player in National Hockey League history to have multiple 19-game point streaks in a single season. Also, with this current point streak, he moves to 34th in league history.

The streak continues!

35-straight home games with a point. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/0fqS1lmxC5

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 27, 2024

Only nine seconds later, the Canadiens responded. Nick Suzuki fired a wrist shot to the right side of Annunen. Suzuki has been a key player for the Canadiens this season who sits at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. This goal marks his 29th of the season, he leads the Canadiens in goals and points (67).

nouveau sommet dans sa carrière: 67 pts!!

career high 67th point!!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/YGcSBgj8my

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 27, 2024

Joel Armia gave the Canadiens a 2–1 lead with 5:07 remaining in the period. Former Avalanche forward, Alex Newhook, and Kaiden Guhle assisted Armia on the goal.

SPIN-O-ARMIA#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/FSjsUgZ0jt

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) March 27, 2024

Second period

The Avalanche and Canadiens finish the middle frame scoreless. Annunen saw only eight shots in twenty minutes of play. While, the rest of the team put up seven of their own.

Third period

Sean Walker, newbie to the Avalanche roster, served two penalties in the last period for six minutes. He was first given a two-minute penalty for hooking. Minutes later, he served a four-minute minor for high-sticking.

Fortunately, the Canadiens could only pull off one shot against Annunen. Unfortunately, the Avalanche weren’t able to do much with the remaining five minutes on the clock.

Colorado ends its win streak with a 2–1 loss against Montreal. Annunen now holds a record of 5–2–1 with the Avalanche this season.

Takeaways

The Colorado Avalanche will be at home Thursday night to face off against the New York Rangers at 7 p.m. The Rangers secured their spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after their 6–5 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers.