On paper, the Colorado Avalanche seem like an opportunity for Washington Capitals players to stack up some shots on goal and maybe points.
The Avs crumbled even more than that paper even suggested on Saturday, too.
It was a laugher for Washington, as they won 7-3. Granted, it wasn’t funny for Patrick Roy & Co.
Patrick Roy does not appear to love the Avs' start tonight pic.twitter.com/Q0dn0bfhzG
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) November 22, 2015
Roy seemed to acknowledge that Reto Berra struggled in net, even if the fiery former goalie isn’t caving to critics who say his system isn’t up to snuff.
"I guess our goalie was not at his best tonight." #Avs head coach Patrick Roy after Colorado lost to the #Capitals 7-3
— Raul Martinez (@RaulNBCBoston) November 22, 2015
At times, Berra saved Colorado’s bacon during this past stretch, although Matt Duchene and Nathan MacKinnon have provided fireworks themselves.
Perhaps in ways that parallel the Canadiens getting Carey Price back as Mike Condon began to falter, it’s probably a relief that Semyon Varlamov is believed to be nearing a return.
Patrick Roy said he thinks Varlamov will be ready Monday at Winnipeg #Avs
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) November 21, 2015
Will Varlamov right the ship, or will Roy need to find someone else to blame?
(In case you’re wondering, Evgeny Kuznetsov was the Capitals player who seemed to benefit the most with a one-goal, two-assist night.)