Florida Slips Past Colorado 2–1, Ending Avalanche Win Streak.

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers halted Colorado’s momentum Sunday night, earning a 2–1 victory that handed the Avalanche just their third regulation loss of the season. Sam Bennett opened the scoring 6:27 into the first period, and Aaron Ekblad added what proved to be the game-winning goal late in the second. Both tallies were unassisted. Florida goaltender Daniil Tarasov turned aside 27 shots to secure the win. Colorado briefly tied the game when Artturi Lehkonen scored midway through the second period, but the Avalanche were unable to generate another breakthrough. The loss snapped Colorado’s second 10-game winning streak of the season. The Avalanche dropped to 31-3-7, still boasting 69 points through 41 games — the second-highest total at that point in NHL history. Only the 1929–30 Boston Bruins recorded more points (73) through 41 contests. Despite changes to the league’s overtime and points system since then, Colorado’s start remains historically impressive. Colorado also suffered a setback when captain Gabriel Landeskog exited early in the second period with an upper-body injury and did not return. Scott Wedgewood made 23 saves for the Avalanche, falling to 18-2-4 on the season. It marked only the third time Colorado has been held to a single goal this year. Florida played without defenseman Seth Jones, who is dealing with an upper-body injury sustained during Friday’s Winter Classic. The Panthers are awaiting further updates on his status.

The team will begin a six-game road trip Monday, and Matthew Tkachuk — sidelined all season following offseason surgery — is expected to travel, though his return date remains uncertain. Colorado continues its road trip Tuesday night in Tampa Bay, while Florida opens its trip the same night in Toronto.