A night after a crushing Avs loss in which Colorado couldn’t close out the series, here are three rapid fire thoughts on the Avs night that was.

The Team Just Stopped Playing In The Third

At least it seemed that way. Aside from a moment of what only can be described as pure brilliance from Nathan Mackinnon the Avs were lackluster in the third frame. They just took the foot off of the gas peddle and allowed Husso to become comfortable in net for the Blues. This kind of complacency can’t be allowed to bleed into a game six.

We’ve Seen This Before From The Avs

Far to often in my lifetime have I seen this story from the Colorado Avalanche. A dominating 3-1 series lead and then a failure to close out in game 5. This often leads to a game six loss on the road and a game 7 in which the Avs have performed horrifically over the past few years. As a fan of the team I am deeply concerned that after the loss last night it may be over for us.

Time For A Goalie Change?

Darcy Kuemper was horrific in net in game five. The goal he gives up in OT against Tyler Bozak of all people was totally unacceptable, an easy shot that just wizzed by the netminder. That paired with three very weak goals in regulation make you wonder about the strength of Darcy in a series against a team like Tampa Bay. Jared Bednar was steadfast in saying there would be no changes made in net but maybe it’s time for Kuemper to re focus. His numbers don’t tell the story of the season, which is that in clutch moments he fails to make the big save. The move to trade for him with high round draft capital is pretty much the only move you can be critical of Joe Sakic over.

Game six takes place Friday night in Saint Louis at 6 pm.