That loss to Vegas? It felt like a tough descent.

The Colorado Avalanche dropped a 4-2 decision to the Vegas Golden Knights last night at Ball Arena, and it was one of those games where the terrain just didn't read right. Denver watched as Vegas took control in the second period with goals from D. Coghlan and a power-play marker from P. Dorofeyev. We were down 3-0 early in the third after B. Howden found the net, which felt like staring up at a sheer rock face. Valeri Nichushkin got us on the board, and Gabriel Landeskog gave us some real hope with a power-play goal late in the third, making it 3-2. But then N. Dowd sealed it for the Golden Knights with an empty-netter at 19:15, and the comeback trail evaporated. The Avs outshot Vegas 38-28, but sometimes the puck just doesn't find the line.

What does this mean for the Colorado Avalanche? Not much in the standings, really. We're still sitting pretty at 55-16-11 with 121 points, comfortably first in the Central Division, and our last ten games are still a solid 7-2-1. This was a regulation loss, which stings, but it’s a good reminder that every climb requires focus. It also gives Jared Bednar something to chew on before the playoffs kick off. We’ve got some time to re-calibrate, maybe hit a few morning skates, grab a brunch at Snooze on Broadway, and clear our heads.

* Key takeaways from the game:

* Vegas's special teams were sharp, especially their power play.

* The Colorado Avalanche struggled to convert shots into goals, despite the volume.

* The team showed resilience, clawing back from a 3-0 deficit.

This loss won't define the season, but it's a good kick in the snowshoes to stay sharp. The mood in Denver today is a bit muted, but we know what this team is capable of when they're firing on all cylinders.

Altitude hockey — the air is thin and the Avs are here. Vanny out.

Hear what the boys on the Morning Shift think about this one — always good insights over at mornings.live.