"Well rested and seemingly well positioned to get back in the win column against the second-worst team in the NHL's Western Conference, Tuesday night's return to the crease proved to be an opportunity lost for the Avalanche and goaltender Semyon Varlamov in a 3-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place.

"Now it's post all-star break, and I believe there's another gear you need to get too. Much like if you're a team that makes the playoffs. In order for us to achieve what we want to achieve as a team, we have to find that next gear right now," Avs coach Joe Sacco said before the game."