The Washington Capitals lost to the Colorado Avalanche in a 3-2 defeat marking Jared Bednar’s 266th win as a coach.

DENVER — Fans certainly felt a sense of relief as their captain, Alex Ovechkin, returned to the ice after missing Saturday night’s game due to a lower-body injury. Ovechkin had been deemed a day-to-day player earlier that morning, but was ultimately cleared to play in Tuesday night’s game against the Colorado Avalanche. Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie were both absent from Tuesday night’s game, Backstrom due to a non-COVID related illness and Oshie home in Washington for the birth of his fourth child. Backstrom has played in seven games since returning from a chronic hip injury. 

The Avalanche started off the game hot, at 10:57 in the first period Nathan Mackinnon surged down the ice and collided with defenseman Dimitri Orlov. However, despite the serious blow from Orlov, Mackinnon mustered the strength to push the puck towards Arturi Lehkonon, who scored the Avalanche’s first goal of the night. Avalanche goalie, Alexander Georgiev thwarted all of the Capitals’ power play attempts at a goal, and the first period ended 1-0. 

At 3:02 in the second period, the Avalanche furthered their lead to 2-0 with a long-wrist shot from Kurtis MacDermind. The Avalanche’s goal was quickly answered with a goal from Conor Sheary, effectively cutting Colorado’s lead in half. 

Midway through the second period, Wilson attempted to block a shot with his right leg which resulted in him leaving the rest of the game. Tuesday was Wilson’s eighth game this season after returning from ACL surgery. Wilson has been declared a day-to-day player and will hopefully return for Thursday night’s faceoff with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With 4:21 left in the second period, Alexander Newhook scored for the Avalanche, ending the period 3-1. 

A one-timer from the left-circle from Ovechkin at 10:43 in the third cut the Avalanche’s lead in half. Georgeiv made a game winning save with 1:43 left in the game, securing a win for the Avalanche and coach Jared Bednar’s 266th win.