Defense crumbles, goaltending falters, and the Avalanche suffer a brutal 7-2 to the Penguins as they capitalized on every opportunity presented to them

The Colorado Avalanche have been on a roll this season, and as they face the Pittsburgh Penguins, one man seems to have his opponent's number.

There was a familiar face leaning over the boards from the visiting bench Monday morning at Ball Arena, but the black-and-gold attire was certainly a different look.

Colorado responded quickly. Just 1:08 later, Cale Makar executed a perfect breakout, springing Martin Nečas down the right wing. As Nečas entered the offensive zone under pressure, he abruptly stopped and slid a pass to Nathan MacKinnon trailing into the play. MacKinnon wasted no time wiring a shot past Artūrs Šilovs to even the game at 1–1.

The Pittsburgh Penguins face the Colorado Avalanche Monday at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Puck drop is set for 9:30 p.m. ET.

Nazem Kadri is returning to the Colorado Avalanche and has now broken his silence about leaving the Calgary Flames

The Colorado Avalanche host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ball Arena tonight in a nationally televised matchup that will prove to be a pivotal test for both teams as the playoff race intensifies.

The Penguins continue their five-game road trip against the Colorado Avalanche at the Ball Arena. Puck drop is set for 9:30 PM ET. This game will be available to watch on SportsNet Pittsburgh, ESPN, Prime.