Avs Notebook: Division Title Hopes Slipping

A bad loss in Columbus

A three-point deficit to the Dallas Stars, with seven games remaining for each team, including a season-ending game between the teams.

A very doable prospect, in others, for the Avalanche to win Central Division title. And, most likely, the Western Conference title as well. A win over lowly Columbus sure would have helped the cause, but despite a big shot advantage, the Avs just seemed to give a low-energy performance in what finished a 4-1 loss.

If they can’t catch the Stars, the Avs will almost certainly play Winnipeg in the first round of the playoffs.