The Colorado Avalanche suffered adefensive breakdown in a 7-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night at Ball Arena. Despite outshooting the Flyers 35-20, Colorado couldn't overcome poor goaltending and a disastrous third period. This defeat marked only their second regulation loss on home ice this season. Here are three key takeaways from the game:

1. Blackwood's Struggles Continue

Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood had a tough night, allowing six goals on just 19 shots. Since returning from injury, Blackwood has struggled to find his form. In his two starts, he has allowed 11 goals on 47 shots, resulting in a save percentage of just .766. "He's gotta get in the groove," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said of Blackwood. "He hasn't played enough hockey. He's gotta get going". Bednar acknowledged that Blackwood is capable of much better performances.

2. Power Play Problems Persist

The Avalanche's power play continues to be a source of frustration. Despite getting two early power-play opportunities, they failed to capitalize. The Flyers, in contrast, scored on their own power play, taking a lead they never relinquished. The Avalanche's inability to convert on the man advantage has become a recurring issue, hindering their ability to swing momentum in their favor.

3. Third-Period Collapse

After tying the game 3-3, the Avalanche fell apart in the third period, allowing four unanswered goals. The Flyers scored twice within the first two minutes of the period to regain control. According to Bednar, the team's sloppy play and mismanagement of the puck at the start of the third contributed to the collapse. Owen Tippett's shorthanded goal, completing his hat trick, further compounded the Avalanche's woes.

Despite controlling the play for much of the first two periods, the Avalanche couldn't maintain their composure or capitalize on their opportunities. Sam Ersson, the Flyers' goaltender, played a crucial role, making a career-high 17 saves in the first period to keep his team in the game. Owen Tippett led the Flyers' attack with a hat trick, while Denver Barkey and Matvei Michkov also contributed significantly to the victory. Parker Kelly, Victor Olofsson, and Cale Makar scored for the Avalanche. The Avalanche look to rebound from this loss as they continue their season.