VANCOUVER — During this National Hockey League season, there will probably be no “good time” to play the Colorado Avalanche. Maybe during the Olympic break.

But Sunday was certainly not ideal for the Vancouver Canucks.

The Avalanche has been roaring downhill since the season started, overwhelming opponents while losing only once in regulation. The Stanley Cup contenders are mostly healthy, had taken nine of the last 10 points before arriving in Vancouver, just dusted the two-time Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers 9-1, and Colorado star Nathan MacKinnon was about to seize the NHL scoring lead.

Into this force of nature limped the Canucks, a quarter of its roster still injured, and star goalie Thatcher Demko unavailable due to something apparently more than maintenance but less

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