DENVER– Despite a stellar performance from Yaroslav Askarov, the San Jose Sharks third period rally fell short as the Colorado Avalanche won 4-2 at Ball Arena.

Askarov was the only reason the Sharks had a chance to win on Wednesday, as he made 38 saves. Timothy Liljegren and Philipp Kurashev scored for the Sharks, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Kiefer Sherwood made his San Jose Sharks debut.

Artturi Lehkonen scored twice for the Avalanche, and Josh Manson scored once. Brock Nelson scored an empty net goal. Valeri Nichushkin had three assists, and Nathan MacKinnon had two assists. Former Sharks goalie Mackinzie Blackwood made 23 saves.

The Sharks were heavily outshot throughout the game, but Askarov kept them in it. Colorado held a 31-12 shot advantage through two periods, but was only up 2-0.

Lehkonen gave the Avalanche a 1-0 lead 1:05 into the second period. There was a mad scramble inside the crease, and the puck eventually went into the net. The situation room in Toronto initiated a review, but the goal was confirmed.

Lehkonen got his second of the game at 15:47. After William Eklund turned the puck over at the offensive blue line, the Avalanche raced down on a three-on-one. The Sharks would stop the initial rush, but MacKinnon would turn and find Lehkonen as the late trailer for the one-timer.

Liljegren cut the Avalanche’s lead to 2-1 with a goal 42 seconds into the third period. Liljegren took a slap shot that deflected off something in front and over Blackwood’s glove.

Kurashev tied the game 2-2 for the Sharks at 3:34. While racing down on a partial two-on-one, Kurashev scooped a shot over the blocker of Blackwood.

At 12:44, Manson unloaded a massive one-timer that beat Askarov by the glove.

Nelson added an empty net goal with 1:17 left in the game.