Coming off a lengthy bye week and All-Star break, welcoming back Bowen Byram and Valeri Nichushkin, and riding a strong start out of the gate — the Avalanche did everything they needed to do to come away with two points on Tuesday.

But they came up short.

Colorado led by one with under four minutes remaining before surrendering the game-tying goal and eventually falling 2-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime at PPG Paints Arena. The Avs had a 4-on-3 power play prior to the game-winner from Kris Letang but were unable to capitalize.

“Their goalie had a night. That’s really it, he had a great night,” Nathan MacKinnon told reporters in Pittsburgh following the loss. “I thought we deserved this one.”

Listen to “Take the Point and Move On” on Spreaker.

The Avs were 0-for-4 on the power play despite having four of the five man-advantage opportunities. They took a 1-0 lead into the third period after MacKinnon scored midway through the middle frame. But they were unable to build on it. Colorado outshot the Pens 42-38, including a 29-16 advantage through two periods.

“I felt like we missed the net on a few opportunities,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “The difference in the hockey game, at the end of the day, we didn’t capitalize on the power play, especially in overtime. Not for a lack of chances, though.”

Byram assisted on MacKinnon’s tally. He also had one shot, three hits and three blocked shots in 21:29, appearing in his first game since Nov. 4. Byram was paired with Samuel Girard on Colorado’s second pair, and the duo paired up to set up MacKinnon’s goal while both sides were skating 4-on-4.

Nichushkin had three shots and was a minus-1 in 22:03.

“It’s gonna take time. When I came back it took me a few games to get adjusted,” MacKinnon said of the returning Byram and Nichushkin. “It’s good to see guys back though.”

With both back in the lineup, the Avs are down to just three players on the injured list, the least they’ve had in months. Defenseman Josh Manson is nearing a return, while forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Darren Helm are still out. Helm has resumed skating and Landeskog is expected to hit the ice in about a week, according to Bednar.

Pavel Francouz started in goal for the Avs, making 36 saves. Francouz was strong late when Pittsburgh was making its push in the third period — but also made a mistake on the game-tying goal — attempting to poke check the puck, leading to a broken play.

The Avalanche continue their three-game road trip with a Stanley Cup Final rematch against the Tampa Bay Lightning. It’ll be Colorado’s first trip back to where it won the Stanley Cup last June.