Both teams looked good on Thursday night. We’re not just talking about the actual hockey, either.

Thursday night was retro night at Ball Arena, with the Avalanche and Hurricanes throwing it back to an old Adams Division rivalry, donning Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers jerseys. Only one team could walk away victorious, and that was the Hurricanes in the shootout by a score of 5-4, but don’t be surprised if these two teams meet again in June.

The two teams are off to equally hot starts. The Avalanche still haven’t lost in regulation, while the Hurricanes have won six of their seven games. It’s not like either team is 100% healthy, either. The Hurricanes are currently without Colorado native Jaccob Slavin, one of the best defensemen in the NHL, while the Avalanche are still without starting goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood.

That hasn’t mattered much for either team, and the respect both teams have for each other was evident.

“Well, what don’t they possess?” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said before the game. “They got the highest talent in the league, and then they got balance. You look at all four lines (they) play a very simple, straightforward team game. When you add that element of that talent, when you make mistakes, they’re just able to capitalize…one of the best teams in the league for a reason.”

Colorado’s coach was just as complimentary of arguably the best team in the Eastern Conference.

“Highly competitive team, super dangerous off the rush and in the (offensive) zone play,” Jared Bednar said. “It’s a top team in the league, right? One of the top in the East, and they always are. You don’t face them a lot, so it’s a good measuring stick for your team.”

The words of both coaches proved to be correct later that evening. While the Avalanche were clearly the better team at five-on-five, fans in the building were treated to a fantastic hockey game. After going down three goals in the first period, the Avalanche stuck with it to force overtime and eventually a shootout.

If both teams are to meet again in June, they’ll each need to figure out how to capitalize on a power play, but they’ve got several months to get there. After Thursday, the fans will want more.

Hurricanes 5, Avalanche 4

What happened: Colorado battled back from a three-goal deficit only to lose in the shootout.

What went right: Valeri Nichushkin was a tank all evening for Colorado, scoring two goals and drawing multiple penalties. He was finally put back on the top power play unit in the third and quickly made you wonder why he wasn’t there to begin with.

What went wrong: Puck management doomed the Avalanche early. Despite outshooting the Hurricanes 18-12 in the first period, the Avalanche made big mistakes that hurt their chances. Gabriel Landeskog’s drop-pass to no one gave Carolina a shorthanded goal while Cale Makar’s flub on a zone exit gave them another.

Avalanche goal scorers: Nichuhskin (3,4), Kelly (1), Necas (6)

Hurricanes goal scorers: Robinson (3), Jarvin (7), Aho (3), Stankoven (2)

Between the pipes: Tough night for Scott Wedgewood, decked out in a full-blown throwback setup. He stopped just seven of the 11 shots he faced and was pulled after just under 14 minutes. Trent Miner was very solid in relief, stopping all 20 shots he faced.

What’s next? Colorado heads out on the road for a few games, playing in Boston against the Bruins at 1 p.m. Saturday.