Coming into the season, the Colorado Avalanche had 1,000,000 questions. A fast look at their lineup would let you know that these questions have been well-founded. The Avalanche regarded like a wholly completely different crew within the final 4 video games in comparison with the primary 4 video games of the season, and so they now have an opportunity to be a darkish horse contender in a hyper-competitive Central Division.
Avalanche’s Tough Begin
It was onerous to be optimistic concerning the season after the primary 4 video games. The crew was a multitude, particularly in web; incumbent starter Alex Georgiev gave up 20 targets in 5 video games to begin the marketing campaign.
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Georgiev could have been terrible, however he was usually frolicked to dry by a protection that was additionally faltering. After dropping their first 4 video games, many questioned if the Avalanche have been in an excessive amount of hassle to save lots of their season.
Don’t Name it a Comeback
Quick ahead 4 video games, and the outlook may be very completely different. The Avalanche have gained their final 4 video games with excellent offense whereas getting fabulous goaltending from Justus Annunen over the previous three video games. Three weeks into the season, and the vibe in Colorado may be very completely different.
Cale Makar retains rolling, main the league in factors thus far. The Avalanche dominated a really strong Utah Hockey Membership to a 5-1 victory. Confidence is excessive and this distinct turnaround in play is due to many components.
Goaltending: From Weak point to Energy
You possibly can’t speak concerning the turnaround with out evaluating Annunen to Georgiev; Annunen has a .917 save proportion in comparison with Georgiev’s .810, and there’s a definite distinction in the way in which the Avs play in entrance of Annunen versus Georgiev. Annunen has been superior, stopping 75 of 79 photographs in his three begins and will begin the lion’s share of video games shifting ahead. The crew also needs to think about buying and selling for a veteran goalie to present Georgiev a recent begin and an opportunity to play himself into a brand new deal elsewhere.
It’s too early to say whether or not that is what we’ll get from Annunen all season or if it’s merely a sizzling begin. What’s clear is that the Avalanche are higher proper now with Annunen manning the crease. If he can proceed to play at a excessive degree, he’ll mitigate lots of the points.
Avalanche Offense Is Very Good
An offense that includes Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen is anticipated to be good. However there’s extra that makes the crew ranked eighth in targets for per sport (3.63). After all, it doesn’t harm that the large three are all within the prime three in scoring.
Ross Colton has been excellent and is the largest contributor outdoors the large three. He has seven targets, ranked second within the NHL at this stage. Joel Kiviranta has 4 targets in his final three video games. Casey Mittelstadt is on tempo to have the most effective season of his younger profession.
Coming into the season, there have been evident holes within the center six as a result of accidents and suspension. Seeing the road thrive is promising as a result of when the reinforcements arrive, it’s going to make the Avalanche deeper throughout the board.
Reinforcements Are Coming
Talking of reinforcements, even when we take captain Gabriel Landeskog’s contributions out of the equation, his presence alone will present a lift to the crew. Two years faraway from knee surgical procedure may make it onerous to depend on him offensively.
The actual profit might be getting Artturi Lehkonen (harm) and Valeri Nichushkin (suspension) again. Lehkonen was set to play an necessary position on the second line, whereas Nichushkin generally is a big-time scorer when he’s centered.
Kiviranta and Colton will seemingly cool off primarily based on previous efficiency, however having these key items again will take stress off them, give them higher matchups, and improve the prospect that they’ll keep their present tempo. That’s a extremely good scenario to be in.
Contending within the Central Division
The most important impediment proper now’s the division. Regardless of their latest win streak, the Avalanche are nonetheless sixth within the Central. The Winnipeg Jets haven’t misplaced but. The Minnesota Wild haven’t misplaced in regulation. The Dallas Stars are 6-2 and are third within the division.
Getting behind the eight-ball will subvert expectations for the crew. But when the previous 4 video games are any indication, it’s onerous to not be optimistic. The Avalanche went from a -12 purpose differential within the first 4 video games to a +9 during the last 4. That may be a huge swing in a really brief stretch.
We gained’t know what the Avalanche are working with till they begin enjoying division rivals extra usually. Proper now, the crew is in a greater place than the standings present, and there’s a likelihood for them to not solely enhance but additionally contend because the season progresses.
