The Colorado Avalanche, currently the top seed in the league, have dominated for over three months, but there are concerns heading into the final stretch. With a record of 37-9-9, they're on track to surpass 120 points, a franchise first. However, this season could be a turning point for head coach Jared Bednar, and the team's performance in the playoffs will be crucial.
Power Play Woes: A Troubling Trend
The Avalanche's power play struggles are at the forefront of these concerns. It's been an ongoing issue since the start of the season, and the lack of success has become a nightly frustration for the players. Despite having talented players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and others, no combination seems to be working.
Last year, the Avs were the better team in their series against the Dallas Stars, but it was their power play that let them down. The Stars' special teams outperformed Colorado's, and that was the deciding factor. The Avs must address this issue to avoid a similar fate this season.
And Here's Where It Gets Controversial...
The power play unit has been a source of frustration, with the team ranking last in the league during the break. Their PP success rate is a mere 15.1%, and they've scored just 27 goals, which is above the league's worst but still concerning. The hiring of Dave Hakstol to improve the power play hasn't yielded results, and the coaching staff has a three-week break to find a solution. This issue needs to be their top priority, or it could derail their entire season.
Staying Healthy: A Key to Success
The team's health is another critical factor. The return of Gabe Landeskog has been a boost, but his absence had a significant impact on the team's performance. Colorado went from a dominant 26-1-3 record in a 20-game stretch to a more modest 6-7-2 without him. While there were other factors, Landeskog's presence is invaluable.
The team's depth has also been tested, with injuries to key players like Devon Toews and Martin Necas. These injuries highlighted the lack of depth, especially on defense. The Avalanche need to stay healthy to ensure their top players can perform at their best and avoid overplaying them heading into the playoffs.
Depth: A Cause for Concern
The injury to Toews exposed the team's lack of depth on the blueline. While they have a solid core of six defensemen, they need more variety and physicality. The same can be said for their forward lines. After the top six, the production drops off, with the third line struggling.
Jack Drury, the 3C since opening night, is better suited for the fourth line, where he excels. The third line needs a shakeup, and players like Gavin Brindley and Victor Olofsson need to find their form again. Chris MacFarland, the general manager, is known for addressing these issues, and fans can expect moves before the trade deadline to strengthen the team's depth.
And This Is the Part Most People Miss...
The Avalanche's success this season has been built on a relatively healthy roster. They've had their top players available for most of the season, but as the playoffs approach, staying injury-free becomes even more crucial. The team's depth will be tested, and MacFarland's moves could impact their power play and overall health.
So, will the Avalanche address these concerns and make a deep playoff run? Or will these issues prove to be their downfall? What do you think, hockey fans? Let's discuss in the comments!
