Colorado Avalanche Struggling to Find the Next Gear
Colorado Avalanche Struggling to Find the Next Gear and Some Fans Have Begun to Hit the Panic Button
On paper, the Colorado Avalanche have the ability to boast a number of highly skilled and talented players in their organization. A young forward core consisting of Matt Duchene, Nathan MacKinnon, and Gabriel Landeskog. A prized forward prospect Mikko Rantanen has finally been brought up to join the boys in the big club. Along with them comes the supporting cast of veteran star Jarome Iginla, Mikhail Grigorenko, and Joe Colborne.
Even on the back end, the Avalanche are able to list the likes of Tyson Barrie, Patrick Wiercioch, and Erik Johnson. So why is a group of talented players such as these, stuck hovering around .500 in the standings and staring down a negative Goal Differential?
New Systems Take Time
Oct 29, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) celebrates with left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and right wing Jarome Iginla (12) after scoring a goal in the third period against Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
With new systems, comes patience and growing pains. The Avalanche’s games have not been pretty. The team currently has three players on their roster that are above an even plus/minus rating, have been shut out four times this year, and have a combined 7.6 team shooting percentage. However, along with these new growing pains, comes hope.
The team is slowly trending toward the right direction by changing fundamental aspects of their game. The Avalanche are taking less shots per game and even out shooting opponents in some of their match-ups. Less D to D passes and more one pass zone exits are leading this team in the correct direction. If the Avalanche are able to break nasty habits and play once again the way that they are capable of playing, this team has the talent and potential to certainly be one of the best teams in the NHL.
Looking Toward the Future
The Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild will continue to be a Top 15 team in the league and could even push for playoff positions this year. The St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, and Los Angeles Kings will also bounce back in their early season struggles and prove to be the elite teams that we know them to be.
The Colorado Avalanche are in arguably the toughest division in the entire league. Growing to make a name once again for themselves and growing in the Central Division will be one of the toughest tasks for some of these young players. However, it will help them grow to be some of the best in the league. This season will come to prove quite the assignment for the Avalanche and the direction that this team will be heading.
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