Colorado: Final Stretch

By Richard Gonzalez

The Colorado Avalanche have most likely clinched the last place spot in the league. They have 5 games remaining as of April 1st, 2017. This season has been the absolute worst in franchise history.  It’s like Murphy’s Law: ” Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” That quote best describes this season for the Avalanche.  The only thing that can be worse is if the Avs lose the 2017 entry draft (knocks on wood) and don’t get the first round pick. Since this season is over here are a few things I would like to see for the rest of this season.

Defense:

I’m going to beat the dead horse here because this has been a problem. I would like the Avs’ defensive players to really focus on altering their defensive game to shut down some of the other team’s offensive players. Make more of an effort to clog the center lane and block some shots. Clear the garbage out from in front of the net and help out the goalie more. Keep their feet moving the entire game and not get caught flat-footed. 

Offensive:

I would like to see a lot more from Matt Duchene. I know it’s rough to play for pretty much nothing but to have some pride and heart for the logo on the front of the jersey. Also, he needs to lead by example for the rookies who have been called. I would like to see our younger guns take full advantage of the opportunity to play with the big club and shoot their hearts out. Get those first NHL goals and build that fire for next season. Make the veteran guys step up. I know they would hate to be outplayed by a rookie. 

Youth movement:

The one positive thing about our situation is that the Avs have the opportunity to get a look at the young guns playing in the NHL. They get to evaluate and determine who needs more conditioning time and who could be potentially NHL ready for next season. I want the rookies to take full advantage of the opportunity they’re are given and not get complacent because of the standings or the low morale of other players. There is still a ton of trade rumors going on and they can possibly take someone’s job and start with the big club on opening night.

Final thought:

I feel next season will be a lot better and the Avs and they will be in a playoff spot. The Avs need to do some fine tuning with their roster. I didn’t say trade our core just some fine tuning. We definitely need an upgrade in defensive. Preferably a true number one or at minimum a top 2 D man. We need to cut ties with some of our veteran guys because they could be replaced by some of our more hungry rookie players. I hope Joe Sakic does a little more to help out our roster that does not include trading Gabriel Landeskog or Duchene. The Avs had a season to get used to Coach Jared Bednar’s system so I hope he stays behind the bench and can fix next season. 

I remember that shortened 2012/2013 season. It was terrible and cost former coach Joe Sacco his job. The next season, despite having a new coach, the Avs came out the gates with fire and passion. I expect the same thing for next season. 

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March 31th, 2017