The Colorado Avalanche require additional support to achieve their best form. Currently, the 2022 Stanley Cup champions resemble a renowned rock band with a missing drummer. Their performances are inconsistent, with some nights being outstanding, while others leave much to be desired. As they prepare to face the aggressive New Jersey team, there’s uncertainty about what to expect.
The team acknowledges that their chemistry is lacking, and they need to pay closer attention to the finer aspects of their game. They’ve struggled in execution over the past four games, whether it’s on the power play or during 5-on-5 play. The Avs have been a formidable force at home lately, winning their last three games by a combined score of 14-5. However, their performances on the road have been lackluster, suffering a humiliating 7-0 defeat in Vegas and being outscored 15-0 away from their home arena.
Star defenseman Cale Makar acknowledges this inconsistency in the team’s performance, suggesting that they often make unforced errors and struggle with their puck management. Despite a disappointing 7-0 loss to Vegas, he believes the Avs’ performance wasn’t as bad as the score might suggest.
“It’s easy to express that sentiment now, but we must focus on reducing the number of Grade-A scoring opportunities we concede. Currently, we’re allowing our opponents too many high-quality chances while struggling to create our own. When this imbalance occurs, it’s clear that the game will be one-sided. We need to figure out a way to limit these opportunities against strong teams and make the most of our own chances.”
To address this, they require stronger leadership and a more assertive approach to enforcing team standards and boundaries. Gabe Landeskog has been exceptional in this role, but with the captain sidelined due to injury, someone else needs to step up as the disciplinarian, especially when the team is on the road.
Furthermore, reducing the constant tinkering with the lineup wouldn’t hurt. Given the introduction of five new forwards into the top nine, it was expected that the Avalanche might take some time to find their rhythm before Thanksgiving. However, the question arises whether Coach Jared Bednar’s frequent adjustments to the lines are ultimately helping or hindering the team’s performance.
According to information from DobberSports.com, the Colorado Avalanche have already employed 11 different combinations of forwards this season for at least 3% of their total ice time during even-strength play. To put this in context, last season, Coach Bednar only used seven different forward combinations that received 3% or more of ice time during even-strength play.
To provide further context, the other 15 teams in the Western Conference have averaged 7.5 different forward combinations for at least 3% of even-strength ice time. Only the Seattle Kraken and the St. Louis Blues have experimented with as many different line combinations as the Avalanche.
Mikko Rantanen points out that the team seems a bit tentative and may be putting too much pressure on themselves, possibly gripping their sticks too tightly. He believes that this issue will resolve itself over time, but in the meantime, the team should focus on simplifying their game and playing a more gritty style of hockey, similar to playoff hockey, by dumping the puck in and aggressively pursuing it.
Despite some early-season struggles, the Avalanche’s current record of 7-3, including a 4-3 road record, represents progress. However, the cause for concern is the 15-0 goal differential in their last three games, which is a glaring issue.
Center Ryan Johansen, one of the team’s key new additions, emphasizes the importance of a quick reset and acknowledges that chemistry within the team cannot be forced or manufactured. In their recent matchup against Vegas, the Golden Knights dominated the Avalanche, forcing numerous takeaways and blocking a significant number of Colorado shots, reminiscent of a difficult period in the 2021 playoffs.
Mikko Rantanen suggests that in times when things aren’t going well, the team should adopt a simpler and more gritty style of play. They should focus on scoring “dirty” goals and defending their net with relentless determination. Additionally, he emphasizes the need for more communication and vocal support on the bench to help boost team morale.
Rantanen acknowledges that the team tends to become quiet and frustrated when they face deficits in games, but he believes it’s the responsibility of the team’s leaders to maintain a lively and supportive atmosphere in the locker room and on the bench.
In a musical analogy, Rantanen compares the situation to a band with too many lead guitarists and no rhythm section. While they might excel at playing impressive solos, the lack of a cohesive rhythm will eventually lead to a disappointing performance and a negative reception from the audience.
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