After a busy offseason, the Colorado Avalanche began their 2015 season with sights set on the playoffs. Despite finishing last in their division last year, Colorado still managed a solid 90 points as their young players continued to grow. So far in 2015, however, consistency has been an issue for the Avs.
The team opened the season at home against the Minnesota Wild on Oct. 8, but were outmatched by a score of 5-4. Despite leading 4-1 in the third period, a string of Minnesota goals saw the Avs drop their first contest against the division rivals.
Feeling inspired, Colorado mounted a third period comeback of their own against the Dallas Stars two days later on Oct. 10, winning 6-3. Next, on Oct. 14, the previously struggling Boston Bruins throttled the Avs to the tune of 6-2. Colorado then shutout the Anaheim Ducks 3-0 on Oct. 16, and lost 2-1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 18, bringing their season record to 2-3.
While the Avalanche may have the talent to return to the playoffs, their young players’ streaky tendencies plague the team.
Centers Matt Duchene and Nathan Mackinnon provide the backbone for the team, but both saw their point totals dip last year. The 20-year-old Mackinnon has six points in only four games in 2015 while Duchene has yet to record a point.
While the offense’s potency revolves around these two players, their long-term value may lie in their ability to cultivate a complete, 200-foot game. Their consistency over 82 games will be key in providing the Avalanche with an offensive spark.
Captain Gabriel Landeskog has been great in 2015, potting four goals in four games. Veteran wingers Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla have been effective early on, but look notably slower.
They still have the talent, but not the physical tools to drive possession.
At only 18 years-old, young Mikko Rantanen has shown enough to stay in the lineup. The Finnish first round pick has great vision and skating, but will need some seasoning before producing statistically.
Bottom tier players John Mitchell, Jack Skille and Cody McLeod have combined to create a surprisingly strong energy-line.
Defense has long been Colorado’s weakness, as the team notoriously is among the league leaders in shots allowed. The top pairing has been solidified with 35 year-old offseason addition Francois Beauchemin, whose poise and crisp passing will provide stability on the back-end. His partner Erik Johnson recently signed a seven-year extension with the team and should continue logging major minutes in Colorado.
Speedy Tyson Barrie has started slowly this season, not yet showing the confidence which made him a premier puck-rushing defenseman in 2014. Barrie has yet to have a reliable defensive partner in his career, which continues to drag down his effectiveness. Hulking Nikita Zadorov may eventually fill that void, but at only 20 years-old, his defensive positioning and acumen are not quite up to par. The main piece of the Ryan O’Reilly trade, the 6’5” Zadorov will be given many years to grow his game in the Mile-High City. Brad Stuart, Nate Guenin, Nick Holden and Brandon Gormley round out this underwhelming unit.
The best way to hide a deficient defense resides in the crease. The Avalanche boast a near-elite goalie in Semyon Varlamov, although his 2015 play has been less than stellar so far. With a save percentage of only 0.841 through three games, his top form will be needed if the Avs want to have a shot at postseason hockey.
