Colorado Avalanche have reasons to be optimistic despite recent struggles and injuries. A new year, a new Avalanche team who hope to be happy and healthy soon. The reigning Stanley Cup Champions still have a lot going for them
December was an up-and-down month with injuries and tough losses. It was hard to watch but now it’s time to reset as there are four months left in the season and chances to move up in the standings. If they can get hot like they did last year then they will be fine. Players will be returning while others are stepping up. Therefore, the Avalanche and their fans have plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.
Stars Stepping Up
The Avalanche have players who have stepped up during this time. Their power play is the best in the NHL and has been the first quarter of the season and Erik Johnson has been a big reason why. He is enjoying a healthy season after playing 77 games and all 20 games in 2021-22. The veteran defensemen have one of the team’s top penalty killers and leaders. Also, Devon Toews has stepped it up with all the injuries. The top four defensemen are seeing a lot of time on the ice with Josh Manson and Bowen Byram out. Therefore, the defense has been a strong suit for them.
Mikko Rantanen is having a remarkable season as he has single-handedly kept the Avalanche afloat until reinforcements come from the injured list. He currently accounts for 23.5 % of the team’s goals and was recently on a 15 game point streak. Rantanen will likely smash his 36 career goals since he already has 25 this season. Another player that has given Colorado optimism is forward Evan Rodriques. His speed, skill, and grit have been a nice addition. They have a nice roster with plenty of talented players to watch.
Injured Players Returning Soon
The team fans are seeing now will hopefully be upgraded by the new year as players return from injury. The Avalanche should begin to get healthy as the new year rolls on which may be vital to success rest of the year. It’s been hard to get a read on this current version because they have not been remotely healthy but that should change soon.
Colorado has yet to play a game with captain Gabe Landeskog in the lineup with no clear timetable for his return. His return would be huge because his grit, puck skills, and leadership are missing right now. Also, Landeskog is good on special teams which the Avalanche struggle with. Valeri Nichuskin came back from injury giving them hope only to reinjure himself. Though there is good news with goalie Pavel Francouz and defensemen Darren Helm returning from injury adding some veteran presence to the team.
The Avalanche’s easy January schedule gives them a chance to climb the standings. Therefore there are still reasons to be optimistic for the rest of the season. Stay tuned for more news and stories on this team.
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