The Colorado Avalanche have gone from pretender to elite contender heading into the New Year. Their turnaround after a slow start to the season has been incredible, especially in December.
The Avalanche are rediscovering who they are and what they can do. If someone had said that the Avalanche would be one of the hottest teams in the NHL fans would have dismissed it. Everything seems to be coming together for the Avalanche with a mostly healthy roster, surprise contributors, and an excellent goal-tending tandem.
Pretenders to Contenders
Standard code Embed from Getty ImagesIt all began when Colorado and Nashville exchanged goal tenders in early December. Aside from a few miscues, the Avalanche lacked consistency in the net, so they made moves to rectify it. They acquired Scott Wedgewood from the Predators and MacKenzie Blackwood from the Sharks, who is a well-thought-of goaltender. Both players fit the Avalanche’s style of play and are well thought of.
This new goalie tandem is unreal and exactly what the Avalanche needed. Wedgewood has had an immediate impact with a 4-2-0 record, a .932 save percentage, 1.03 goals against, and one shutout. Blackwood recently signed a five-year extension with the Avalanche, boosting a 4-1-0 record and .940 save percentage.
Offense and Defense Steppin Up
Standard code Embed from Getty ImagesThe Avalanche have 94 points from the defense which tops the NHL, and they lead the league in plus-minus. This means that they are responsible players on the ice who make big plays. This has helped their offense make some incredible plays to score big goals. Also, it takes the pressure off the big guys to score all the time. Also, Colorado has been tremendous on special teams as of late.
Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen are among the NHL’s top offensive pairings. Rantanen has had an all-star-like season so far including three hat tricks. MacKinnon could be on track for another Hart Trophy if he keeps producing like he is. Val Nichuskin continues to be an offensive machine, and Artturi Lehkonen is first in assists for the Avalanche at forty-four.
At the beginning of December Colorado looked to be in deep trouble. They struggled with injuries, consistently lapsing defense, and bad goaltending. The Avalanche are currently in third- place in the competitive Central Division and finally look like the contenders they were meant to be. Stay tuned for more NHL news and stories.
Featured Image: Photo by Aaron Baker /con Sports Wire via Getty Images
Follow me on Twitter and check out Belly Up Sports.
