Avalanche unveil stunning lineup twist set to be the ultimate difference maker this season
Photo credit: JJ Zykan / ColoradoAvalanche.com
There is no question the Colorado Avalanche are Stanley Cup contenders, but there's been a lengthy concern over their third line, but thankfully, they seem to have accrued enough depth to put our minds at ease.
Jack Drury, Ross Colton and Victor Olofsson are ready to prove they can be a dominant third line in the NHL.
Colorado Avalanche new look-third line ready to contend for a Stanley Cup.
Katie Barlett of Mile High Sticking addressed many questions about the Avalanche's third line, which appears set for now with Drury, Colton, and Olofsson, on paper, everything looks promising.
"At the start of training camp, the two wingers expected to join Drury on the third line are Ross Colton and Victor Olofsson. Colton is a known quantity for the Avalanche who has had a jack-of-all-trades tenure with the team the past two seasons. He has spent time up and down the lineup, playing as both a center and a wing. That versatility has served the team well, but the hope is that he can settle into a more defined role this season.
The team will be looking to him to help provide a scoring touch particularly from the tough areas of the ice. If Drury and Olofsson can get the puck to the front of the net, Colton will be positioned for a quick shot, tip, or rebound." -Barlett
The team will be looking to him to help provide a scoring touch particularly from the tough areas of the ice. If Drury and Olofsson can get the puck to the front of the net, Colton will be positioned for a quick shot, tip, or rebound." -Barlett
Though a boost in offense is welcome, the third line's primary job is to serve as a defensive anchor, making things difficult for the opposition.
"While the expectations are high for this new-look third line on offense, they cannot sacrifice their defensive game in the process. It will be imperative for them to be a smothering presence in their own zone, not giving the other team time to set up with and move the puck at will. Drury already showed that he can lead that type of line with the support of other strong defensive forwards." -Barlett
While the Avalanche shouldn't struggle to score, their challenges will come in physical play and defensive responsibility, a role the new third line appears ready to embrace.
Source:
Mile High Sticking
Previewing the Colorado Avalanche's new-look third line of Drury, Colton, and Olofsson
Mile High Sticking
Previewing the Colorado Avalanche's new-look third line of Drury, Colton, and Olofsson
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SEPTEMBRE 21 | 13 ANSWERS Avalanche unveil stunning lineup twist set to be the ultimate difference maker this season Are you happy with Colorado's projected third line for this upcoming season? | ||
| yes | 10 | 76.9 % |
| no | 3 | 23.1 % |
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