Is Colorado's regular season approach setting them up for failure?
Photo credit: AP Photo / David Zalubowski
According to a recent report, the Colorado Avalanche can't afford to treat the NHL regular season as just another 82-game slog if they hope to avoid another rude playoff awakening.
The Avalanche released their 2025-26 schedule on Wednesday.
Growing concern surrounds the Avalanche's approach in the regular season.
Will Petersen from Dever Sports writes that the Avalanche have reached the playoffs for eight straight seasons and captured the Stanley Cup in 2022. This regular season likely won't be what fans remember, it's what happens in April, May, and hopefully June that will define success or failure once again.
"Unfortunately, Colorado has had a lot of failures in recent years. They've won just one playoff series since their latest title more than three years ago. That parade no longer feels like yesterday. It's been some time since we've had real postseason fun." -Petersen
That's why the players can't afford to share the mindset of a few complacent fans, this isn't just another routine regular season. The Avalanche must aim higher, with their sights set firmly on securing the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
"First of all, you don't want another 2-3 first-round matchup with the Stars. That was no fun last year, as Dallas once again got the best of Colorado. It didn't help that Game 7 was on the road, as that building came alive once former friend Mikko Rantanen took over." -Petersen
Last season made one thing clear: simply clinching a playoff spot won't cut it. It's time for the Avalanche to lock in, chase the Presidents' Trophy, and take control of the Western Conference.
So, instead of treating the schedule as a countdown to the playoffs, the Avalanche need to see it as a chance to build something special, and secure every edge possible for when it matter most.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 17 | 36 ANSWERS Is Colorado's regular season approach setting them up for failure? Do you think Colorado is a lock to make the playoffs next season? | ||
| yes | 32 | 88.9 % |
| no | 4 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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