New report exposes the biggest roadblocks standing between the Avalanche and another Cup run
Photo credit: NHLI
A newly released report breaks down the toughest roadblocks standing in the way of the Colorado Avalanche's quest for another Stanley Cup next NHL season.
As the Florida Panthers bask in the glory of their second straight Stanley Cup championships, the rest of the NHL is at work trying to build rosters capable of knocking them off the mountaintop.
New report reveals the biggest obstacles to another Avalanche Cup run.
Ryan Womeldorf from The Hockey Writers reports that the Avalanche are clear contenders for a fourth Stanley Cup, but which Western Conference rivals stand in their way?
"Though the Avalanche signed former Vegas Golden Knight Victor Olofsson to supplement their depth, the Golden Knights remain arguably the team to beat in the Western Conference. The 2023 Stanley Cup champions have been contenders for virtually all of their eight-year existence." -Womeldorf
With elite winger Mitch Marner joining the mix, the Golden Knights now boast one of the NHL's deepest forward groups alongside Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, William Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Ivan Barbashev.
"The Central Division remains stacked, and there is no bigger threat within the division than the Dallas Stars. With all due respect to the Winnipeg Jets, who won the division and the Presidents' Trophy last season, the Stars remain the team to beat." -Womeldorf
They've had the Avalanche's number lately, knocking them out in seven games last season behind former Avalanche Mikko Rantanen's effort.
"For the Avalanche, overcoming the Stars has to be at the forefront of their mind. The Stars have eliminated the Avalanche the last two seasons, a monkey on the back that needs to be removed. It is entirely possible that these two meet again in the first round, making the climb back to the Stanley Cup even tougher for the Avalanche." -Womeldorf
The Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers haven't met in the playoffs since 2022, when Colorado sept Connor McDavid's squad on the way to their third Cup since moving to Denver in 1996. Much has changed for both teams since.
"McDavid and the Oilers have been the Western Conference representative the past two seasons, ultimately falling to the Panthers both times. The Oilers also have an arguably higher motivation level given their failures and the lack of a championship for the already legendary McDavid and Leon Draisaitl." -Womeldorf
The Avalanche have too much talent to accept another first-round exit.
With strong goaltending and captain Gabriel Landeskog back to lead, the Avalanche have no excuses. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar remain among the best at their positions and are poised to dominate again in the pursuit of a fourth Stanley Cup/
| POLL | ||
AOUT 30 | 29 ANSWERS New report exposes the biggest roadblocks standing between the Avalanche and another Cup run Which team poses the biggest threat for the Avalanche next season? | ||
| Vegas Golden Knights | 9 | 31 % |
| Dallas Stars | 17 | 58.6 % |
| Edmonton Oilers | 3 | 10.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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