The Avalanche's preseason revealed secrets fans never saw coming
Photo credit: David Gonzales / Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche kick off their Stanley Cup campaign this week as the NHL regular season begins. Entering the preseason, the team faced several questions, particularly regarding their depth, but it appears most of those concerns have now been put to rest.
The Avalanche's preseason success carried right into the regular season with a dominant 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night, but there are still growing concerns for both fans and management as the team embarks on its 30th season.
Most concerns addressed for the Colorado Avalanche during preseason.
Aaron Poorman of Mile High Sticking reported on his level of excitement following the preseason. While none of the games matter, the Avalanche still looked solid going 4-2.
"More than that though, I was enjoying the idea that the supposed worst prospect pool in hockey might go undefeated in the preseason. Avalanche fans don't often feel that particular underdog rush, at least in the current era. Perhaps it's for the best that Colorado dropped the last two games. Oftentimes a humble hockey club is a hungry hockey club." -Poorman
The Avalanche's biggest concern heading into the season was depth in their bottom six forwards.
Those open spots have now been filled, and with conviction.
Jack Drury and Zakar Bardakov look sharper than ever and appear ready to become full-time NHL contributors.
The addition of Victor Olofsson has also proven promising, but the biggest and most pleasant surprise of all has been the emergence of Gavin Brindley.
"Even in that pretty glowing review of Brindley's potential, it was suggested that making the NHL roster would be a surprise. But again and again, Brindley was noticeable to the Avalanche coaching staff. In five preseason appearances, Brindley contributed three goals and one assist. He also lit the lamp in the single game he played in the Rookie Showcase." -Poorman
The biggest lingering concern for the Avalanche is goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. History shows how costly it can be when a goalie misses the entire preseason, just last year, Jeremy Swayman struggled to find his rhythm after doing the same.
Fortunately for Colorado, they've built a solid contingency plan should Blackwood need extra time to get up to speed.
"The organization hasn't panicked, however. The preseason tandem of Scott Wedgewood and Trent Miner were nice and steady. The mere fact that Colorado has chosen not to sign another netminder speaks to the front office feeling comfortable. It certainly wouldn't have been out of the question for the club to sign someone off of waivers in the past few weeks if they were worried about a lingering issue." -Poorman
Hopefully everything goes smoothly with Blackwood's recovery, allowing the Avalanche to make a strong push for the Central Division title, and ultimately, another Stanley Cup run.
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