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The Colorado Avalanche have had a rough start to the season. Going forward it might help to understand the various factors that contributed to the Avs’ performance. Here are five things that Colorado’s early-season games have taught us about the status of the team.
5. Power Play Is A Mess
Credit: Getty Images5. Power Play Is A Mess
Although the team is now starting to improve, their power play numbers have been all over the place. Currently the Avalanche have a power play percentage of 21.2, which is not horrible, but this is due to more recent special teams success (although not very recent). In the Oct. 29 game, a win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Avs' went 0-for-6 on the power play. Some work still needs to be done.
4. Semyon Varlamov Is Inconsistent In Net
Credit: Getty Images4. Semyon Varlamov Is Inconsistent In Net
The goalie has allowed 19 goals (which brings his GAA to 3.40) and currently has a save percentage of .890. He did perform spectacularly in net against the Bolts, however, as Varlamov saved 34 of the 35 shots on goal that he faced. He will need to do more, though, to prove he is no longer in a funk.
3. Roy's Line Changes Seem To Have Worked
Credit: Getty Images3. Roy's Line Changes Seem To Have Worked
It is no accident that the Avalanche beat the heavily favored Lightning. Before the game head coach Patrick Roy moved the lines around that paired Nathan MacKinnon alongside Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla. Additionally, captain Gabe Landeskog and Jack Skille became wingers for Matt Duchene. The MacKinnon/Tanguay/Iginla combination proved especially effective as they scored two goals. It seems that the offense may finally hit their stride.
2. Penalties Are An Issue
Credit: Getty Images2. Penalties Are An Issue
Colorado has a total of 108 PIM, ranking them with the eighth-most major PIM and 12th overall for minor penalties. Losing records hurt morale, and likely these penalties (especially the majors) come from a place of frustration. It is no secret, however, that giving up man advantages will not help a struggling team.
1. Defense Is Still Underperforming
Credit: Getty Images1. Defense Is Still Underperforming
From giving up possession to not shutting down plays, the Avs' defensive pairings are still trying to figure things out. Most of the players on the D have negative plus/minus stats, only highlighting just how much further Colorado has to go to start consistently winning.
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