By Jordan Long
The Colorado Avalanche are at the All-Star Break. They stand at 32-14-3 with 67 points, first place in the Central Division.
Colorado has relied on their offense. They are leading the league in goals per game at 3.84. Their power play is 7th, scoring on 25.7% of their opportunities with the man advantage. It helps they have one of the best players in the league, Nathan MacKinnon who has 31 goals and 53 assists for 84 points, second most in the NHL.
Colorado has other players helping the offense. Mikko Rantanen has lit the lamp 27 times with 39 assists for 66 points. The Avalanche are also getting help from their defensemen. Cale Makar has 12 goals and 45 assists for 58 points. Devon Toews is at 8 goals and 21 assists.
Defensively, Colorado needs to improve. Goaltender Alexander Georgiev is playing well. His record is 27-11-2 with a goals against average of 2.91. His save percentage is .899. There are times when Colorado’s defense leaves Georgiev all by himself and he can’t make the save. Overall though, Georgiev stops the puck.
Colorado permits 3.10 goals per game, 15th in the NHL. On the power play kill, they kill off 82.1% of their penalties, 10th in the NHL.
Colorado is in great shape at the All-Star Break. They have an opportunity to win the Central Division once again. Colorado just needs to play tight defense and not allow opponents to have as many scoring chances. The offense will carry them, but their defense needs to improve. Colorado will resume their season on February 5th against the New York Rangers. That begins a 6-game road trip. Colorado will finally play at home on February 18th hosting the Arizona Coyotes.
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