The Colorado Avalanche are off to a 2-4-1 start with 5 points heading into tonight’s game against the Florida Panthers. This is the worst record in the Central Division. Two teams have fewer points in the Western Conference. They are the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Ducks with 4 points each. What is the cause of the poor start to the season?
Colorado goaltender Semyon Varlmov is having a tough time stopping the puck from entering the net. In the early season he has a goals against average of 3.93. His save percentage is poor at .869. It hasn’t been all his fault. When he is in net, the defense isn’t chipping the puck out of the zone. Teams are keeping it in the Colorado zone and shooting the puck on net. That equals rebounds which seem to go past Semyon Varlmov. He has a record so far of 1-3-1.
Backup goalie Reto Berra has appeared in net in 3 games but started two. In those two games he is 1-1. His goals against average is 0.85 with a save percentage of .975. Colorado seems to be playing solid defensively in front of Berra. Colorado might have a goaltender controversy if Berra continues to play well and Semyon Varlmov struggles.
The team is having a hard time in their own zone. They allow 31.1 shots per game. That ranks 19th in the NHL. Those shots have led to 3.00 goals per game. The Avalanche can’t seem to get the offense going. They average 25.9 shots per game, which is second to last in the NHL. Only the Detroit Red Wings are worse with 24.1 shots per game. The Avs must find a way to get the puck out of the zone and shoot the puck on the opponents goaltender when they play 5 on 5 hockey.
On the bright side, the Colorado specials teams have done well. When Colorado has the man advantage they score on 25% of the time. This is 4th in the NHL. Whenever the Avalanche take a penalty they seem to kill it off. They rank 5th in the power play kill as they kill off 88.9% of the penalties they take.
The Colorado Avalanche record isn’t where they want it to be. In order for them to improve in the standings, they must have more offense and spend time in the opponents’ zone. That could create scoring chances as well as power play opportunities. Colorado must play better defensively. They can’t continue to get outshot every game nor can they allow teams to spend time in their zone. That is not a recipe for success. The Avalanche understand that it is early in the season. They still have time to turn this season around.
What do you think of the Colorado Avalanche’s start to the season?
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