By Jordan Long
The Colorado Avalanche are 5-7 with a total of 10 points, last in the Central Division and tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. The Arizona Coyotes also have 10 points. The Avalanche have a goaltender controversy early in the season.
The Avalanche thought Semyon Varlamov was the answer at goaltender. He hasn’t lived up to being the number one goalie. Varlamov‘s record is 2-6 with a goals against average of 3.67. His save percentage is a poor .881. Some of the goals the opponents scored haven’t been his fault. Opposing teams are skating right past the defensemen, creating odd man rushes and easy goals where Varlamov has no chance to save the puck from entering the net. That is on the defense. Other times, opponents are shooting the puck on net and Varlamov isn’t making the easy saves.
Colorado switched up and decided to give Calvin Pickard a chance. He has a better record at 3-1 and his goals against average is 2.08. Pickard’s save percentage is an impressive .923. The Avalanche are playing better in front of him. They aren’t allowing as many odd man rushes. The defense is still having trouble picking up the open man when the opponents are in their zone. That leaves Pickard out to dry which ends in goals.
The Avalanche must ride the hot hand. Right now that is Pickard. The Avalanche need to start him for a few games in a row. Pickard has proven that he can handle the duties of the number one goaltender. If he performs well, Colorado might have a tough decision and trade Varlamov. If Pickard plays poorly, then switch and go back to Varlamov. It’s the only way to decide who should be the number one goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche the rest of the year.
Who should start for the Colorado Avalanche between Semyon Varlamov and Calvin Pickard?
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