Against all odds, the Colorado Avalanche are looking to extend their dream in the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018
Just a year ago, the Colorado Avalanche were the worst team in the salary cap era. They picked up only 48 points, four less than the lowly 2013-14 tanking Buffalo Sabres. Now the Avs are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs 2018.
After facing an offseason of trade rumors surrounding Matt Duchene with no action, the Avalanche traded their star. Everyone thought Colorado was making the trade for their future. However, the Avalanche got some immediate help in the form of defenseman Samuel Girard. Perhaps it’s appropriate the diminutive but talented blueliner got the scoring started in their playoff-clinching victory over the St. Louis Blues.
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It’s been that kind of season for the Avalanche. They nearly doubled their point total from last season. Their three biggest acquisitions in the offseason? A backup goalie (Jonathan Bernier), a waiver claim (Patrick Nemeth), and a college free-agent (Alexander Kerfoot).
The Avalanche battled numerous injuries. Both of their best defensemen (Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie) have missed significant time. In February, their Hart Trophy candidate (Nathan MacKinnon) missed. J.T. Compher (23 points in 69 games) missed 13 games due to injury.
Goaltender Semyon Varlamov (.920 save percentage) is likely going to miss the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs with a left knee injury. Sven Andrighetto, a surprise contributor last season, suffered from inconsistency and injuries.
So how did the Avalanche go from the worst team in the NHL to one of the top 16? The development of MacKinnon certainly helped. Kerfoot putting up 43 points in his rookie season was a huge boost. So was the revival of captain Gabriel Landeskog’s career. The emergence of Mikko Rantanen can’t be understated.
But most of the credit must be given to general manager Joe Sakic. Firstly, he was patient with his team. Many general managers would have hit the panic button after a 48 point season. Sakic was patient. He set a high asking price for Duchene and boldly waited until someone matched it. It was a risky move, but it’s one that undeniably paid immediate dividends.
Secondly, Sakic gave head coach Jared Bednar a long leash. The second-year coach didn’t get a full training camp last season thanks to Patrick Roy’s abrupt departure. Bednar has his flaws, but he’s done a terrific job this season.
The Avalanche’s reward for making the postseason? Facing the President’s Trophy-winning Nashville Predators. The Avalanche had no success against them in the regular season, going 0-3-1 against them in the season series. Nashville outscored Colorado 17-6 in these games.
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Even though the deck is stacked against them, don’t count out the Avalanche. They’ve improved immensely in less than 12 months. Colorado is having a dream season and, though the odds say it’ll end, the Avalanche will be content with never waking up.
Check out our Stanley Cup Playoffs hub page for updated postseason coverage!