Burning Questions
Is Their Goaltending Good Enough?
The Colorado Avalanche will need Grubauer and Varlamov to be at the top of their games next season to make another playoff appearance. On paper, the Avs have too many weaknesses to overcome. And if their special team units decline, that’s going to significantly hurt their chances.
My guess is Grubauer will start more games. He’s their goalie of the future and the Avalanche likely didn’t surrender a second round pick for a backup goalie. Expect Grubauer to get about 40 to 55 starts to help ease him into the starting role.
If this sounds familiar, it should. The Carolina Hurricanes banked on Scott Darling being a starting goalie last summer and boy did that blow up in their face. Goalies are voodoo, but Grubauer has the appearance of a starting goalie. Let’s see if that’s just a mirage.
Is MacKinnon For Real?
Seeing MacKinnon last season was a rewarding experience. Before 2017-18, he consistently got pucks on the net, but could never quite figure out how to score. MacKinnon busted loose, scoring 39 goals and 97 points in 74 games. Had it not been for an injury, he likely would have won the Hart Trophy.
MacKinnon has always been a talented guy. Now it seems like he’s gotten everything figured out. The Avalanche are going to need him to lead the way next season, much like he did in 2017-18.