Though the Colorado Avalanche enter the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the lowest seed in the Western Conference, goaltender Philipp Grubauer gives them a chance at surprising everyone.
The 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway. For the second straight season, the Colorado Avalanche are in the postseason. Much like last year, in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, they’re facing the top seed in the Western Conference in the Calgary Flames.
Looking at the West, just about every team has better depth than Colorado. However, the Avalanche hold an advantage over most of the Western Conference teams thanks to goaltender Philipp Grubauer.
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Needing a goalie to replace Semyon Varlamov, they traded for the Stanley Cup Champion at the 2018 NHL Draft. The Avalanche liked Grubauer so much, they were willing to give up a second round pick and buyout Brooks Orpik‘s deal just to get him.
For the second straight season, Grubauer helped his team make the postseason by being clutch down the stretch. Though he got replaced by Braden Holtby in last year’s playoffs, the Washington Capitals wouldn’t have won the Stanley Cup without his impressive play down the stretch.
If Reggie Jackson is “Mr. October”, it might be time to start calling Grubauer “Mr. Post-All-Star Break”. He’s become one of the best second-half goalies in the NHL. Over the past two seasons, Grubauer has been outstanding numbers after the All-Star Break.
- 2017-18: .929 save percentage, 11-4-0 record, two shutouts
- 2018-19: .948 save percentage, 9-3-2 record, 1.69 GAA, three shutouts
The Flames have an outstanding roster and have better skaters than the Avalanche. However, Colorado has one advantage over Calgary – goaltending. That’s because of Grubauer, who has put up better numbers than the Flames’ duo of David Rittich and Mike Smith.
It won’t be easy for him, as he doesn’t have much postseason experience. Grubauer struggled against the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, posting a .837 save percentage in two games before being pulled for Holtby.
However, he’s coming in the Stanley Cup Playoffs playing the best hockey of his career. Grubauer’s confidence couldn’t be higher right now. A confident goalie can turn the tide of a series, especially if it’s a close one.
Whether the Avalanche go deep or go out early, Grubauer will play a huge role in how they do. How far will Colorado go in the Stanley Cup Playoffs? They’ll go as far as Grubauer will take them. In a wide-open Western Conference filled with flawed teams, the Avalanche could be going far.
For updated 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage, be sure to check out our Stanley Cup Playoffs page.