Colorado Avalanche: Top 3 reasons they can win the Stanley Cup

2. An Underrated Defense

Defense wins championships in the NHL. Sure, you need to score more goals than your opponent, but at the end of the day, you also have to allow fewer goals than your opponent. The Colorado Avalanche are widely known for their high-octane offense, but don’t sleep on their defense, which has been outstanding as of late.

Since New Year’s Day, the Avs have allowed just 2.37 goals against per game, which is the third-fewest in the league. Their 29 shots against per game during that span is the fifth-fewest in the league.

Keep in mind, the Avalanche have been doing a good part of this without Grubauer. Since his injury, the Avs have had to rely heavily on their other goalies. Pavel Francouz has been impressive in relief, but a lot of credit needs to be given to the Avalanche and their unheralded blueline.

Cale Makar is their lone “star” and could wind up winning the Calder Trophy. There’s probably at least one Norris Trophy waiting for him. Erik Johnson is the veteran who is steady and reliable. Quietly, Ryan Graves provides a physical presence while also tilting the ice heavily on the Avalanche’s favor in terms of goals.

Samuel Girard isn’t your typical defenseman, but it’s hard to argue that he isn’t effective. Ian Cole is a solid, though unspectacular, defenseman. Nikita Zadorov provides a physical presence.