By: Jenna Blake
10/13/19
A full week of regular season has passed, and we are finally getting into the swing of things. As a project for this season, I will be looking at how the Colorado Avalanche are doing each week. Get used to my very opinionated writing.
The first game against Calgary was very solid. The Avalanche showed the hockey world what they are capable of this season. Mikko got a goal just to prove his contract was worthy. Joonas Donskoi getting two goals, showing his value to the Avs in the first game. It was overall a hard-fought game, but Colorado won 5-3.
The second game was against the Wild. With it being a home game and a division rival, we knew emotions were going to be high. Mikko got his second goal on a power play. Bellemare got his first as an Avalanche. I will say all of the new players have contributed already. All of our lines have some depth on them which is a nice added necessity. Gabe and Gravy got both of their 1st goals. The Avs didn’t play their best, but still came out with a win of 4-2.
The Avs were heading into their third game against the Stanley Cup favorites from last season: The Bruins. The Avs came back after being down two. Nate finally got his 1st goal of the season. Bellemare tied it up, getting his 2nd goal of the season Andre Burakovsky got the game winning goal and his 1st goal as an Avalanche. Gabe got his 2nd with an empty netter. The passing was not crisp, especially in the 1st period. They weren’t as strong as they were in their 1st game, but still won 4-2.
The 4th game against Arizona was annoying. The energy was weird, and no action happened until the 3rd period. Nazem scored his 1st of the game. Josty as well got his goal first of the season. Then Arizona tied it up and we were heading into OT. Our overtime record was not the best last season, so there was cause for concern. Poor Pavel Francouz was about to have a heart attack in his first NHL game, going into OT. But Andre Burakovsky got it done and won us the game, with a final score of 3-2. I am very impressed with Francouz–He is solid and has saved the Avs many times. I am confident that we have two strong goalies.
“I am confident we have two strong goalies.”
Summary:
The last couple of games were a little sloppy, however the Avs are not playing their best and still winning games. Despite everyone’s concerns heading into this season, there are 4 lines with talent. All of the lines compliment each other. After this week, the Avs are heading into their 1st roadie. They have some strong competitors coming up, such as the Stanley Cup Champions, St. Louis. They will be tested on this road trip. It will be interesting to see how they handle the new challenges.