Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild: 7 Takeaways

Oct 8, 20Oct 8, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche right wing Jarome Iginla (12) is congratulated for his power play goal by left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and left wing Alex Tanguay (40) and center Nathan MacKinnon (29) in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

6. The Colorado Avalanche Powerplay May Work Again

One of the Avalanche’s biggest weaknesses last season was without a doubt the power play. Only 15 percent of the team’s powerplay chances could be turned into goals in 2014-15 — the leagues second-worst PP-team. Finally, against the Minnesota Wild, the Avs took a 2-0 lead after scoring on their first two man advantages. Before we get too excited, though, it was just one game, and it could all change back soon. Still, both PP-goals were nice, and they are reason for hope.

The powerplay units were the following:

Landeskog — MacKinnon — Tanguay
Iginla — Barrie

Mitchell — Duchene — Soderberg
Beauchemin — Johnson

The second unit played for only 20 seconds, but Johnson led the group off the ice after an outstanding slapshot goal. We’ll see what happens with these units in the next games, but for now, they can definitely be left the way they are. Effectiveness on the powerplay can easily take you to the playoffs, as long as the rest works decently as well.

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