Colorado Avalanche: 7 Takeaways from Win vs Ducks

Oct 14, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) attempts to control the puck in front of Boston Bruins goalie Jonas Gustavsson (50) and defenseman Kevan Miller (86) during the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

3. Duchene Line Still Struggling

After two nice takeaways, let’s get to a negative one. It’s not the first time that Matt Duchene is starting slow. It’s kind of part of his thing. Still, it isn’t nice to watch and should change soon, if we ever want him to reach elite level.

Related: Matt Duchene Might Never Become Elite — But That’s Okay!

After four games this season, Duchene is still scoreless. He just can’t find chemistry with his line mates, no matter who that is. The only constant partner this season has been Jarome Iginla. On the left wing, Patrick Roy has tried Comeau, Alex Tanguay, Carl Soderberg and Mikko Rantanen — so far without success.

Luckily, the Avs’ second line of Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Tanguay is killing it. Still, Duchene is the highest-paid player on the team and No. 1 on the depth chart. He should start to produce rather soon, or coach Roy will have to find a different solution.

Next: New First Line