Colorado Avalanche Can Sweep the Chicago Back-to-Back
The Colorado Avalanche could really use to sweep the Chicago Blackhawks series with a home and road win if they want to stay in playoff contention.
The Colorado Avalanche can sweep the back-to-back series with the Chicago Blackhawks, can’t they? They’re going to need to. I mean, that’s the kind of magic it’s going to take for the Avs to make the playoffs.
Unfortunately, despite being the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Washington Capitals were unable to defeat the (hated) Minnesota Wild. With two shiny new points to their name, Minnesota overtook sole possession of the final wild card spot.
That makes this home and home, back to back series against the Chicago Blackhawks all the more important. Colorado is coming off a thrilling 3-1 win over the Dallas Stars, which put them in that wild card spot for a brief 24 hours.
Chicago is right behind the Avs in the standings. But — and this is a big but — if Colorado wins both games, they can eliminate the Blackhawks from the race.
It’s the big leagues, Avs fans. Strap yourselves in.
How to Enjoy the Games
Saturday:
Game time: Mar 23, 1:00 pm MT
TV Networks: ESPN+, SN1, ALT, NBCSCH (Hawks’ Feed)
Radio: Altitude Radio (AM 950)
Sunday:
Game time: Mar 24, 6:00 pm MT
TV Networks: NBCSN
Radio: Altitude Radio (AM 950)
Playoff Atmosphere
More from Analysis
- 4 goalies to replace Pavel Francouz if he has to miss time
- What does Ross Colton bring to the Colorado Avalanche?
- Colorado Avalanche in-depth look at Jonathan Drouin
- Colorado Avalanche without Gabriel Landeskog, will another wear the “C”?
- Avalanche vs. Kraken prediction and odds for NHL playoffs Game 3
Both games are going to carry a playoff atmosphere. And, unfortunately, both arenas are going to feel like home ice for the Blackhawks. So many transplants from Chicago live here in Denver that Pepsi Center sometimes feel like United Center South.
Well, while the Avalanche fans in attendance will just have to scream that much louder on Saturday, the team is going to have to find their own inspiration in the importance of the games. That’s what they’re supposed to live for — the chance to control their own destinies in these important games.
Defensive Play
At the time of writing, there was no word on whether the Colorado Avalanche would be running with their novel new approach — 11 forwards and 7 defensemen. Unfortunately, the situation with Mikko Rantanen, officially “questionable” at the time of writing, leaves the Avs’ offense up in the air.
No matter what, though, the Avalanche are going to have to be sharp in their defense. Either they’re going to have to shut down the Hawks because they’re without two of their leading scorers. Or they’re going to have to shut down the Hawks because Chicago is not without their leading scorers.
The Nathan MacKinnon Show
To hell with “Mr. Showtime” on the other team. The Colorado Avalanche have one of the most exciting players in the world in Nathan MacKinnon. He puts a lot of pressure on himself — and we all put it on him, too.
But, according to an interview he conducted with Ryan S. Clark during the Bomb Cyclone, that’s what drives him:
"“I do feel a lot of pressure. I do want to be one of the best players in the world, and now it’s up to me be one of the best players in the world over the next few months.”"
Well, it’s during these types of games that MacKinnon has to be the one putting on the show. Hockey is a team game, and he certainly can’t take it all on himself. But if the players see Nate buzzing, they’ll all rally around him.
Next. Might Makar Stay at UMass. dark
After this back to back series with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Avalanche return home to host first the Vegas Golden Knights then the Arizona Coyotes. Hopefully those are still important games.