Colorado Avalanche: Game 7 - Who Wants It More?

The Colorado Avalanche force Game 7 in San Jose with a trip to the Western Conference Finals on the line.

Game 6 between the Colorado Avalanche and the San Jose Sharks was like watching a ping-pong game. It seemed as though the Sharks had an answer every time the Avs would pull ahead until Gabriel Landeskog sealed the deal with the game-winner in OT. This sets up an exciting Game 7 where it will be interesting to see how different factors play out.

The first factor up for consideration is home ice advantage. In a best of seven series, Game 7 is always played at the higher seed’s home rink to give them a slight edge. Interestingly enough, home ice doesn’t seem to have much of an impact either way in this series – the Avalanche stole Game 2 in San Jose while the Sharks returned the favor by winning Game 3 in Denver. Will home ice give the Sharks an advantage, or will the Colorado Avalanche snag victory from the jaws defeat?

More from Stanley Cup Playoffs

The next factor to consider is the number of games each team has played. As teams advance deeper and deeper into the playoffs, number of games played becomes more a factor, with the advantage going to team with fewer games under their belt. In this regard, the Avalanche have an advantage. Despite this series going to seven games, the Avs have played two less games than the Sharks overall after beating the Flames in five games while the Sharks went a full seven games against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Of course fatigue is the most obvious aspect of this factor; however, there aspects that fans might not see until the playoffs are over or their team has been eliminated. It is rather common for players to battle through the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a variety of injuries that would normally keep them on the IR list in the regular season – fractured ribs, separated shoulders, sprains, etc. Two less games of wear and tear could be a huge advantage for the Colorado Avalanche.

Another factor is the status of San Jose’s captain, Joe Pavelski. Pavelski has not appeared in Round 2 of the playoffs after suffering a head injury in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas. Pavelski is still likely to be a game-time decision, but if he does suit up for Game 7 it could give San Jose a bit of a boost. Pavelski’s presence on the ice might not be a critical factor, but it does merit consideration.

Finally, and arguably most important, which team wants it more? This will ultimately be the deciding factor. This is a must-win game for both teams, so the team that that lays it all out on the line to win this one game will likely walk away with the victory. The Colorado Avalanche are no stranger to must-win games, and should feel very confident going into Game 7.

Next. Don't Scratch EJ for Nemo. dark

Game 6 was a must-win for the Avalanche and they pulled off an overtime victory. The Avs pressed all night long and generated multiple quality scoring opportunities throughout the game. The few times where the Avs played more defensively and laid off the attack is where the Sharks capitalized. In order to win Game 7, the Colorado Avalanche will need to be on the offensive all night long. Then hopefully, they’ll be rewarded with a win and advance to the next round.

Home / Stanley Cup Playoffs