It may seem implausible to call this season a failure for the Colorado Avalanche. But unless they win the Stanley Cup, it will feel that way.
Last year, the Winnipeg Jets ran away with the Central Division. They had a season for the ages with goalie Connor Hellebuyck winning the Hart and Vezina Trophies.
The Jets barely got past the St. Louis Blues in the first round and fell flat against the Dallas Stars. That’s precisely the situation the Avalanche face this year. They stand to take home the Presidents’ Trophy. They’re the first team to officially clinch a playoff spot.
But unless they can go all the way, fans and pundits will feel let down.
It makes sense. The Avalanche were off to a historic start. And while they’ve cooled off since, the club is by no means a bad one. The trade deadline additions made a strong club even stronger.
That’s why the pressure is on to win. You can see it. Pre-game, in-game, and post-game, it’s a business-like attitude from the Avalanche.
It’s not that they’re not enjoying themselves. It’s that the club understands the mission at hand. They know what anything short of an extended playoff run this spring will lead to questions. Sure, the club won a Cup a couple of years ago. But that memory has begun to fade. And players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Nazem Kadri want a repeat.
Avalanche fueled by players looking for their first Cup
While the bulk of the Avalanche core already has a Cup ring, another fair chunk of players do not.
For instance, Brock Nelson, MacKenzie Blackwood, Martin Necas, and Brent Burns don’t have one. In fact, it’s Burns who arguably has the most desire to win one.
Like Ray Bourque in 2001, Burns could be a longtime blueliner who finally got his championship in Colorado.
That’s what’s at stake this season for the Avalanche. Yes, MacKinnon and Makar want to prove they’re not a joke. But there’s also the added motivation from veterans looking to win their first championship.
Falling short in the postseason just won’t cut it. If this iteration of the Avalanche can’t make it all the way to a championship, then what is it going to take for the Avalanche to win the Cup?
This team seems to be on a path to destiny. If there was ever a time for Colorado to go all the way, it’s this year.