The Colorado Avalanche are first overall in the NHL after their first five games this season. That statement should surprise no one. The Avalanche are showing why they’re the most talented team in the league.
That’s without one of their top four blueliners and their starting goalie. Imagine just how good the Avalanche could be once they get Samuel Girard back and MacKenzie Blackwood in the fold.
Plus, a couple of Colorado’s top offensive players haven’t really hit their stride yet. For instance, Gabriel Landeskog has one assist in five games, Ross Colton has just one goal, and Brock Nelson has just two points.
Avalanche fans can only further imagine how dangerous the club can be once all three aforementioned players heat up.
Moving forward, the Avalanche have somewhat of a “light” schedule. In addition to facing the Bruins on Saturday night, the Avs got the Mammoth and the Bruins again. So, their real test will come when the Carolina Hurricanes come to town on October 23. That game will be a major trial as the Canes are looking like the Eastern Conference’s best team so far.
Colorado has a chance to build up an enormous lead in the Central Division and the NHL, as a whole. That lead is something that could make the season just a little easier.
Colorado Avalanche look like Stanley Cup favorites in early going
The Colorado Avalanche were atop several pundits’ lists as a Stanley Cup favorite during the offseason. The Avalanche, Edmonton Oilers, and Florida Panthers were the typical choices to lead the pack. The Panthers look weakened due to injury, while the Oilers are kind of stuck in the “two-steps-forward-one-step-back” game.
That scenario opens up a unique opportunity for the Colorado Avalanche to build up the kind of lead that can sustain them through the grind that will become December and January. Those two months will separate the wheat from the chaff.
It’s also worth pointing out that the Avs will have several regulars play in the Olympics. So, prioritizing a strong start will be the most crucial factor for the club moving forward. The bigger the lead, the easier it will get for the Avalanche post-Olympics.
Teams on the playoff bubble will be in an all-out frenzy to make it. The Avalanche can sidestep the carnage by building a strong lead. The rest will hopefully take care of itself. The season is still very much early. That’s why the Avalanche should demonstrate the importance of a strong opening month.