The Colorado Avalanche are staring at the prospect of opening the first round of the playoffs on the road against the Dallas Stars.
Entering Monday night’s action, the Avalanche sit third in the Central Division with 89 points in 71 games. Meanwhile, the Stars are five points ahead of Colorado with a game in hand.
Of course, it’s possible the Avalanche continue rolling, as they are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games, and the Stars hit the skids, dropping to third in the division.
However, that is an unlikely situation. It’s not that the Avalanche can’t pull it off. It’s just that the gap is too significant and there’s not enough time to make up the difference.
So, the Avs must wrap their heads around opening the playoffs in hostile territory. That situation does not look too enticing for Colorado.
The Avs are 20-15-1 on the road this season. That’s not bad, but not great, either. In contrast, the Stars are 27-7-2 at home. Yikes. Only the Winnipeg Jets have fewer home losses this season.
As such, the prospect of opening the postseason at the American Airlines Center demands the Avalanche come out guns blazing. The Avs cannot afford to let the Stars’ home-ice advantage become a weapon.
If anything, the Avalanche must strive to transform the Stars’ home ice into a weakness. Colorado can do that by at least splitting the first two games. Doing so makes Games 3 and 4 at Ball Arena much more favorable for the Avs.
Now, if the Avs can sweep the first two games in Dallas, well, wouldn’t that be the ultimate way to erase home-ice advantage? Regardless, the Avalanche can’t afford to take the remaining games lightly this season. With home-ice advantage potentially on the line, there’s plenty to play for.
Looking at the Colorado Avalanche’s remaining schedule
With home ice still within reach, the Avalanche must win the lion’s share with hopes of closing the gap on the Dallas Stars.
The Avalanche’s remaining schedule mostly features non-playoff teams or teams on the bubble. The Avs play the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night, a team on the bubble, but not quite a playoff contender.
After, the Avs play the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, and Columbus Blue Jackets, other bubble teams that could make the playoffs or not. The only surefire playoff contenders on the Avalanche’s remaining schedule are the Los Angeles Kings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Vancouver Canucks.
Lastly, the Avs have games against the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks, which look like the most winnable games of all.
What the Avalanche’s remaining schedule shows is that they will face tough opponents, as they’ll play hungry teams looking to squeak into the playoffs. As a result, the Avalanche cannot afford to take their foot off the gas.
Home-ice advantage is on the line. The road is paved for the Avs to finish off the season strong and enter the playoffs firing on all cylinders.