The Colorado Avalanche have made somewhat of a habit of striking first this season. They have done so in 36 of their 70 games played so far, and have a record of 27-7-2. When you are ahead in any sport, it allows you to control the game a lot easier. You’re not scrambling to take back the game. You get to play it more aggressively at times, though not overdoing it is crucial.
The same is true about sitting back: No lead is truly safe. While being ahead allows you more freedom, you have to also make sure you don’t make silly mistakes such as turnovers.
Colorado struck first against the Penguins in their 7-2 defeat on March 16, bubt their 1-0 lead didn’t last long. A one-goal game can be erased with the snap of a finger in the NHL. You still have to make sure you avoid turning the puck over and defending as best you can. Pittsburgh got behind the Avalanche defense with ease at times in that game.
Against the Jets, the Avalanche need to contain guys such as Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele. They have 81 and 86 points on the season, respectively. The Jets also have 35 power play goals, though their power play is, like the Avalanche’s, one of the worst at 24th overall (17.7%), while the Avalanche’s penalty kill is currently second (83.2%), and should maintain that high percentage with the return of Logan O’Connor.
Putting the hammer on the Jets early is going to be the biggest key for Colorado. I expect Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas to come out strong and get shots on Connor Hellebuyck early. But in order for that to happen, the Avalanche do need to shutdown as many offensive attacks from the Jets as they can.
Winnipeg is coming off of a 4-1 win over the Golden Knights, while Colorado is riding a three-game win streak. The Avs are once again the scariest team in all of the NHL. With their rising power play, I’m excited to see where it leads this team as we near the postseason.
Hopes are not lost on the Avalanche anymore. The struggling power play earlier in the season caused great concern by Avalanche fans. However, it seems as though they have figured stuff out and it’s about time. Hopefully they do not lose that momentum at any point.