Avalanche Tipped for Successful Defense in 2023

The curtain has only just come down on the 2021/22 hockey season, but the pundits are already looking ahead to the next campaign. A relatively brief close season means that teams around the US are now preparing for what comes next.

For the majority of those sides in the NHL, it’s all about improvement. Disappointing campaigns need to be built upon as they seek success moving forward.

For Stanley Cup champions Colorado Avalanche, a different perspective is needed. 

Under Attack

All other franchises will see Colorado as the team to beat. As the reigning Stanley Cup champions, opponents will view games against the Avalanche as a final in itself. They are there to be shot at and that will make it much tougher in 2022/23.

How will Head Coach Jared Bednar and his team respond? Will there be significant changes to the roster, or will the franchise keep faith with the men who took them to glory last time out?

The Neutral Standpoint

The independent view suggests that Colorado Avalanche are most likely to mount a successful defense of their Stanley Cup trophy. According to sports betting companies affiliated with Sbo.net, Colorado are several points clear of the chasing pack.

There is a significant gap between the market favorites and second placed team the Toronto Maple Leafs. Moving further back, other teams in contention include Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights.

As soon as the 2022/23 NHL season gets underway, those odds will switch to the live section of each sportsbook. Sbo.net will maintain the markets and publish any updates as soon as they are received.

While here, visitors can also take in blog posts, news articles, and a whole host of betting site reviews for each operator. With plenty of knowledge at their disposal, readers can also get involved in the hockey markets if they wish to do so.

Any operator mentioned will be willing to accept new customers in return for a satisfactory sign-up form. The registration process is fast and secure, and many sportsbooks have a generous welcome package waiting on the other side.

Funding can be carried out via a wide range of deposit methods while customer services can help with the registration process or at any point moving forward.

As an existing account holder, players can look ahead to a choice of additional sports markets, plus the option to bet via an app on a mobile device. It’s a site with many advantages and it is one to follow from a betting perspective when the National Hockey League returns.

Key Personnel

Goals win games and the Avalanche will be relying once again on their leading scorers from 2021/22. Alternate Captain Mikko Rantanen landed 36 goals and provided a further 56 assists during the regular season, so he will clearly be vital to Colorado next season.

Just behind Rantanen in the scoring charts was Nathan MacKinnon who provided 32 goals and 56 assists. MacKinnon played ten games fewer than his Finnish international teammate, so his record is arguably even more impressive.

When the regular season gave way to the playoffs, Cale Makar was the man to step up. He finished as the leading scorer for the Avalanche in this advanced section with eight goals and 21 assists in 20 games.

It isn’t all about the goal scorers, but those three players will clearly be pivotal for Colorado in the 2022/23 campaign. At the back, the defense obviously needs to remain solid as teams look to target the Stanley Cup holders.

Spotting the Trends

It’s incredibly tough for any side to defend the Stanley Cup. 2022 Champions Colorado Avalanche claimed their first title since 2001, but can they instantly double up after a 21-year absence?

Trends are there to be broken but they make for interesting reading. There are some recent stats that will offer hope to Avalanche fans. Beaten finalists in 2022, the Tampa Bay Lightning had previously landed the double in 2020 and 2021.

Prior to Tampa Bay’s success, the Pittsburgh Penguins won in 2016 and 2017. It will be tougher in 2023 but are Colorado Avalanche equipped to meet the challenge?