Avs Know Blueprint for a Successful Playoff Run (+)

The Colorado Avalanche returned from a mixed-bag road trip with a one-goal loss, a blowout win and a victory that went to a shootout. They have a four-game homestand against tough teams and look to continue building chemistry for a deep playoff run.

The team continues to find its rhythm and legs with new players getting comfortable in their roles. There is an aura around this team that mirrors its 2022 Stanley Cup championship run.

Read More: How Should Jared Bednar Deploy the Avalanche’s Top Six?

“There’s a lot of new guys, not just in the last few weeks, but months, and sometimes it’s still to get that muscle memory down of the different system and things you do to just happen naturally,” forward Charlie Coyle said. “At some points now, you tend to overthink, or you’re old in your old habits, your old ways, your old system, and you get to turn it back on. So there’s that thinking time during the shifts, whereas when you got it down pat, it’s muscle memory. You’re just reacting and playing.”

There is an adjustment period with new players. Defenseman Ryan Lindgren said that time and communication help with that process.

“I’ve played six games now. I feel like I’m kind of there. I kind of understand the system. Still got to ask questions and figure some stuff out, but I feel pretty comfortable,” Lindgren said before the road trip.

Coyle said communication creates energy and the team has been doing just that. Being more verbal on and off the ice has helped this team excel in its last 10 games (8-1-1).

“It helps with the energy. You can tell when everyone’s engaged. And they’re talking, they’re an active participant in your team’s success. That’s what communication tells you,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “You’re not just talking to talk. You can tell what they’re saying is meaningful stuff and helpful stuff, and there’s a little emotion involved in that. It also eliminates confusion. So if you’re talking on the ice in defensive situations, it’s because you’re trying to solve problems and make sure your coverage is good and it’s all helping. Every little bit helps.”

Bednar shuffled lines on the road which has proven to be successful. Jonathan Drouin is up on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon. The former QMJHL teammates and friends’ chemistry has been re-sparked. Valeri Nichushkin has fit in with the two, but he plays well anywhere with anyone.

Martin Necas and Artturi Lehkonen moved to the second line with Brock Nelson. They combined for eight points in the last two games, and there is apparent chemistry with the trio.

“We have a deep team, and it’s nice to have different combinations. Felt pretty good those last two games. All the lines create offense, and that’s great. Playing with Nelly (Nelson) and Lehky (Lehkonen), it’s been good. Just finding chemistry every shift,” Necas said.

Nelson scored his first two goals in burgundy and blue against the Ottawa Senators last week. As the team gels and comes together as a solid unit, results have been in Colorado’s favor. It is on another level when everyone is fluid and working on the same page to elevate their game.

“We talked a little bit about it. For the couple weeks that I’ve been here, we’ve been able to roll some different lines and all four lines and generate offense a number of different ways with the entire group,” Nelson said. “So with that, there’s been a couple times where maybe a couple minutes, where it’s cost us some leads, but we can fix that, correct that, and push to another level. This is an extremely dangerous group up front and on the back end — always looking to push that envelope, make sure we’re tight defensively and offensively.”

Read More: 10 Observations: Avalanche Are Trying To Break a Bad Habit but Keep Winning Games in the Process

Goaltending has been solid between Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. Blackwood has three wins, one SO loss and one regulation loss, while Wedgewood has five regulation wins this month.

“My game’s continued to develop. The more I played, more comfortable I’ve gotten … We got a great tandem and two guys that can play behind this team and do well, and the teams made us look good some nights, and other nights we’ve had to step up, and that’s what makes a team,” Wedgewood said before the road trip. “But (I’m) fitting in, acclimated to the team now, everything’s been great. Room-wise, it’s a good group, and they know what I’m going to give them, and it might not be the prettiest goaltending in the world or whatever, but I’m going to die out there for the guys. And it’s been shown and I’ve gotten a good appreciation from them and some good efforts in front of me, which has resulted in some wins.”

Chemistry comes with communication, and it creates energy — that’s what we’ve established. The Avalanche know that when they fire on all four cylinders, they are on another level.

The vibe in the room is positive and they genuinely look as though they are playing for each other as a whole, for one goal — to win the Stanley Cup. And that may be with or without Gabriel Landeskog in the lineup. We shall see.