January has been a relentless test for the Colorado Avalanche, pushing them to their limits. This month has been a true grind! After a late start, the team faced a brutal schedule of six games in just ten nights. Adding to the challenge, key players like starting goalie Mackenzie Blackwood and depth forward Joel Kiviranta were unavailable. But that's not all...
The Avalanche also had to contend with injuries to crucial players like top-pair defenseman Devon Toews and first-line forward Gabe Landeskog. To make matters even more interesting, they had to rely on their third-string goalie, Trent Miner, for consecutive games. Despite a valiant effort against the Toronto Maple Leafs, even he couldn't stop all the shots.
Yet, amidst these trials, the Avs showed incredible resilience, battling back to win games in the third period and forcing overtime with late goals. Their determination led to a respectable 3-2-1 record.
Now, the team is finally getting some much-needed rest. With an optional practice on Tuesday, a full day off on Wednesday, practice on Thursday, and a game on Friday, followed by a weekend without games, the team is looking forward to some recovery time. This break allows them to play just two games in seven nights.
Star defenseman Cale Makar emphasized the importance of this break, stating, "We gotta use it to refuel and recharge here." He also highlighted the demanding schedule ahead, including the upcoming Olympic break and the subsequent challenges.
Before Tuesday's practice, the team sent Ivan Ivan and Zakhar Bardakov down to the AHL. While Ivan has been part of a rotating AHL forwards, the Bardakov assignment is a first.
The 25-year-old rookie forward, who has spent the entire season with the Avs, will get a game or two in the AHL after playing just 4:34 against the Leafs.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Head coach Jared Bednar also addressed the team's struggling power play, which went 1-for-3 against the Maple Leafs, who boast the NHL's best penalty kill since December 1st. The lone power-play goal was a quick score by Brock Nelson.
The other two opportunities didn't go as planned, especially a crucial power play with 2:42 remaining in a tied game. Bednar stated that the team is continuously making adjustments to improve their power play.
Interestingly, Nelson has scored eight of the Avs' last 15 power-play goals.
Bednar mentioned a recent meeting to address the power play, saying, "There was a big meeting last week, changed some things around, and got the guys on the same page."
What do you think? Do you believe the Avalanche's power play struggles are a major concern, or can they turn it around? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
