The Winnipeg Jets are currently enjoying an unprecedented start to their season, setting an NHL record for the best beginning in league history. They continue to dominate the standings, maintaining a firm grip on the top of their division as 2024 begins. However, despite the Jets’ impressive performance, the Colorado Avalanche are making a strong recovery after a challenging start. After losing their first four games, the Avs are now trending upward, and defenseman Devon Toews believes they can still catch the Jets if they maintain their winning form. Though it may seem unlikely, the Avs remain hopeful and focused on improving their game, no matter where they finish in the standings.
In just a few short weeks, the Avalanche have transformed from a team struggling to make the playoffs into one of the hottest in the NHL. With half the season still ahead, Colorado is once again being viewed as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. Though their chances of catching the Jets for the top spot in the Central Division appear slim, the Avs believe that a strong showing in their remaining games, including two matchups against Winnipeg before January 22, could make the 11-point deficit much more manageable.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar emphasizes the team’s approach is more about playing the right way than focusing solely on the standings. The team’s ultimate goal is to finish as high as possible, but Bednar stresses that the process is just as important as the results. Colorado’s recent surge, with nine wins in their last 11 games, is partly due to an improved defense and goaltending. The penalty kill has become a strength, and after a rough patch, the power play has found success, scoring four goals during their five-game winning streak.
A key component of the Avalanche’s turnaround has been their defense and goaltending. Early in the season, they were struggling with one of the worst goals-against averages in the league, but since December 5, they’ve dramatically improved, allowing only 1.91 goals per game. The team’s defensive structure has allowed them to generate more offense, as they’ve realized that strong defense can lead to scoring opportunities. Toews notes that the team has fully embraced this approach, and it’s beginning to pay off as they’ve become more consistent in their defensive play.
Though the Avalanche are playing much better, they are still working to find consistency at even strength, and injuries have continued to impact their lineup. While the return of Jonathan Drouin was positive, the team also lost Valeri Nichushkin to injury during their recent game, demonstrating the ongoing challenges they face. Despite these setbacks, the team remains optimistic. If their goaltending duo of Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood continues to perform well, the Avalanche could be a formidable threat in the second half of the season. Coach Bednar remains confident, seeing significant progress in both the team’s mindset and consistency, and he’s hopeful they can maintain their momentum moving forward.
