Reclaiming Dominance: Avalanche's Quest for a Resurgence
Facing Recent Setbacks: Colorado Avalanche's Current Form
The Colorado Avalanche are set to journey to Montreal for a Thursday encounter with the Canadiens, following what many consider their most underwhelming display in an otherwise stellar season. Despite maintaining a commanding lead in the league, with a nine-point cushion over their nearest rivals, the Avalanche are focused on bouncing back. This comes after a disheartening 5-2 defeat to the Ottawa Senators, which marked the second fixture of their ongoing four-game road trip.
Navigating a Challenging Period: A Call for Resilience
Colorado has secured merely one victory in their last four outings, and just two wins in seven games (2-3-2), indicating a challenging stretch during what is often referred to as the 'dog days' of the season. Head coach Jared Bednar acknowledged the inevitability of adversity in sports, emphasizing the team's need to regroup, string together some wins, and perform at their peak. He highlighted the value of pushing through tough periods to foster growth and responsiveness.
Defensive Lapses and Offensive Struggles: Areas for Improvement
Known for their robust defense, the Avalanche, despite being the league's most stingy defensive unit, have surprisingly conceded five or more goals in three of their last six matches. Beyond defensive concerns, their offensive output in the recent game against Ottawa was also subpar. The team registered a season-low four shots on goal in the first period, duplicating this modest tally in the second frame. Even with only 18 shots on net in Ottawa, Colorado still leads the league in average shots per game, with 34.6, significantly ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes.
Player Perspectives on the Team's Performance
Forward Parker Kelly, who scored a late second-period goal to tie the game at 1-1, lamented the team's inability to maintain sustained offensive zone presence and generate more shots. He underscored the necessity for a stronger effort in the upcoming game against Montreal.
Montreal Canadiens' Momentum: Building on Success
The Montreal Canadiens, meanwhile, are riding the wave of a 3-2 overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights. This win, the first of a two-game homestand, saw Montreal break a two-game losing streak by recovering from a late lead given up. Coach Martin St. Louis praised his team's calculated play and decision-making in the third period, particularly against high-caliber opponents.
Canadiens' Strong Home Record and Individual Achievements
The Canadiens boast an impressive 17-6-0 record against Western Conference teams. Additionally, forward Cole Caufield is enjoying a career-best six-game goal-scoring streak, having reached the 30-goal mark and contributing 11 points (nine goals, two assists) during this impressive run. Caufield expressed satisfaction with his current form, noting the increased number of scoring opportunities he's creating.
Changes in Coaching Staff: A Shift in Goaltending Strategy
Intriguingly, the Canadiens announced the dismissal of goaltending coach Eric Raymond and the promotion of Marco Marciano, just one day after goaltender Jakub Dobes delivered a stellar 32-save performance. Netminding has been a persistent challenge for Montreal throughout the season, with the team ranking near the bottom in save percentage and goals against. Jeff Gorton, president of hockey operations, described the decision as a tough but necessary organizational move to introduce a fresh perspective, citing Marciano's existing rapport with the goalies and past successes.