When Monday morning arrives, three weeks will be all that remains for NHL teams to make trades in the 2018-19 season. If a betting line existed two months ago that the Avalanche might be sellers for the deadline, it would probably have been something like +300.
We’re now probably at even money, or a little more in favor, that the Avs will, in fact, be sellers by the deadline. Erik Johnson isn’t about to make any bets on anything – and he remains in the camp that they won’t. But he’s hedging on his outlook.
“It’s frustrating because we all believe in each other and think we have the right tools to get it done in here, but we’ve got to wake up soon. Because, we enjoy each other a lot in here, but if we’re not in a playoff spot come the deadline, changes will be made,” Johnson said. “That’s just the reality of our business. We’re still right in the thick of things, we believe we can still get it done. But it’s got to start now.”
The Avs host the Columbus Blue Jackets Tuesday night, before going on a three-game Eastern road trip against three playoff teams, including the defending Cup champion Capitals. That trip could largely determine what will happen to this team, once so full of promise and hope a couple months ago.
Meantime, they’re just trying to get a win against somebody, anybody. But sloppy play in all areas, and substandard goaltending, have dropped the Avs out of the top eight in the West. The Avs are falling behind early too often of late, and finding the deficits too difficult to overcome.
“It’s too tough to play catch-up hockey in the NHL and expect to win on a consistent basis,” Johnson said. “You can’t dig yourself a two-goal deficit and expect to win, hardly ever. When we play with a lead, we’re a much different team. But the fact is, we haven’t done that a lot lately.”
Avs coach Jared Bednar said he has tried “every possible line combination on the planet the last two months”, but that hasn’t worked. Bednar is also tired of his team not working hard enough.
“It starts with your commitment to check,” Bednar said. “There’s a certain level of commitment you need to check, and that has to be throughout your lineup. If one guy isn’t committed to checking the right way, then the puck can end up in the back of your net. Our defensive commitment – it’s got to start there.”
They get their next chance to turn it around against a Blue Jackets team that has also been struggling of late.
Something’s got to give.
0 Comments (9 conversations)
osmodiarshazbot
Maybe Johnson? He and Varly are the most tenured guys around for mostly misery. Maybe that’s how you shake this thing up. They’ve not been a factor for winning since they arrived. No playoff series wins and frequently injured. Problem is would anyone want them?
Goblynkyng
If we could get anything for Varly, he should go. I hate to see EJ go, because I love the guy, but maybe he needs a shot on another team. Btw…I really dislike the new site.
Raz
I’m just hoping they can figure something out by the 23rd when I will have driven all the way to Nashville and will be at the game against the Preds. I will try not to let an abysmal display dampen my first visit to Bridgestone, my first out of town Avs game, and my birthday but it would be REALLY nice to see a W in Nashville…
Love the new site btw! Very nice!
DP10
EJ and Bednar both made a very good point about going down in games early, especially with their trademark 2-goal deficit, which evidently makes getting results very hard. Bednar even talked about their problems compounding once they go down. When you consider that for quite a few of their recent losses, the Avs actually managed to fight back quite admirably, often getting within a goal of a point or 2, you really wonder what if they had scored that first goal or taken that 2nd or 3rd period lead in a tied game.
Yes, the Avs have a second line problem, yes they have a goalie problem, yes their defense is under performing and their prospects aren’t taking the next step. But the Avs are also generally out-shooting their opponents and they are creating good scoring chances these days(which is a far cry from seasons past)…I guess there is a certain mystery to this team that went from top performer to bottom performer in a real hurry.
faydout
Are we going to have to log in on the app every time we open it from now on?
mladen
Real disappointed in Ian Cole. Started out strong and has been part of the problem the last two months. Hope he goes at the deadline.
jpwheels
On playing from behind –EJ nailed it.
And I saw a Mack quote not too long ago @ https://twitter.com/rboulding.
“MacKinnon on not scoring first: Playing losing hockey at the start of every game, it’s deflating.”
The Avs have produced some pretty serious comebacks when behind this year. Some of those have ended up in W’s and some fell short.
But it seems that for at least #29, old demons of bad years in the past haven’t been exorcised fully.
Troutzky
AD – with two under-performing goalies, one would think that the Avs would give Francouz a shot at some point, even if they have to carry 3 goalies on the roster and put one on nacho duty for the evening. Would it be worth asking Bednar in the post-game if he ever intends to give him a shot? I know you don’t want to burn bridges or anything but I’m wondering if it might help to plant the seed.
Adrian Dater
AuthorFrancouz is hurt right now
Troutzky
Well crap – thx for the update though
Adrian Dater
AuthorNo. The app takes a little longer to come out, but it’ll be soon and not having to log on a lot is supposed to be a quality feature of it. Thanks for staying patient
Johnny M
How miserable has Nathan MacKinnon looked? He won’t play in the All star game, won’t do interviews often and won’t even come out and skate for the crowd when he’s a star of the game sometimes. Does he have an attitude issue?