BSN Exclusive: Erik Johnson warns “there will be changes” if losses continue

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.