The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from the Avalanche's battle for the playoffs

The Colorado Avalanche roller-coaster season paid off with a fantastic finish to secure the final Western Conference Wild Card spot in the last ‘winner take all’ game of the regular season. For a team that was given a 100-1 odds of winning the Stanley Cup before the season started, who not a single NHL.com writer thought would make the postseason, this is a moment to relish.

The Avalanche will never be in this position again, mounting a comeback season from one of hockey’s worst records last year. Moving from a 48-point season to a 95-point season astounded everyone but the Avalanche team themselves. Next year, though, people will expect the fast, skilled game from Colorado and they will no longer be the underdogs they have been this year. So, relish the moment. Soak it in. And savor the last regular season Good, the Bad and the Ugly as next week will usher in the all-new playoff version.

THE GOOD

1. The Colorado Avalanche are going to the playoffs!!!!

Does anything else really need to be said? That’s enough ‘good’ right there for the entire column.

Okay, okay, for those who want to bask in the wonder of the past week, let’s add a little something for one’s reading pleasure.  Colorado won the final game of the year in decisive fashion to secure a postseason berth! Better?

2. Captain Gabriel Landeskog showcased all of his “leaderyness” in the final game of the season. He scored the critical goal in the third period, essentially sealing the win, after assisting on two of Colorado’s three previous goals, won 73% of his face-offs and delivered 10 hits. 10. For a forward. That’s more than all of the Avalanche defenseman COMBINED. Landeskog played like a man on a mission. For all the flash of his scoring line-mates, Landeskog’s ability to build a successful tone in the locker room set the table for the team’s resurgence this year. Long live the Captain!

3. Few moments in the Blues game were more exciting than when Nathan MacKinnon finally scored a goal in the latter portion of the second period. For a points leader who hadn’t actually scored a goal in nine previous contests, one had the sense a flood of scoring would follow. His hands after scoring indicated he thought similarly. A scoring ‘Nate the Great’ significantly enhances the team’s chances in the playoffs. Oh yeah, and he had a 97-point season off of 39 goals and 58 assists. Did anyone mention he’s in contention for the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player? One could devote an entire article – or two, or three, etc.  – simply regurgitating all his milestones this year. But for this week, let’s just appreciate seeing him bring his ‘A’ game to the regular season finale. Hopefully, he can bring his scoring ways to the postseason. Ain’t hope grand?

4. 19-year-old defenseman Samuel Girard played one of his best games of the season against the Blues. He started the scoring in the waning seconds of the first period to put the Avalanche up a goal. He corralled a missed pass and launched it at the net, where teammate Carl Soderberg screened St. Louis goaltender Jake Allen. Girard also made an impressive hip check on one Blues player and spun out of the way of an intended check by Blues’ Brayden Schenn, leaving the St. Louis player to careen into the boards. He played 20 minutes of playoff level hockey. His upside is crazy. Grab those sunglasses ‘cause his future is bright. Now the big question – can he grow a playoff beard?

5. It’s time for people to start acknowledging the work head coach Jared Bednar has done with this team. Some people were still suggesting he be fired after the road swing. Really? How many coaches could have turned a 48-point season into a 95-point season and a playoff berth the following year with the youngest team in the NHL? This team has come a long way and that doesn’t happen by accident. Stick taps to Bednar and every single assistant coach, equipment staff, medical and training staff and all the scouts. When the season is over, there will be plenty of rum, but until then, keep your heads down and your eyes alert. Adjustments on the fly could make or break the Avalanche in the first round.

6. While it’s out there, how about showing a little respect for general manager Joe Sakic? After being mocked for not trading Matt Duchene last year, scorned for Patrick Roy leaving, and generally dismissed, he stood his ground and re-built this organization. For those that may not know – that’s called character. And it’s almost as if Sakic has infused this Colorado team with some of his own nature. Kudos!

7. All hail the return of Mark Barberio! His reappearance could not have come at a more critical time. He deserves a ton of credit for missing 33 games and either getting into, or maintaining, game shape. He played nearly 18 minutes against the Sharks and over 20 minutes against the Blues. Apparently, he spent his injury time wisely. And how good was it to see him feed the forwards to press the attack? With a name like Barberio, he could definitely be a pirate. Now, what kind of mischief will he get into in the postseason?

8. Five of the Avalanche defenseman played twenty or more minutes against St. Louis, nearly splitting the time on ice evenly. It’s nice to have enough quality defenseman that’s an option in such an important matchup. When was the last time anyone said that about the Colorado defense? It feels good to be first in something.

9. The Colorado Avalanche are playing with unexpected joy. In the pre-game warm-up before the St. Louis game, they were joking around on the ice, laughing, savoring the moment. How many players can do that before a do or die game for a playoff spot?  This Avalanche team is far and away from the disgruntled and frustrated bunch last season. Part of what makes this Avalanche team special is the passion they have for the game and the fun they have playing together. Money can’t buy that kind of spirit. And it’s why so many believe this is just the beginning of an amazing new era in Colorado. Watching Mikko Rantanen jump on top of the pileup on Landeskog after he scored – priceless!

The celebration that’s so good, it’s worth seeing again.

THE BAD

1. The Avalanche finished off a dismal California road swing with a 4-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks. Colorado struggled on the road, especially with big, physical teams. Hopefully, the extra days before the playoffs afford the coaching staff time to find a solution. The Nashville Predators aren’t known for being a finesse team. Maybe Colorado should consider embracing their inner pirate.

2. As the competition has heated up, the Avalanche penalty unit did not look as impressive. They allowed two goals on four short-handed situations this past week. While not a critical fail, it stands out because of their previous success. Hopefully, the coaching staff is addressing how to lock that down so the penalty kill can continue to be an imposing force in the playoffs.

3. The Avalanche still haven’t earned the respect of the national media. Colorado will know they have truly turned a corner when they are more than a passing reference on a story about Nashville. Or an Avalanche play actually makes more than a glimpse of an appearance on the highlight reels. Or, they know the names of players on the team. Until then, they might as well be the team from Mystery, Alaska – playing for respect.

THE UGLY

1. It almost goes without saying at this point, but losing goaltender Semyon Varlamov and defenseman Erik Johnson to the Injury Zone so late in the season really complicates the postseason. Ironically, the Avalanche could have rented out a wing in a hospital earlier this season due to the number of injuries. Yet, missing these two for the playoffs certainly qualifies as ugly. As has become the Avalanche mantra, it’s time for the next man up. Good thing they have a lot of experience in that department.

2. The Avalanche have the dubious honor of taking on the Nashville Predators for their first-round opponent. Nashville, the team that nearly won the Stanley Cup last year and the group Colorado went 0-3-1 against in the regular season. It’s not an optimal arrangement. But stranger things have happened than an eighth seed knocking out a first seed. Right, Nashville, right? If they don’t remember, it’s a good bet the Chicago Blackhawks do. Maybe Chicago should root for Colorado in this matchup. Yeah, not counting on it.

3. Most media outlets seem to be predicting a sweep of Colorado. Really? None of them must have taken the time to actually watch any real game footage. Maybe they were too busy putting together yet another Connor McDavid highlight reel. But whatever their excuse, most places are essentially giving the Avalanche a pat on the head for the improvement and then sweeping them aside. Maybe Colorado should read the story of David and Goliath. He was big and impressive too, but when David chose to play his own game and not the giant’s, he won. Avalanche – the little engine that can.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

This break in the Avalanche coverage is to honor the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team. Fifteen of their players and staff died in a tragic accident Friday night while fourteen players survived. Four of the survivors are still in critical condition while eight others remain hospitalized. Please consider sending your thoughts and prayers their direction. The whole community will need the support for a long time to come.

WHAT TO WATCH

This is silly – what to watch? – the playoffs, of course. Duh.

1. Colorado starts their postseason run on the road against the dreaded Nashville Predators Thursday night at 7:30 pm MST. Keep an eye out for how the Avalanche adapts after whatever first period jitters they may have. Rumor has it that cats don’t really like snow, so the Avalanche should have an advantage.

2. Game two sees the Predators hosting the Avalanche for a Saturday matinee at 1 pm MST. The defensive pairings in this contest could tell a lot about how both teams adjust for each other.

3. The Avalanche will host game three on Monday night with the late 8 pm MST start. One can hope the late start throws Nashville a curve. More importantly, the home fans need to come out in force to cheer on their team. Looks like the Avalanche are planning a whiteout so dress accordingly. Whiteout, freeze out, whatever it takes.

The Colorado Avalanche roller coaster ride continues – do I hear a “Hallelujah”? Throw your hands up in the air as the momentum builds towards puck drop – and enjoy the ride! A playoff appearance is rare enough to cherish every minute. Go Avs go!