With a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames, the Colorado Avalanche achieved what they set out to do so many months ago: win the President’s Trophy as the NHL’s best team. While that is good news, there are still four games remaining in the season before the playoffs officially begin.
With that time, head coach Jared Bednar has some decisions to make. He needs to find a balance between resting some of his key pieces without leaving them rusty for the opening round of the playoffs. It is a tough balancing act but one he must achieve.
Key Injuries Mounting Already
The Avalanche have been playing better, as a whole, of late but there are some concerns. First and foremost: the injuries to key pieces. Cale Makar has been out and isn’t expected back until possibly the season finale. Now, Nazem Kadri is out and “will miss some games,” according to Bednar.
While both are expected back for the playoffs, it is a less-than-ideal scenario for the Avalanche. They spent significant capital to bolster the depth of this team at the trade deadline; losing two critical pieces for any amount of time in the playoffs would be devastating.
Several others have dealt with significant injury time this season. That is sometimes part of the game but for a team like the Avalanche, this is the wrong time to have someone on the sidelines rather than in the lineup.
Play Each Goalie Twice
One of the biggest questions is how to handle the goaltending situation down the stretch. Scott Wedgewood has clearly emerged as the starting goaltender for the playoffs, but do you sit him and run the risk of him coming off the bench with rust?
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Mackenzie Blackwood had a solid start against the Flames and needs work as well in the event that he is needed in the playoffs. The plan more than likely will be to split duties over the four remaining games, keeping them from getting fatigued without being overly cautious. It will help keep both guys ready to roll when the playoffs begin on Apr. 18.
Reduced Workload Rather Than Nights Off
Finding the right balance will be a challenge for the Avalanche. They have found key contributors throughout the lineup, and certainly have the kind of depth that is needed to make another Stanley Cup run.
The best option may be to dress almost everyone for the four remaining games, lightening their workload in those games. Rather than playing 20+ minutes per night, MacKinnon could see 13-15 – enough to have an impact but just enough rest to keep his legs fresh.
There is no perfect solution, and Bednar will no doubt be looking to avoid the playoff letdowns of past President’s Trophy winners. He knows his guys best and will work to find the right balance to simply get through the final games and into the real challenge.
The Avalanche Can’t Become Complacent
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who plays or how often during this final stretch. What matters is that everyone, from the superstars to the fourth-line players, come back ready to put the boots to whoever they face.
Having an “easier” matchup in the first round will certainly help, especially with a looming monster in the form of the Dallas Stars or Minnesota Wild waiting in the second round. The Avalanche will have some room for error but must get back in the groove quickly in order to be prepared.
