September 23rd 2024.
The Colorado Avalanche penalty kill had a strong season, but unfortunately, a late slump caused them to narrowly miss out on a top 10 finish in the NHL. Despite this, they still managed to improve compared to their performance in the previous season, showing progress and potential for the future. However, with several key players leaving the team, the Avalanche now face the challenge of finding suitable replacements.
Last season, the Avalanche had a total of 18 skaters who played significant minutes on the penalty kill. However, during a recent practice that focused on special teams, only seven of those players were available. As defenseman Josh Manson stated, it's a common occurrence in hockey for players to come and go, but it takes time for new players to adapt to the team's system and make quick decisions during fast-paced games.
Replacing key players like Andrew Cogliano, who led the forwards in penalty kill minutes, will not be an easy task. Cogliano was not only a valuable player on the ice but also a leader and role model for the rest of the team. It will take a group effort to fill the void left by Cogliano and other players who have moved on.
The Avalanche will also have to find replacements for players like Logan O'Connor and Yakov Trenin, who were important members of the penalty kill unit last season. However, with both players currently unavailable, the team will have to rely on new additions like Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen to step up and fill those roles.
On the defensive end, the Avalanche have a clear replacement in Calvin de Haan, who will take over for the departed Sean Walker and Jack Johnson. De Haan's addition could also allow players like Samuel Girard and Cale Makar to play fewer minutes on the penalty kill and focus on their offensive abilities.
The forward positions, on the other hand, present a more challenging situation. O'Connor is expected to be a mainstay in the penalty kill unit, but the rest of the spots are up for grabs. Players like Miles Wood, Joel Kiviranta, and Parker Kelly have experience playing shorthanded and could see increased roles in the upcoming season. Additionally, newcomers Ross Colton and Casey Mittelstadt will also be given opportunities to prove themselves.
One area where the Avalanche will need to improve is in faceoffs. The team has lost their top four players in shorthanded faceoff wins from last season, making it a key point of focus for the upcoming season. As defenseman Devon Toews mentioned, winning faceoffs and quickly clearing the puck will be crucial for the team's success on the penalty kill.
There is some good news on the injury front, as coach Jared Bednar revealed that Lehkonen could potentially return for the season opener. His return would be a welcome addition, as he is known for his versatility and ability to play in various roles.
In conclusion, the Avalanche have a tough task ahead of them in rebuilding their penalty kill unit. However, with a combination of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the team is confident in their ability to continue improving and making a strong push towards their ultimate goal - winning the Stanley Cup.
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