It's difficult to find fault with a hockey team that is 15-1-1 in its last 17 games and hasn't lost in regulation in 2022... but, if there's been one area of weakness for the Colorado Avalanche it's been the goaltending.
However, if the last three games are a sign of things to come the 'Avs may never lose again. I'm kidding of course, but the turnaround between the pipes certainly makes an already dangerous team downright deadly to play against.
In the last four games, the 'Avs outscored their opponent 14 to 4, went 3-0 on the road with two shutouts (both on the road) - the club's first two shutouts of the season.
Regular Starter Darcy Kuemper has been less than stellar at times and it's drawn the ire of fans and media alike, but he really has found his game. Since returning from injury in December he's 9-0-1 and over his last three starts, Kuemper's kicked aside 72 of 74 shots, posted his first shutout of the season, and raised his save percentage to a respectable .912.
His counterpart Pavel Francouz has been equally as impressive stopping 82 of 87 hots with a shutout of his own. On top of that, he's won his last five starts while putting in Yeoman's work when called upon in relief of Kuemper. The 31-year-old is 5-1 with a 2.40 GAA and an outstanding .922 save percentage.
I believe the return of Francouz has been the catalyst for this turnaround. His play has been good enough to push Kuemper to be better himself. The best teams in this league have solid goalie tandems and the same thing can now be said for Colorado.
It's fun to win games 7-3, but you have to be able to win the 1-0 and 2-1 games to win a Stanley Cup. Facts.
Lastly, it's conceivable the 'Avs finish the month of January without a regulation loss.
They have five games left and only one of those is against a playoff team, the Boston Bruins. The other four games are against the Blackhawks (x2), Canadiens, and Sabres who have a combined winning percentage of .378. Just something to key an eye on.
Lastly, lastly... how about a good old-fashioned hockey fight to wrap this up? I haven't seen a fight that compares to this bout between heavyweights Kurtis MacDermid of the 'Avs and Anaheim forward Nicolas Deslauriers in a very, very... very long time. Where's my foil?
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»