Comments on: Next Day: 10 Observations From the Avalanche’s 5-3 loss to Carolina (+)

By: Dan G

Dan G — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 19:12:28 +0000

It was good to see the goaltending hold up and while I doubt Wedgewood is the answer to the Avs need for a starter, he is capable of bringing what Francouz brought to the Avs. The fact that it was only 3-1 in the third is a testament to what decent goaltending can do.

Mittelstadt just looks lost right now. Both of his penalties were a result of not moving his feet and trying to defend with his stick instead.

I do not know what to do about the PP. In one sense, it makes sense to give PP1 time to figure things out and keep them out there. On the other hand, it seems reasonable to pull them off the ice after three consecutive failed zone entries and give PP2 more than 35 seconds to work with. PP1 can’t simply be given limitless chances to even just gain the zone and get set up. It just leads to complacency when a unit is allowed to be terrible knowing there’s nothing that the coach will do about it during the game.

Regarding MacKinnon and faceoffs. I figured that this past summer was going to be the summer he worked on them the same way Crosby is famous for having worked on faceoffs one off-season and returning to dominate in the circle. MacKinnon had to know that after game 6 versus Dallas last year when Dallas iced the puck repeatedly knowing there were really no worries about another d-zone faceoff that he needed to get better. Then I heard him on Spittin Chicklets from before the season started and he mentioned that it’s something he should probably get around to working on. I was pretty disappointed.

By: ricoflashback

ricoflashback — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:59:05 +0000

I haven’t followed Mittelstadt’s game lately and I don’t know where it has gone. And, who was he paired with earlier when he was having success? One thing for sure, the book on the Avs is to pressure them all over the ice. Especially in the Avs defensive zone. They do not respond well nor do they pass well. Too late on exit passes. Fumbling and stumbling with the puck.

On the power play, the Makar drop off pass to MacKinnon might work with lesser teams but the elite teams have figured it out. On the penalty kill, too much of the passive sh!t box and not enough of the diamond with pressure. I’d rather have the goalie face a one on one shot as opposed to sitting back and screening him.

Lastly, I really think the Landeskog forever status issue is affecting the team. Not only salary cap wise, which has constrained them considerably, but leadership wise. There isn’t anyone to replace Gabe right now and that lack of leadership shows.

By: Joseph Crotty

Joseph Crotty — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:50:56 +0000

Ivan’s too many men on the ice penalty with three mins. left in the third was really unfortunate. CAR cashed it in for another seeing eye PP goal from the blue line and a two goal lead that really killed out come back chances. Officiating was poor to boot.

By: Brad Jacobs

Brad Jacobs — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:35:20 +0000

Sadly Mitts is killing that second line. He isn’t skating well, tries to do too much with the puck and isn’t playing very well on D. Colton to 2C might have to happen until he figures it out.