The Colorado Avalanche have made headlines this season with an impressive start, recording the most points before the holiday break since records began in 1972. Their remarkable 27-2-7 record has sparked discussions across the hockey community about who or what deserves recognition for this extraordinary performance.
As the team approaches the midway point of the season, opinions vary widely. Recently, during an interview for a school capstone project, a high school student posed a thought-provoking question: who—or what—truly deserves credit for the Avalanche’s success? This inquiry prompted a deeper exploration of the roster’s dynamics and contributions.
In an effort to gather insights, players and head coach Jared Bednar were asked to weigh in on the factors behind their historic start. Bednar emphasized the importance of leadership and focus within the team, stating, “It is the focus and the determination of the group… whatever message they are sending before games, during games on the bench, it is the right one.” He highlighted how both seasoned players and newcomers have contributed to the team’s unity and resolve.
The players echoed Bednar’s sentiments, attributing their achievements to collective effort rather than individual accolades. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood pointed out the consistency of his teammates, singling out Artturi Lehkonen for often flying under the radar. Meanwhile, Gavin Brindley noted, “Everyone has been contributing… finding different ways to win.”
The Avalanche’s depth has been a theme in many responses. Brent Burns remarked on the varied contributions of teammates, from the energy of Parker Kelly to the tactical prowess of Jack Drury. Ross Colton added that the overall atmosphere in the locker room has significantly improved, attributing this to the presence of veterans like Gabe Landeskog and Burns.
Landeskog himself acknowledged the collective effort, stating, “It truly feels like everyone… has been a huge part of our success.” He noted that players like Scott Wedgewood and Josh Manson have also played pivotal roles, making the team difficult to compete against.
Younger players have also made their mark. Sam Malinski credited the core group for fostering a strong culture and praised general manager Chris MacFarland for assembling a committed team. Nathan MacKinnon highlighted the importance of their strength coach, Alexi Pianosi, for ensuring players are physically prepared, which has contributed to their strong starts in games.
The Avalanche’s success is not merely a result of individual talent but rather a culmination of teamwork and strategic execution. Scott Wedgewood emphasized the importance of details in their gameplay, stating, “We score a lot, and we don’t give up much… it’s our d-zone faceoff assignments, o-zone faceoff plays.” This focus on tactical play has allowed the Avalanche to maintain their dominant form throughout the season.
As the season progresses, it remains clear that the Avalanche’s historic start is a product of both individual brilliance and a robust team effort. With contributions from every player and leadership that fosters unity, the Avalanche are poised to continue their strong performance. Whether it’s the goalies, the defense, or the forwards, each player plays a vital role in this season’s remarkable journey.
