Are the Avalanche for real?

[dissentowner]

They are about to be 9-1 after 10 games. Who would have thought? So are they a legit powerhouse team or are they going to come back to reality? Playoffs?

[Jbo]

Hard to say...I thought they were good last year and we saw how that went. Sacco being gone has made a huge difference and they are so spoiled at C.

Defense still does not have me sold. Even though GA is really good.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Duchene has taken his game to a whole new level this season, but really, the biggest change was Patrick Roy. The whole culture of the team has changed. Plus the fact that they are healthy this year (unlike last year where they had virtually no healthy wingers) makes a big difference too.

Are they a powerhouse team? I don't think so. Playoffs - I do think so.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think they will come back down to earth as the season progresses, but I do think that barring an injury parade, they will make playoffs. Just adds to the whole 'Avs tanked last season' speculation - but I just think they were waiting for Roy. Should have at least relieved Sacco last season and just named an interim coach. There was no way they should have been that bad last season.

[habernac]

people were thinking Roy would be a joke. I had a pretty good idea he'd do ok. He doesn't step in and do anything half-assed. His players have responded. The one thing that may come back to bite them is the fact that they give up too many shots.

[theinfinitejar]

The Avs have a .972 ES Sv%, there is no way that can keep up.

EDIT: Whoops, that's score close Sv%, the total Sv% is .960, still not sustainable.

[Poe969]

I think Roy is a good coach, I think goaltending has imporved, defense has improved, offense has imporved.

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Originally Posted by theinfinitejar

The Avs have a .972 ES Sv%, there is no way that can keep up.

The goalies are scared of letting down Roy. They'll keep it up

[Enoch Root]

Powerhouse? No

Playoff mix? Yes

I thought they would surprise this year and be a playoff-mix bubble team, but obviously I never saw anything like this coming.

[LouCypher]

I was really not sure about Roy's coaching ability, I know he has gained some experience with his junior team. Seems to be doing well and I know with his passion for winning he's the type of guy that could really sway a dressing room and alter the culture of a team.

[Enoch Root]

Poe: out of thanks, but thanks

[Anduril]

They've had a bad run of terrible coaching, injuries and a weak defense.
The defense is still bad but at least they've had better luck with the other two.

[Husky]

The Avs were a strong team the last 2 years; they were hurt by injuries and bad coaching.

[Fischy13]

There record last year, makes this year look even better. The NHL should be disgraced in how Colorado has made a mockery of them. They make Edmonton look good. This year is clear evidence they tanked on purpose to get a high pick, and won the lottery too boot as a reward. It's a shame. Once mathematically eliminated, who ever garners the most points from then to the end gets the top pick. No lottery. Keeps all teams playing for something.

[Husky]

Originally Posted by Fischy13

There record last year, makes this year look even better. The NHL should be disgraced in how Colorado has made a mockery of them. They make Edmonton look good. This year is clear evidence they tanked on purpose to get a high pick, and won the lottery too boot as a reward. It's a shame. Once mathematically eliminated, who ever garners the most points from then to the end gets the top pick. No lottery. Keeps all teams playing for something.

Green text I hope....

[OzSome]

They'll fall down back to earth by the middle of season. Right now JS Giguere with his smaller goalie pad is doing well but he'll come down to earth. As I recall, the Avs started very well early in the season too but by the middle of the season, they started to struggle and missed the playoff.

[Jake]

Goes to show how bad of a coach Joe Sacco is. Still can't believe he let Duchene ride the bench for half a season a couple of years ago.

[chockfullofgoodness]

Impressive start for sure. Goals against is really impressive. But it's only 10 games.

[Northendzone]

I think that the pack starts to sort itself out at game 20. And by game 30, you have a pretty good idea on which teams are playoff bound.....

[PlayfulGenius]

I think they're for real... not that they'll go .900, of course, but I feel they're a playoff calibre group as I thought they would be ... though, I don't expect them to be in the Top 4 or 5 of the playoff bound teams.