The Colorado Avalanche are making a name for themselves this season by consistently striking first. In 36 of their 70 games, they've opened the scoring, boasting a strong 27-7-2 record when doing so. Getting ahead early allows them to dictate the pace, playing with a bit more aggression while being cautious not to overextend.
But let’s not forget, no lead is ever truly safe in hockey. Being ahead offers some breathing room, but it’s crucial to avoid careless mistakes like turnovers.
The Avalanche learned this the hard way against the Penguins on March 16. Despite scoring first in a game that ended in a 7-2 loss, their early 1-0 lead quickly vanished.
In the NHL, a one-goal advantage can disappear in an instant, especially if the defense isn’t airtight, as Pittsburgh demonstrated by breaking through Colorado's defenses with relative ease.
Looking ahead to their matchup with the Jets, the Avalanche need to keep a close eye on players like Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, who have racked up 81 and 86 points this season, respectively. The Jets might have 35 power play goals, but their overall power play ranks low at 24th (17.7%), similar to the Avalanche. However, Colorado’s penalty kill is impressive, sitting second at 83.2%, and should remain strong with Logan O’Connor back in the lineup.
The key for Colorado will be to strike early against the Jets. Expect Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas to come out firing, putting pressure on Connor Hellebuyck right from the start. But for that to happen, the Avalanche must stifle the Jets’ offensive efforts.
The Jets are coming off a solid 4-1 victory over the Golden Knights, while Colorado rides a three-game win streak. The Avalanche are once again a formidable force in the NHL. Their improving power play is a promising sign as the postseason approaches, and fans are hopeful that this momentum continues.
Earlier in the season, there was concern among Avalanche fans about their struggling power play. But it seems they've found their groove just in time. Keeping this momentum will be crucial as they head toward the playoffs, where every game counts.