Thursday, March 28, 2024 -
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Hockey sticks ‘em!

What a difference a year makes!

It’s a shame that Denver is, to a large degree, a one-team town. Because people are missing out on  the incredible phenomenon that is the 2017-2018 Colorado Avalanche.

Consider us among the happily stunned.

The Avalanche last year was a disaster. Not only did it finish worst in the league, the team finished with the worst final record of any franchise since the 1999-2000 season. The team was full of talent but played awfully. There was no joy, no chemistry. It was downright depressing. Hopeless.

Fast forward a little over half a year and the team has already amassed more wins and points than it did all last season. At this writing, the team has advanced into a wild card spot, and is nipping at the heals of divisional leaders. Star player Nathan McKinnon keeps scoring goals and is being touted by national media as possible league MVP.

Even better: At 10 victories, the Avs had their second-hottest winning streak in franchise history, and earlier this week held the longest winning streak in the NHL this season. That streak ended on Tuesday with a loss against Montreal. But even so we feel confident in saying that it won’t change the team’s momentum. All streaks end — and then a new one can begin.

We — like so many around the league — cannot pinpoint the exact reason. It could be the masterful trade executed by manager Joe Sakic, which rid the team of a talented yet unhappy player, infusing, many argue, a positive, fighting spirit in the club. It could be new head coach, Jared Bednar, finding his footing after his rookie year. All we know is that the Avalanche have chemistry — that elusive ingredient to success.

Broncos country — wake up! There’s a much better game in town.

Copyright © 2018 by the Intermountain Jewish News




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