The Colorado Avalanche may still have eight games remaining in the regular season, but for them, the playoffs have already begun.
Three points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference standings (though they do have a game in hand), the Avalanche face a bumpy road to get into the dance. In fact, they have the most difficult remaining schedule in the NHL. Every team they are still slated to play is currently in the postseason picture.
“There’s a handful of games left in the season, and we’re gonna make the most of them,” said Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson. “It starts Saturday.”
On Saturday, the Avalanche will face off against the Minnesota Wild in a matinee melee. The very same Wild they are attempting to catch. The very same Wild that have seemingly had their number since upsetting them in the playoffs two seasons ago.
“We don’t want to look at the big picture,” said head coach Patrick Roy, “but obviously that game will turn out to be a huge one for us.”
To be the man, you have to beat the man. On the heels of yet another third period collapse against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Avalanche can ill afford to fall apart again.
“We have to be a little more desperate,” said captain Gabriel Landeskog.
Should the Avalanche emerge victorious against the Wild, they will cut their deficit in the playoff race to one point. As they have a game in hand, they will also regain control of their own destiny. It’s time to put up or shut up for the burgundy and blue, as the season may just hang in the balance.
“We can talk all we want about certain things, adjustments, mindsets and everything like that,” explained Johnson, “but at the end of the day you go out and execute and get the job done.”
