Avalanche's Hot Start

If you were to look back on last years standings, you would find the Colorado Avalanche sitting in last place in the Western Conference. This year is completely different. The Avs are ten and one and have a goal differential of +19. What is the difference?

P.A. Parenteau battling the Maple Leafs

Coach Patrick Roy has made a big impact on the team this year. His passion has changed the franchise for the better. Coach Roy has demanded success this year, and that's what he has received. He even picked legendary goaltending instructor Francois Allaire, who managed to train J.S. Giguere and Semyon Varlamov into elite goalies.

Coach Roy defending his players

Rookie, Nathan Mackinnon, seems to be a solid forward who is an excellent playmaker. He has the fifth most points on the Avalanche at seven. The rookie leads his team in assists and has participated in every game his team has played. 

Rookie Nathan Mackinnon

Matt Duchene is an even better player. He is the Avs' leading scorer. He leads his team with nine goals. That ties the record for most goals in the month of October. He joins Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg,  and Chris Stewart for most goals in October. Duchene keeps getting better as seasons pass, and he doesn't show any signs of stopping. 

Duchene after goal

Another reason for the Avalanche success is the goaltending. J.S. Giguere has the best GAA and save percentage in the league. Starting goalie, Semyon Varlamov has one of the best save percentages in the NHL.

Giguere and Varly

The Avalanche seem to have established themselves as a competitive team in the NHL. Unlike last year, they are good on all sides of the puck. They have killed fourteen penalties in a row. They show signs of being a playoff team or even Stanley Cup contenders.