Colorado Avalanche: 3 Things to Watch in November
After an 8-1-5 start to the 2025-26 season, the Colorado Avalanche aim to maintain their status as Stanley Cup favorites while overcoming some early challenges. Ranked highly across news sites, the team has demonstrated strong potential but faced eyebrow-raising storylines in their first 15 games.
Power Play Struggles
The Avalanche's power play has struggled to find consistency despite having one of the strongest lineups. After parting ways with Ray Bennett in the offseason following a surprising first-round playoff exit, Dave Hakstol was brought in to inject more aggression into the power play.
Initially, scoring opportunities were limited, making the power play look stiff on the ice. Recently, a key change swapped Brock Nelson to the second unit, with Valeri Nichushkin joining the first unit, adding size and physicality.
This adjustment led to four power play goals against New Jersey and a point against the NHL's third-best penalty kill, Tampa Bay.
Overtime Challenges
The Avalanche have yet to secure a win in overtime, a factor that could become problematic if it continues as the season progresses. Despite this, the team still holds the top spot in league points.
Coaching Changes and Expectations
The shift from Ray Bennett to Dave Hakstol reflects management’s desire to make the power play more aggressive. The team hopes this change will help shake off early season woes and strengthen their Stanley Cup contention.
“The Avalanche have started off the 2025-26 season as Stanley Cup favorites, sitting atop many a news-site's power rankings.”
Author's summary: The Avalanche remain NHL powerhouses but must fine-tune their power play and improve overtime performance to sustain Stanley Cup contention.