Avalanche Aim for Consistency with Landeskog’s Return and Goalie Tandem
The Colorado Avalanche are entering the 2025-26 season with high expectations, fueled by the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog from a knee injury and the continued stability of their goaltending tandem. The team is as well looking to integrate new additions like Brent Burns and Victor Olofsson into a roster that aims to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Landeskog’s Return and Leadership
Gabriel Landeskog’s return to a full regular season after recovering from a serious knee injury is a significant boost for the Avalanche. He previously returned for the playoffs last spring, marking his first NHL game since winning the Stanley Cup in 2022. His leadership is expected to be crucial for the team’s success. TSN highlights the importance of his presence in the lineup.
Burns Brings Experience and Leadership
Colorado also added veteran defenseman Brent Burns, a 40-year-old looking to win his first Stanley Cup in his 22nd season. Burns is already making a positive impact in the locker room, providing leadership and experience to a team with championship aspirations. TSN reports that Burns is a popular figure among his teammates.
Goaltending Stability
The Avalanche boast a stable goaltending duo in Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood. From December 8th onward, after acquiring both goalies, Colorado allowed only 2.37 goals per game, the third-best mark in the league. TSN emphasizes the importance of this consistency in net for a deep postseason run.
Addressing Depth and Discipline
A key challenge for the Avalanche will be maximizing their depth. Last season, the team used a league-leading 49 players, partly due to injuries. TSN notes this was tied for the highest amount in franchise history. Coach Jared Bednar has stressed the need for improved discipline, particularly regarding penalties, after a game against the Minnesota Wild where the team took six penalties. Yahoo Sports reported Bednar stating that six penalties were “too many, especially against a power play like theirs.”
Key Players to Watch
Nathan MacKinnon and defenseman Cale Makar are expected to lead the Avalanche’s offensive attack. Landeskog’s return adds another dynamic element to the forward group, and the team will be looking for contributions from players like Victor Olofsson as well.
Recent Game Performance
In a recent game, Landeskog scored a goal at 10:13 with a one-timer off a feed from Brent Burns, contributing to a strong performance by the MacKinnon line with Necas. However, the team also faced penalty issues, with a 53-second stretch resulting in three minor penalties. Yahoo Sports detailed this sequence of events.
The Avalanche will need to balance offensive firepower with disciplined play and consistent goaltending to achieve their goals in the 2025-26 season.