Following a 2013-14 that saw the Colorado Avalanche rise to become one of the most formidable teams in the Western Conference, the Avs entered 2014-15 with high expectations. Instead of building off of their very successful 2013-14, the Avs have arrived in 2014-15 with a thud. The Avs have collected just four points through their first seven games and have often looked completely overwhelmed early on.
Questions have already been asked about the team’s goaltending and defense. Allowing 24 goals in seven games will do that. The Avs were placed in a difficult predicament after injuries forced both of their goaltenders out of the lineup, but the team’s overall mentality and approach have been a focal point as well.
Patrick Roy commented about the situation following his squad’s loss to the Florida Panthers, as seen in the Denver Post.
“Right now the way I look at, is we want an easy game. Until we’re where we want to compete at the level we were last year, we’re going to struggle. We’re not sharp mentally.”
Roy’s comments may be a bit difficult to decipher, but the overall thought is that the Avs aren’t where they need to be mentally. With that in mind, the question must be asked: Why is that? Are the players properly prepared each night? Are the tactics failing? Is the head coach to blame?
The Avs appear to be on the wrong page as a team. This isn’t the case of one player looking unfocused. This is a case of nearly the whole roster looking sluggish, distracted and unmotivated. It’s too early to point fingers at coaches, but this sounds like a situation where Roy’s tactics and motivational techniques aren’t as effective as they used to be.
