Having spent most of this season playing on the road, the Colorado Avalanche have developed a higher sense of comfort while being away from the Pepsi Center. Of the 31 games the Avalanche have played this season, 19 have been away from home. A winning record on the road is helping to keep the Avalanche afloat while they try to improve their play at home, where they have only won one-third of their games. Goaltending has played an important role for Colorado this season and is a major factor in their road success, but a stronger defensive presence is contributing as well.
Both the power play and penalty kill have been significantly better while at home for the Avalanche, where they have the third-best power play in the NHL. On the road, Colorado has the third-worst power play, 28th in the league. Finding ways to get wins on the road despite poor special teams play signifies that the Avalanche have been playing a strong five-on-five game. Many of the analytics that surround hockey today, such as Corsi (shot attempts), focus on the five-on-five play. Even though the Avs are still last in the NHL in Corsi, they are finding ways to succeed while both teams are at full strength. During five-on-five play on the road this season, the Avalanche have scored the second-most goals in the NHL, while having allowed only 1.31 even-strength goals per game.
Being one of the worst teams in Corsi, but still winning games is a testament to the defensive play for Colorado. Much like the Avalanche team of two seasons ago, a strong defensive structure is playing an important role. A lack of offensive possession is placing more of an emphasis on the defensive end. Adjusting the defensive structure, in the neutral zone especially, has helped the Avs slow down offensive rushes from the opposition and hinder their speed. Strong defensive play has been essential on the road where the Avalanche are scoring only 2.53 goals per game, compared to the 3.08 they are scoring at home.
A tight defensive game is going to reflect in the play of the goaltending. Of course, both Semyon Varlamov and Reto Berra have had to make some big saves in clutch situations, but overall, a strong defensive presence has helped the goalies perform. On the road, the Avalanche goaltenders have significantly better numbers. This is another testament to the heightened comfort level of the team from having played so many games away from home. When at home, Varlamov and Berra have combined for a .880 save percentage and a 3.42 goals against. While away, the goalies (Calvin Pickard included) have put up a .922 save percentage and a 2.47 GAA.
The five-on-five play, defensive structure, goaltending and ability to score despite a low shot count has combined to help the Avalanche have a winning road record entering Tuesday’s contest with Chicago. The fact that their results have been so different at home could simply be the result of having played more away games than any team in the league. Some time at home to settle and regain some familiarity with the Pepsi Center ice should help the Avalanche reciprocate the numbers they have put up on the road. Combining the stronger special teams numbers from home, with the five-on-five play they have had on the road will help Colorado make yet another step towards more complete home games. Improving the home record will be critical to reviving the season and competing for a playoff spot.
Colorado returns home from their three-game Central Division road trip this Thursday to face the New York Islanders. This will be the start of a stretch where the Avalanche play 11 of 13 games at home. At 29 points, the Avs currently sit six points out of a wild card spot. If their play at home can correspond with the recent play on the road, the upcoming stretch of mostly home games could bring a playoff spot within reach.
