Colorado Avalanche has suffered a further setback after a string injuries and player suspension. Jonathan Drouin is out of the lineup due to an upper body injury. The 29-yearold left winger should be out for at least two games, before reevaluation. Drouin is a major reason for the team’s struggles. The team’s struggles began in the season’s opener when they lost 8-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights. He didn’t manage to get a single shot on goal, despite playing over 21 minutes.
Avalanche’s Injury-Stricken Team and Its Impact
The Avalanche’s situation is already difficult with the absence of key forwards Gabriel Landeskog and Artturi Lehkonen. Moreover, Valeri Nichushkin will serve a suspension at least until mid-November, further depleting resources.
Jared Bednar is the Avalanche coach and he believes that these absences make it more difficult for his team to perform. He believes that this also forces the players to focus and commit from the beginning.
He says: “We must expect that each player in our line-up has to be at the top of their game, not only play a role but excel in that particular role for us. This adds an element of pressure right from the start.”
Avalanche Adds New Goalkeeper to Roster
In an effort to improve their lineup, the Avalanche acquired goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen on Friday from the Winnipeg Jets. This move was made after Alexandar Georgiev’s poor performance against the Golden Knights. He conceded five goals in 16 shots. Justus Annunen also had a poor performance, allowing two goals in four shots.
Kahkonen is a 28-year-old goalkeeper who spent the last season with the San Jose Sharks. He also played for the New Jersey Devils. His record was 7-24-3. He will officially become an Avalanche player once he has completed his immigration procedures. Kahkonen, who began his NHL career during the 2019-20 season has a 49 67 15 record with a goal-against averge of 3.33.
Bednar acknowledges the improved performances of the team’s goalkeepers and expects that they will continue to improve. He also hopes that Kahkonen will make a positive contribution.
“The aim is always to win hockey games. If we can improve in any position even slightly, we will do so, especially when it involves a low risk.”
Mikko Rantanen Welcomes Kahkonen
Mikko Rantanen expressed his delight at Kahkonen joining the team, as a fellow Finn. He made a joke about Finland being small, and how it is easy to get to know everyone. Rantanen, Kahkonen, and their teammates have skated together before in the summers. They also won the World Juniors.
Rantanen stated that there had been no update on his contract extension. He is in the last year of his contract, and prefers to concentrate on the game rather than worry about the contract. Rantanen said:
“My focus is on the game.”
