Colorado Avalanche: Your Stanley Cup dream is over

(Photo credit: U.S. Air Force photo/Dave Armer)

One year ago Colorado endured a torrid season. A record low points in the salary cap era and a disgruntled fan base meant that a long period of transition was expected.

But here we are today, yes they are out of the playoffs, but the fact they made the dance is a testament to the achievements of this hockey club.

The dream might be over, but the project has only just begun in Denver. 

The series

A 4-2 Nashville win was probably unexpected in most circles as the Predators were expected to take a sweep of the over achieving Avalanche. 

Smashville was true to its name in the first two games as the favourites won game one and two by a combined score of 10-6. 

Game three saw the Avalanche take an impressive 5-3 win and reignite hopes in the mile-high city. 

Though game four finished with their hopes of progressing hanging by a thread as they lost 3-2.

With elimination looking imminent the Av’s went to Nashville looking for a miracle. Nick Bonino scored a third period goal with ten minutes left to surely knock Colorado out, but Gabriel Landeskog and Sven Andrighetto gave the underdogs a small chance as they extended the series by at least one more game. 

On Monday night the final nail came into the Avalanche coffin as they fell to a comprehensive 5-0 defeat. A season worth remembering ended by the Stanley Cup playoff favourites. 

What next for Colorado?

The team have built an impressive side that plays a great brand of hockey. The management should be proud of how they have turned this team around and made them into a playoff bubble team in such a short space of time.

One issue for the team to consider is if they are as good as we saw this season. Last season they finished dead last. This year they made the playoffs by the skin of their teeth.

What are they then? Probably something in between. Though Nathan Mackinnon gives them a chance to win every night - maybe they are now a playoff contender. 

What next for Nashville?

Winnipeg! And what a series it will be. The Preds will face off against another contender in the form of the Jets who brushed Minnesota aside with clinical ease. 

Nashville face arguably their toughest test of the postseason. And if they make it past the Jets, they will surely be set for another cup final appearance. 

Will Colorado contend for a cup next season? Let us know in the comments section below.