So you knew all along the Avalanche would be a first-place team entering the Christmas break, eh? Care to take a polygraph on that?
Because, not even the most sunny-side-up people thought the Avs would be right where they are on Christmas — atop the Northwest Division.
While two games remain until the Avs exactly hit the midway point of the season, the second half unofficially begins tonight at home against Dallas.
Therefore, we bring you a midseason report card of sorts:
First half MVP
It has to be No. 41, goalie Craig Anderson. He’s currently 18-9-5 with a .917 save percentage and three shutouts, and he already has set a career high for appearances in one season (33).
Anderson has faced an awful lot of rubber so far, an average of 32.3 shots per game. He has bailed out a team that hasn’t always been smart with the puck in its own zone, and he’s taken some hard hits in the crease.
For Anderson to have just as good a second half or better, his teammates need to find a way to cut down on the shots against — and make sure teams don’t think he’s a human bowling pin.
Biggest surprise
The two Ryans — O’Reilly and Wilson.
We knew Matt Duchene might have a solid rookie year — and he has — but not many expected either O’Reilly or Wilson to even be on the roster. Together, they are a combined plus-17 so far.
O’Reilly has struggled offensively of late, but continues to get significant minutes because of his defense and overall smarts, and Wilson has been good enough to get a regular shift on defense alongside captain Adam Foote.
Best comeback
Some around the Avs seemed ready to give up on Wojtek Wolski, who exacerbated his coaches at times when it seemed his work ethic didn’t match his talent.
But Wolski didn’t give up on himself, and probably has been the Avs’ best forward in the last month, and is the team’s second-leading scorer with 37 points.
Biggest concern
The team’s play in the third period has not been good at all. Colorado has been outscored 44-29 and outshot 424-294 in third periods.
When the Avs have gotten leads, they’ve gone into “dim the lights” mode, and it has cost them several points — the most recent being the two lost to Anaheim on Tuesday night after a 2-0 third-period lead.
Best win
In one of the few very good third periods of the season, Oct. 17 in Detroit, the Avs overcame a 2-0 third-period deficit and beat the Red Wings 4-3.
Duchene’s first career goal was one for the highlight reels, and so was his postgame experience of getting his picture taken with the legendary Gordie Howe.
Worst loss
Unfortunately, it was the most recent game, against the Ducks on Tuesday.
All kinds of bad plays and mental errors led to four Anaheim goals in the final eight minutes.
Biggest disappointment
Not enough fans in Denver seem to care what the Avs have done so far.
The Avs are currently 28th in the NHL in average home attendance, at 13,617 per game. Only the Islanders and Phoenix are averaging fewer fans.
Reason for optimism
Duchene and leading scorer Paul Stastny still seem like they might have another gear they can get to with their play, and if they do the Avs could be very tough the rest of the way.
They’re both young and skilled, and teams are having trouble keeping up with such a 1-2 punch at center.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
