The Colorado Avalanche enters the 2019-20 season with high hopes and even higher expectations. After upsetting Calgary in the first round of the playoffs and pushing San Jose to Game 7 in the second round, the hype is big for the Avs to contend for the third Stanley Cup in franchise history. Oddsmaker Bovada has Colorado at 12-to-1 odds to win it all, fifth best behind Tampa Bay (7/1), Toronto (17/2), Vegas (10/1) and Boston (11/1).
So, should the hype be believed? Here’s a look at what the national (and international) media are saying:
TSN’s Frank Seravalli : The Colorado Avalanche will hoist the Stanley Cup for the third time in franchise history. One year after falling in Game 7 of Round 2, the Avs are more experienced, stronger down the middle (Nazem Kadri), ready to take flight on defense (Cale Makar), and have other young players (Tyson Jost) better positioned to succeed with more depth.”
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski places , saying: “The hype train has left the station thanks to a tremendous offseason for GM Joe Sakic, but we’re weary of crowning a conference king before we’re sure they’re going to be in the throne room. In other words, Colorado might have as much potential to win the Central as it does to be right back on the playoff bubble. But the Avs are very much a threat to win a Cup in the next three to four seasons.”
USA Today doesn’t have the Avs advancing far into the playoffs, and just two of the four writers surveyed . That said, there is one big individual accolade predicted: “Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon received two votes to win the Hart Trophy as MVP.”
CBS Sports’ : “With the Avalanche as real contenders in the West, I look for MacKinnon to find that extra gear, breaking the century mark for the first time in his career and be named league MVP.” He also adds that “Cale Makar is the league’s best rookie but doesn’t win the Calder.”
Deadspin’s Lauren Theisen has the : “There may not be a lot underneath a shiny surface, but the highlights from the guys who top 20 minutes a night make Colorado a team worth getting invested in. If Philipp Grubauer can handle being the full-time starter at goalie and put up anything like his career save percentage of .921 as a part-timer, the Avalanche are in great shape.”
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What’s on Tap?
- Avalanche: Calgary Flames, 7 p.m. Thursday, ALT |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
MLB playoffs: Rays 5, A’s 1
Full story |
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Must-Read
Kiszla: As Avalanche fans suffer, billionaire Stan Kroenke insists “We’re the little guys” in TV dispute
Kroenke suggested Avalanche fans should contact representatives of Comcast, DirecTV and Dish, then firmly declare: “This is (balderdash.) Because it is (balderdash).” Read more…
Vic Fangio’s leadership critical as Broncos face franchise infamy: First-year coach tells players to “stay with the culture we’re trying to build”
Emmanuel Sanders suggested Denver’s turnaround will go as far as Fangio’s guiding hand takes it. Read more…
Avalanche goaltending could be potential weakness or shared strength. “We have to keep ourselves accountable.”
The Central Division’s shortest tandem enters season ready to prove themselves worthy puck stoppers for Stanley Cup contenders. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Kickin’ it with Kiz Podcast: Mel Tucker, “So what, now what?” and mental health advice for apountry
+ Avalanche Insider: Everything you need to know about the 2019-20 Colorado Avalanche
+ Avs GM Joe Sakic on television dispute: “Hopefully that will get worked out”
+ Broncos Briefs: New LB Jeremiah Attaochu looking forward to facing old team
+ Nuggets coach Michael Malone: No leader in the clubhouse for open SF spot
+ Sophomore QB Nicco Marchiol a driving force for undefeated Regis Jesuit
+ CSU’s Nate Craig-Myers’ hot start product of diligent preparation, exemplary character
+ College Football Picks: Elite teams rolling. And can the CU Buffs beat Arizona?
+ Meet the 2019-20 Colorado Avalanche
+ William V. Bidwill, longtime Cardinals owner, dies at 88
Ask The Experts
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
6
8 Colorado prep football games to watch in Week 6
A rundown of the top high school football games coming up in Week 6 across the state. Read more…
Parting Shot
Keystone wants back in the race to be first Colorado ski area to open.
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
