Overview
- The Avalanche scored eight goals in their season opener, converting four power-play goals on five chances, a burst that has shifted coaching focus to preserving early gains.
- Head coach Jared Bednar praised the second power-play unit for its movement and structure and said elite skill alone does not make a PP effective.
- Colorado returned to a full skate after a day off and kept the same forward lines, power-play groupings and defensive pairings ahead of Saturday’s game in St. Louis.
- Forwards Logan O’Connor and Zachary L’Heureux began skating in non-contact sweaters as they recover from lower-body injuries and remain doubtful for the back-to-back road game.
- The team dressed only 11 forwards in the opener, using rotating depth players Parker Kelly and Nic Roy to score, a cautious approach aimed at protecting younger defensemen and managing player health as the season begins.