Avalanche Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Defensive Depth, Bottom Six Competition and More

The Colorado Avalanche find themselves at a fascinating early junction. After kicking off their campaign with an energetic rush, head coach Jared Bednar is already tinkering with lineup mechanics, managing the workload of his heavy hitters, and figuring out how to squeeze maximum value from a re-tooled bottom six.

With three high-profile games in the coming days, here is a look at the primary storylines surrounding the Avalanche this week and their upcoming schedule.

Defensive Depth and Cale Makar’s Usage Rates

Cale Makar remains the engine of Colorado’s transition game, frequently logging top-tier ice time and driving puck possession metrics well above break-even territory.

However, heavy early-season usage is a double-edged sword. Bednar’s current top pairing of Devon Toews and Makar continues to handle the league’s most taxing matchups. The real strategic development to monitor this week is how the coaching staff manages the second and third pairs. Integrating veteran stability like Brent Burns on the bottom pair alongside Josh Manson gives Colorado a physical, experienced safety net. If the lower pairings can consistently suppress quality chances during five-on-five play, it keeps Makar’s minutes in check rather than pushing upper-tier limits every evening.

Roster Competition in the Bottom Six

The front office opted for a notable retooling of the forward depth during the summer, bringing in fresh energy like Jaden Schwartz, Fedor Svechkov, and Zachary L’Heureux. That overhaul created an immediate logjam, leaving Bednar with tricky personnel choices.

Early on, Colorado has experimented with non-traditional setups, at times opting for an 11-forward and 7-defenseman configuration to buy time while evaluating talent. Young forwards like T.J. Hughes earned roster looks with strong camp performances, but as players return to full health, tough decisions loom. The goal for the bottom six isn’t just energy; it’s establishing a dependable forechecking identity that can sustain offensive zone pressure without ceding high-danger counter-attacks. Watch closely how the third and fourth lines are deployed during defensive-zone faceoffs this week.

Goaltending Tandem and High-Danger Workloads

Between the pipes, the Avalanche continue to lean on a dual-option approach with Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. Colorado’s system relies heavily on aggressive defensemen pinching to keep pucks alive in the offensive zone. When the system runs smoothly, the team limits overall shot volume. When a pinch fails, the goaltender faces isolated, high-danger rush opportunities.

Blackwood’s ability to track pucks through traffic and control rebounds will be critical against opponent power plays that excel at quick cross-ice ballistics. With a back-to-back set on the immediate horizon, both goaltenders will see net time. Establishing early rhythm without relying on acrobatic recoveries is the key metric for success in the crease right now.

Avalanche Upcoming Schedule

Colorado faces a tight three-game slate this week, highlighted by a home-and-home rivalry test followed by a cross-conference home matchup.

The back-to-back set against Dallas will serve as a direct stress test for Colorado’s pace of play and bench depth. Following up against a disciplined Pittsburgh squad at home gives the Avalanche a prime opportunity to refine their special teams mechanics before hitting the road again next week.

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