And I'd agree with you, but Rantanen isn't in the NHL. The Avs are basically playing with 4 top 6 players, maybe 3 3rd liners, 2 washed up vets, and a bunch of 4th liners and fringe 4th line/AHL players up front. It isn't really a recipie for great success. Combine that with Holden being in the top 4 and the junk that is the 6-8 defensemen... there are going to be lots of bumps here.
The Avs have done well to fight back into the playoffs... now they need to find a way to solidify it. I don't think it is a sure thing (not even close) with the lineup they are putting out there every night... they need a top 6 forward and they need to find a way to shore up the defense a bit more. The former... giving a shot to Rantanen is the move I'd make. If he can't cut it... then test the market. I wouldn't necessarily make a move, but at least getting an idea of what is out there. For defense... they have options, but none of them are great. Bigras needs more minutes, but isn't ready for a big load. Zadorov could help, but there isn't a great place to slot him without giving Bigras more minutes than he should have or sending him back down. Holden, he has been fine this year, but he can't be reasonably expected to play as much as he has. There are issues up and down there, and no great options. I've stated this for a month now, but if they want the top 4 (as constructed) to hold up, they need to get Bigras and whoever his partner is more minutes. I don't think the Avs have a partner capable of doing that... they'd need to make a small move.
Agreed. The D has been the same issue for a long time now, so that's nothing new. It's just finalizing a transitionary phase which should have two new full time additions next year at least.
Up front I think the issue is guys are just letting them down from what they expected. Iggy and Tangs have regressed incredibly quick this year, to the point where they're not even able to contribute in a 3rd line tweener role. Comeau has been good for the most part this year, but since his wife had his new baby, he's looked pretty terrible out there. Very poor puck management.
Then there's two key players who's games have been off for various reasons. Landy has played below expectations all year, but most of us agree that's due to playing through injury. Nate however, has been pretty off his game for a long time now though as well. Going way back to when Duchene got switched to his wing. He has been picking up points, but mostly leeching off Duchene, with some nice plays from himself every once in awhile. Mostly though he's made a lot of bad decisions with the puck, and generally hasn't looked like himself. Poor passing and poor shot accuracy.
Combine that with Duchene's freezing cold start, and they've had a lot of forwards underperform this year. Without a bottom six that can be counted on to provide consistent depth scoring, and I think that shows a big part of the problem.
That hopefully will be rectified next year with the addition of Mikko, a likely new forward from outside the organization, a healthy Landy, and an older MacKinnon, with at the very least Tanguay moving on.
