The Colorado Eagles have started the season out 0–2, losing both games against the Grand Rapids Griffins on the road. New head coach Aaron Schneekloth aims to refresh the Eagles with unfamiliar faces. What can we expect from the Colorado Avalanche affiliate after a tough beginning?
Still have not seen the full team
The Eagles traveled to Michigan this last weekend without a full team in their ranks. The Avalanche have not assigned Jean-Luc Foudy and Alex Beaucage because of injuries from last season. Joel Kiviranta, who was a professional tryout (PTO) for the Avalanche, has yet to play a game for the Eagles because of immigration paperwork. D.J. Busdecker, who signed as a free agent of the summer, will bring some grit to forward lines that could be beneficial on the penalty kill. Justus Annunen was just reassigned two days ago to the Eagles. Because of Pavel Francouz’s injury, he will probably be with the Avalanche for a significant part of the season.
Special teams
The absence of certain players affected special teams in the first two games. The Eagles’ power play was impressive, effortlessly moving the puck, but they struggled to connect against two goalies in the zone. Colorado tossed 40+ shots total on goal both games but barely found holes. They ended the weekend at 20%, but there was something special.
Pleasant surprise
The Avalanche granted Peter Holland the chance to take part in their training camp on a PTO, just like Kiviranta. They let Holland go from the NHL club, but offered the opportunity to secure a spot on the AHL roster in Loveland. So far, he has taken full advantage of his situation. After just two games, he leads the Eagles with two goals and one assist. Holland will bring over 250 games of AHL experience and over 260 NHL games to the lineup. That experience was definitely present in the two opening games.
Conclusion
The Eagles now have 10 new players who were not on the roster last season. Colorado also has two new coaches in Schneekloth and former Avalanche forward Steve Konowalchuk. With many fresh faces, it may take a few games to establish team chemistry. The biggest hope is that the Avalanche can stay healthy, therefore making it so the Eagles’ roster will not be so fluid (they had 56 players suit up for the team last season). Colorado is buzzing with a new excitement not seen last season. The season could not come soon enough for the players, and Blue Arena will rock on Friday night!