3 Rounds is a three-part series. Writers select what they feel is the most important individual match-up in the upcoming playoff series and give it an in-depth preview. The second piece is a mid-series assessment of that match-up. In the final installment, we analyze how the match-up contributed to the outcome of the series. If our match-up isn’t the difference-maker, we’ll explore the match-up that DID make the difference.
This match-up between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild has the makings of a very intriguing series. Both teams are relatively young, and both have something to prove. This season, we’ve had plenty of opportunities to see them clash, as Central Division rivals. The Avalanche have owned the season series, winning three out of five games (and dropping one game in a shootout). However, they were all very close games, and the Wild are currently riding a hot streak – having won six of their last eight games.
With this background, its time to look at what will decide the Avalanche vs Wild series.
The Avalanche have a lot doubters right now, despite winning the Central – arguably the strongest division in the NHL. It’s perhaps true that the only reason they won the division is because of the six-game losing skid the St. Louis Blues went on in April. It’s also true that they’ve been riding the second-highest shooting percentage in the NHL (10.2%), as well as the second-highest save percentage, thanks to Semyon Varlamov (.927). However, the Avalanche have no shortage of offensive talent, which rookie coach Patrick Roy appears to be able to employ very effectively.
The Wild also have their fair share of doubters going into the playoffs. Both members of the goalie tandem they began the season with – Josh Harding and Niklas Backstrom – are sidelined with injury. It remains to be seen whether Ilya Bryzgalov, who has been very solid recently, can continue to give Minnesota a chance to win.
However, the key matchup that, in my opinion, will decide this series, is the battle of leaders. This is a clash between young and old; lively energy and veteran grinding. Both these players have played pivotal roles for their teams this year, and it’ll be crucial that they continue their huge contributions.
Gabriel Landeskog vs Mikko Koivu
As the youngest captain in the NHL, Landeskog really has embodied the Colorado Avalanche this year. As such a young team, it’s only fitting that he be the face of the franchise. Landeskog has had a strong year, posting a career-high 65 points and 26 goals. He led the Avalanche in plus/minus this year as a +21 (as opposed to Mikko Koivu’s even rating). Together with Matt Duchene (who may or may not play in this series), he’s led his team from the basement last season to the top of the division. It appears that Landeskog is representing a shift in what an NHL captain should be.
On such a young team, it’s probably best that a leader be someone the younger players can relate to, as opposed to an old veteran from a different generation. Landeskog is just that. In the dressing room, someone close in age to key players such as Nathan MacKinnon will be much more approachable, and, in my mind, more effective as a captain. He really is what the Avalanche are all about – fast, exciting hockey played by energetic youngsters.
Mikko Koivu, on the other hand, represents a more traditional school of thought. At 31, he’s 10 years Landeskog’s senior. He’s in his ninth NHL season, and has some playoff experience (which the Avalanche are notably lacking). Koivu is the only permanent captain the Wild have ever had, since he was given the C in 2009.
While he only had 54 points on the year, Koivu has been a much better possession player than Landeskog. His CF% of 56.1 is much better than the Avalanche captain’s 48.8. He’s been employed as a reliable workhorse, playing more minutes than any other forward on the team; about 20:30 per game.
We’ve already seen the merits of having a team led by a young player. Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews, who were both announced as their clubs’ captains at the age of 19, have both brought their teams (the Penguins and Blackhawks, respectively) a Stanley Cup – two, in Toews’s case. This young leadership appears to have had the same effect on the Avalanche.
I believe Landeskog has made them a much more close-knit group. Obviously the players respect and admire him, but he’s not intimidating. This team, Landeskog included, has grown and developed together over the past couple seasons. Now, they face a real test of their mettle. I would very much like to see the Avalanche following in the footsteps of Pittsburgh and Chicago, and be successful with an exciting young core.
It will be very interesting to see which style of leadership will come out on top in this series. The Avs will be playing with the enthusiasm they’ve had all season. However, it’s yet to be seen whether they can last through a gruelling seven-game series. Minnesota’s veteran core of Koivu, Zach Parise, Jason Pominville and Ryan Suter all have important playoff experience. The battle between two mentalities will probably be the deciding factor in what’s sure to be a close series.
Unfortunately, the winner of this series has to play either St. Louis or Chicago, both of which are extremely tough matchups. However, this is hockey. Anything can happen, especially with such unpredictable teams as Colorado and Minnesota. The amount of confidence gained from winning a series is nothing to turn your nose up at, and confidence goes a very long way with young teams. Both teams are looking to prove that they can be a legitimate contender. This has the makings of a great series.
Predictions From Our Hockey Department:
Max Vasilyev (93% correct last year): Avalanche in five games.
Mitchell Tierney (64% correct last year): Avalanche in five games.
Russell McKenzie (57% correct last year): Avalanche in five games.
Ben Kerr (57% correct last year): Avalanche in six games.
Aaron Wrotkowski: Avalanche in four games.
Ken Hill: Avalanche in five games.
Charlie Clarke: Avalanche in six games.
Jacob Cohen: Avalanche in five games.
Shawn Wilken: Avalanche in six games.
Cristiano Simonetta: Avalanche in five games.
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Main Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images
