If the Colorado Avalanche is going to bounce back from their worst season ever, and one of the worst seasons in NHL history, here is what they will need to lean on.
1. Defensemen. Do the Avs have enough talent on the back end? Nine of 10 ardent fans would probably say no. Media around the league says no. The popular opinion is that Colorado all but ignored its primary off-season need of strengthening the blue line. The Avs have a No. 1 defenseman in Erik Johnson and a good power-play specialist in Tyson Barrie.