Making a clean first pass up ice to begin the exit from the defensive zone is commonly taken for granted in hockey. But it's a crucial need for any successful team.
If exits aren't continually clean, the systems break down. Turnovers lead to unfavorable counter-attacks and neutral-zone strategy is erased. Offensive entries are drastically diminished.
Too much time on defense leads to too many shots against and reduces offensive opportunities. Puck-moving defensemen don't necessarily translate to offensive threats; they are generally graded on making the first pass out of the zone.
The Avalanche needs to improve its basic system of moving the puck up ice and setting up the attack.