Mandatory skate fenders — a high-strength plastic molding that Velcros over a skate boot — is part of the Avalanche's new protection plan.
In addition to insuring the players' feet from dangerous slap shots, more capable and deserving bodies surround coach Patrick Roy.
Depth is no longer in doubt, with tight positional battles unfolding at all three positions and reinforcements behind that.
Roy and general manager Joe Sakic — who are beginning their third year together as Colorado's top two day-to-day executives — have turned the Avs' biggest weakness in 2013-14 into one of its strengths.