Goalies
Over the course of the regular season the Colorado Avalanche juggled the goalie tandem of Philipp Grubauer and Semyon Varlamov. It produced mixed results but often times was detrimental to an Avs club who was fighting for playoff positioning all season. However after about 25 starts Grubauer caught fire and in the final month helped propel the Avalanche into the postseason
Over the final 10 games of the regular season Grubauer posted a 0.952 save percentage, with a stellar 4.32 GSAA. The Avalanche have been waiting for the German goalkeeper to take the reins in net ever since they traded for and signed him this off-season. Their investment in the 27-year-old has finally paid off and it couldn’t be happening at better time.
He’s continued his strong play into the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs shutting down the typically explosive Flames roster. His calming presence between the pipes kept the Avalanche grounded and focused on their game plan. He ended the series with a 0.939 save percentage and doesn’t seem to slowing down anytime soon.
The San Jose Sharks are in for a tough task trying to figure out how to beat Grubauer in the 2nd round. However according to ThePointHockey.com out of Grubauer’s 10 goals allowed 7 got by up high. Look for Team Teal to aim for the top corners and perhaps when doing so it opens up other parts of net for the Sharks to target.
The Avalanche have put together the proper combination of timely goals, stout team defense, and consistent goaltending after a season of ups and downs. A tired but determined San Jose Sharks squad will be in for a challenge during the second phase of their quest towards the first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
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