After finishing first in the Central Division last year, the Colorado Avalanche are 1-4-2 since their home opener on October 9. The Avalanche have hit a rough patch with starting goalie Semyon Varlamov out with a groin injury. As if that was not enough three minutes into the Avs fifth game of the season against the Ottawa Senators, Avs backup goalie, Reto Berra, was involved in a collision with a Senators player that caused him to leave the game. This resulted in Avs third goalie, 22-year-old Calvin Pickard, to start in his first NHL game. No need for Avalanche fans to worry though, there is still a ton of season left and Varlamov is expected to start against the Canucks on Friday, October 24. With new additions Jarome Iginla and Daniel Briere and last year’s Calder trophy winner Nathan Mackinnon, the Avs are expected to make a playoff run.
