Devon Toews’ start to the season hasn’t been ideal. Though he’s shown improvement over the past week, scoring his first goal of the year on Monday, the Avalanche’s top defenseman has been battling a persistent lower-body injury since training camp.
“It’s not something that’s going to go away anytime soon,” Toews told Colorado Hockey Now’s Colleen Flynn. ”It’s just something I gotta deal with.”
Toews missed four games in October due to the injury but has returned and maintained consistent ice time in his 12 appearances, logging over 20 minutes each game. His average ice time is only 48 seconds shy of his mark from last season.
“It doesn’t come and go; it’s just been there,” he explained. “Something happened at the end of training camp, and I randomly felt it. It built up over the first couple of games; it felt worse, so I had to back off. Now, I’m just managing it.”
Toews’ goal proved crucial in Colorado’s 3-2 overtime victory against the Nashville Predators. Trailing 1-0 at the time, the Avs scored again to take a 2-1 lead. The contest ultimately reached overtime where defenseman Samuel Girard also netted his first goal of the season on a breakaway.
“Winning hockey games is great; I’m just trying to contribute as best I can right now,” Toews said. “Rest days are fantastic, especially when we get them, but they’re hard to come by. With the packed schedule and games every other day, taking rest days in between is challenging. Just trying to manage it as best as we can.”
Read More: Samuel Girard Breaks Through in OT To Lift Avalanche Over Nashville
The Avs had an optional skate on Tuesday, and Toews chose not to participate. Head coach Jared Bednar often allows top players to focus on off-ice training on practice days, especially with their demanding schedule.
Slow Starts
The Avs are 3-1-0 in the last four games since Lehkonen returned. Bednar said Monday night that the team is competing harder than they did to start the season. However, the pattern of slow starts has persisted over the past week.
Colorado endured sluggish starts in Thursday’s 1-0 shutout loss to the Winnipeg Jets, Saturday’s 6-4 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, and again on Monday.
They haven’t pinpointed the cause. In each of the last two games though, the Avalanche successfully rallied from behind to earn two points at home.
“We’re a team that’s really good at making adjustments, so we’re trying to find something right now in the first period,” Toews said. “We haven’t been able to yet, so we’re still searching.”
# Devon Toews Battles Through Injury as Avalanche Seek Consistency Amid Slow Starts
## A Leader on and Off the Ice
Devon Toews, a cornerstone of the Colorado Avalanche’s recent successes, is facing another adversity this season: battling through injury while striving for consistency. Despite the challenges, Toews remains a crucial figure for the team, both in his role as a top-pairing defenseman and as a leader within the locker room.
### Navigating Physical Setbacks
Toews has proven to be incredibly resilient throughout his NHL career. He’s no stranger to overcoming physical obstacles. This season, however, he’s facing a new challenge that requires extra grit and determination. He’s been battling through [mention specific injury] which has undoubtedly impacted his performance on the ice.
Despite the discomfort and limitations, Toews continues to display remarkable commitment to his team. He’s playing through the pain, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to helping the Avalanche achieve success.
## The Search for Consistency
The Colorado Avalanche haven’t started this season as strongly as many had anticipated. They’ve faced a string of inconsistent performances and struggled to find their rhythm early on. This inconsistency highlights the importance of having reliable players like Toews, who can consistently contribute both defensively and offensively.
### Building Momentum: Key Factors for Success
The Avalanche need to address several key areas to regain their dominant form:
* **Offensive Production:** While they have star power in [mention key offensive players], finding consistent scoring contributions from throughout the lineup is essential.
* **Defensive Stability:** Despite Toews’s best efforts, the team’s defensive structure needs tightening up. Reducing turnovers and improving communication in their own zone will be crucial.
* **Special Teams Performance:** The Avalanche’s power play and penalty kill haven’t been as effective as usual. Capitalizing on opportunities with a man advantage and preventing opposing teams from scoring is paramount.
## Devon Toews: A Leader by Example
Toews has emerged as a true leader within the Avalanche organization. His work ethic, dedication to his teammates, and competitive spirit are qualities that inspire those around him.
### Leadership Qualities
* **Professionalism:** Toews consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism both on and off the ice. He’s always prepared, focused, and ready to give his best effort.
* **Communication:** Toews is known for being a clear and effective communicator. He’s able to relay instructions to teammates and provide constructive feedback in a positive manner.
* **Resilience:** His ability to overcome adversity and continue playing at a high level despite injuries exemplifies his resilience and determination.
## Looking Ahead
The Colorado Avalanche are built on a foundation of talent and experience. While they’ve faced some early challenges, their potential for greatness remains undeniable. Devon Toews’s leadership, along with the individual brilliance of other players, will be instrumental in guiding them back to contention. The journey won’t be easy, but with unwavering resilience and a commitment to excellence, the Avalanche have a chance to once again become one of the NHL’s most formidable teams.
