Devon Toews faced a challenging start to the season, battling a persistent lower-body injury since training camp. While his performance has improved over the past week, culminating in his first goal of the season on Monday, he revealed the secret struggle to Colorado Hockey Now’s Colleen Flynn.
“It’s not going away anytime soon,” Toews admitted. “I just have to deal with it.”
Despite missing four games in October due to the injury, Toews has returned and maintained a steady ice time average of over 20 minutes per game, only 48 seconds less than his average last season.
“It’s not something that comes and goes; it’s just been there,” he explained. “Something happened at the end of training camp, I randomly felt it, then built up over those first few games of the season. It got worse, so I had to back off. Now I’m just trying to manage it.”
Toews’ goal proved crucial in Colorado’s thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Nashville. Colorado trailed 1-0 before mounting a comeback, tying the score and eventually surpassing the Predators in an unforgettable overtime showdown where Samuel Girard also scored his first goal of the season.
“It feels good to win hockey games. I’m just trying to contribute as much as I can right now,” Toews stated. “Rest days are great when we get them, but they’re hard to come by. With the packed schedule, even trying to take off days in between is difficult. But I’m doing my best to manage.”
Read More: Samuel Girard Breaks Through in OT To Lift Avalanche Over Nashville
Colorado opted for an optional skate on Tuesday, and Toews remained off the ice. Head coach Jared Bednar often grants his top players the flexibility to focus on off-ice training during practice days, especially considering their packed schedule with games every other day for the remainder of the week. The Avs host the L.A. Kings on Wednesday and face a challenging game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.
Slow Starts
The Avs are currently riding a wave of success, boasting a 3-1-0 record in their last four games since Lehkonen’s return. Bednar highlighted Monday night that the team is demonstrating a renewed competitive spirit compared to their early season performances. However, a pattern of slow starts has emerged over the past week.
Colorado encountered rough starts in last Thursday’s 1-0 shutout loss to Winnipeg Jets, Saturday’s 6-4 victory against Carolina Hurricanes, and again on Monday’s win against Nashville. They haven’t yet pinpointed the reason behind this recurring pattern, but their ability to successfully rally from behind in each of the last two games suggests a resilience worth noting.
“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 find it yet, so we’re still searching.”
# Devon Toews Battles Through Injury as Avalanche Seek Consistency Amid Slow Starts
The Colorado Avalanche are known for their explosive offense and high-flying style of play. But this season, they’ve faced a hurdle unlike any other: consistency.
After a strong finish to the 2022-2023 regular season and a deep playoff run, the Avs have struggled to find their footing early in the new campaign. Adding to the challenge is the absence of key players due to injury, including stalwart defenseman Devon Toews.
Toews: An Unwavering Presence Despite the Pain
Devon Toews, known for his exceptional skating ability and offensive contributions from the blue line, has become a vital part of the Avalanche’s success. His willingness to battle through pain and stay on the ice is a testament to his dedication to the team.
| Player | Points (Goals-Assists) | Games Played |
|—|—|—|
| Devon Toews | 14 (2-12) | 9 |
| Cale Makar | 17 (3-14) | 10 |
Despite battling through an undisclosed injury, Toews has continued to be a force on the ice. He’s currently tied for second on the team in assists and continues to play significant minutes despite the discomfort. His resilience is not only inspiring but also crucial to the Avalanche’s hopes of regaining their dominant form.
Navigating the Early Season Turbulence
The Avalanche’s struggles can be attributed to a number of factors:
* **Adapting to Departures:** The departure of key players like Nazem Kadri has left a void in the lineup that hasn’t been easily filled.
* **Finding Offensive Chemistry:** The Avs’ potent offense has yet to click consistently, struggling to find the net as regularly as they did in previous seasons.
* **Defensive Consistency:** While Toews remains a mainstay, the overall defensive performance has been inconsistent, leading to more goals against than desired.
Building Momentum for Future Success
While the early season has presented challenges, the Colorado Avalanche possess the talent and experience to turn things around. Key areas of focus include:
* **Offensive Production:** Reigniting the team’s scoring prowess will be crucial for sustained success. The return of healthy players and the development of younger forwards can contribute significantly.
* **Defensive Stability:** Tightening up defensively and establishing a consistent system in front of the net is essential to limiting opponent scoring opportunities.
* **Special Teams Performance:** Capitalizing on power play opportunities and solidifying the penalty kill will add crucial points and momentum swings throughout games.
The Importance of Devon Toews
Devon Toews’ leadership and playmaking abilities are invaluable assets for the Avalanche. His ability to move the puck efficiently, contribute offensively from the blue line, and anchor the defense makes him a cornerstone of their success. As the season progresses, his continued presence on the ice will be instrumental in helping the Avs regain their championship form.
The Colorado Avalanche face an uphill battle early in the 2023-2024 season. But with the grit and determination of Devon Toews leading the charge, there’s no doubt they have the potential to turn things around and once again become a force to be reckoned with in the NHL.
