The Colorado Avalanche and slow starts to the season on the power play are commonplace. It shouldn’t be a major concern or issue. Yet this season, it is for several fans.

The scars and trauma of failed man-advantages are fresh in people’s minds. It’s a big reason the Avs fell to the Dallas Stars in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, and the eventual firing of former power play coach Ray Bennett.

But fear not, Avalanche fans, as it shouldn’t be as big of an issue as it is. Here’s why it should be less of a concern for the organization to start the year.

New system under a new coach

The Colorado Avalanche hired Dave Hakstol after Bennett’s departure. For the first time in a long time, the likes of Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Valeri Nichushkin had to work under something new and learn something new on the man advantage.

While Hakstol has had both successes and failures running a power play and as a head coach, his power play has gotten better as the season and years have progressed. Even though it’s sitting at 15.8% through four games, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the power play has gotten off to a slower start through making tweaks.

Progression through four games

There have already been some steps made on the ice, and it has had plenty of opportunities. They started the year against the Los Angeles Kings, 1–for–6, scored by Martin Necas. MacKinnon scored on opening night against the Utah Mammoth as the team went 1–for–4.

Against the Stars, they went 1–for–5 with MacKinnon slotting one home again. While they missed plenty of opportunities, which cost them the game, they still scored.

The only game Colorado didn’t score on the power play was their last against the Buffalo Sabres, going 0–for–4. However, they moved the puck the best in Monday’s game and created excellent opportunities. Included in that was significant time on the ice for the second unit. Compared to years past, when they’d barely get a sniff of the ice, it’s refreshing to see Gabriel Landeskog and Brock Nelson get opportunities.

Overall, the puck movement has gotten better throughout the four games. While they’re missing the finishing touch, it’s still early on, and the opportunities for success are there. Colorado just has to take them.

The record speaks for itself

Even then, the Avalanche still sit nicely with a 3–0–1 record. Yes, they could be a perfect 4–0–0, but it was always going to be difficult against Dallas. While it cost them a regular-season game and the postseason series last year, at least according to the eye test, it looks better.

Perhaps it’d be more of an issue if Colorado were off to a similar winless start as last season. But they’re doing the right things, and it’s surely bound to pay off and explode as the season progresses.