The final horn sounded, on Colorado’s game one victory over the LA Kings, and as usual, the bigwigs (Joe Sakic, Chris MacFarland, and Co.) made their way through the tunnel and toward the locker room.
Shortly after, here came Ross Colton in his gameday suit, heading out the door, likely to leave the arena altogether.
I can’t speculate as to what was on Colton’s mind, but he certainly didn’t appear excited or pleased despite the
victory.
Ross Colton has always come across as a fierce competitor, and being the healthy scratch for game one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs had to hurt.
It could also help.
Many pundits have already pointed out that teams often need early scratches later in playoff series and cup runs, but Ross Colton, in particular, will be required and can thrive in playoff hockey.
So why was he scratched?
Because the status quo won’t go, and the body of work that Colton put forth toward the end of the regular season doesn’t deserve the reward during the playoffs.
His price tag is meaningless this time of year.
It’s all about icing the team you think gives you the best chance.
Ross Colton will get his chance to prove that the version of the Avalanche with him in the lineup satisfies that requirement and then some.
Slim Separation – Two Gamers
Joel Kiviranta played well in game one, and his role is likely where Ross Colton would slot in if that changes.
I’d argue the advantage you gain from going Kivi over Colton is relatively marginal, and based on that, I think round one is the perfect place to motivate Colton before unleashing him at the perfect moment.
It’s pretty simple.
Kiviranta is being rewarded for consistency and set-and-forget capabilities in the bottom six.
Ross Colton most definitely offers more offensive upside and physicality.
Still, this team is focused on limiting goals against, a focus echoed by Nathan MacKinnon in the postgame, who said, “We pride ourselves on defensive hockey, I know that might be odd to some people.”
Moreover, with Ross Colton being held pointless for 12 straight games to end the year, and having just five points since January 10, what offensive upside is being held out of the lineup?
So nothing to see, right?
A guy who has been consistently okay is a safer bet than a player who may be more of a defensive liability, whose offensive upside is ice cold.
We’ve heard a lot about playoff Kivi and his work in Dallas plays a large role in that narrative, but playoff Ross Colton is a thing, too.
Rosco had 6 points (4 goals and 2 assists) during Tampa Bay’s repeat cup quest in 2021, including the eventual game and Stanley Cup clincher over the Montreal Canadiens (COVID YEAR NOT A TYPO) in game 5 as a rookie.
His Time Will Come
The playoffs always require depth as someone is bound to need a night or two off (at minimum) during the most physically grueling portion of the NHL season.
That fact, combined with the changing requirements from game to game and round to round, makes a Ross Colton playoff appearance all but guaranteed.
When that moment comes, I think we see the Ross Colton that, if he stuck around more consistently, would never leave the lineup.
We know he’s capable; now, he’s likely more motivated than ever.
Let us know what you thought of the late scratch in the comments!
