Avalanche Preseason Thoughts: Surprises and Disappointments

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Colorado Avalanche kicked off their preseason with a 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars. Even for the first game of exhibition, there were some takeaways. Let’s discuss the surprises and disappointments.

Surprises

Cal Ritchie

Ritchie didn’t get off to a great start, but he improved steadily as the game went on. His skating isn’t quite there to be on the pro level, but we also saw the shades of brilliance that gives the young man great promise to have a successful career. Ritchie had opportunities to drive the puck all alone to the net, but instead, he thought bigger picture and came up with some creative opportunities to give his teammates…