My Eulogy: The 2023-24 Colorado Avalanche

It was a great season with a bad ending.

Not winning is what makes winning so special.

That’s what I tell my son and that’s what I really believe. What made 2022 so memorable was because of 2002, 2009, 2013, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Not winning and having to suffer through heartbreak is what makes the joy of finally winning taste that much sweeter.

But when the championship window is open and you fumble away an opportunity to go for a second title the way the Avalanche did down the stretch this year, it’s frustrating.

For the second straight season, the Avs’ season came to an end on home ice. 

At least it wasn't a Game 7, right? 

You’re right! It was way worse!

Dropping a double-overtime contest to a divisional rival who has now bested you in the postseason four times in franchise history in soul-crushing fashion sucks. And each time they went on to play for the Stanley Cup after beating you!

Now add in that your former No. 3 pick who was supposed to be a cornerstone for your franchise for a generation was the one to score the goal… on your home ice?! Terrible. 

I know that the disdain for Matt Duchene was supposed to have subsided after winning it all, but it hasn’t for me yet. He didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to go through the hard times anymore. He wanted to go somewhere and play playoff hockey without building it up and being a part of something. He wanted to join a team and win right away. He didn’t want to be an Avalanche anymore.

And that’s what he’s done since leaving Denver. Joined an Ottawa team fresh off an Eastern Conference Final Game 7 loss. Then went to a Nashville team that was a few years removed from a Final run and a Presidents’ Trophy. After not working out there, he joined the Stars and the group of aging vets still seeking their first Cup. So you’ll excuse me if I’m not “happy” for him.