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Colorado Looks To Turn Snow Into An Avalanche Against the Hurricanes

Colorado Looks To Turn Snow Into An Avalanche Against the Hurricanes

Does Elevation and Climate Help Colorado’s Hockey Team?

Every year the Stanley Cup playoffs bring out outlandish predictions and takes. One prediction that has been circulating through the hockey world: the Colorado Avalanche will win the Stanley Cup because they’re the only team in the playoffs that plays at a high elevation. Is there any truth to this? Let’s take a closer look and see what the research says about elevation and hockey performance.

Does Altitude Affect Hockey Performance?

There is some evidence to suggest that altitude can affect hockey performance by creating the following:

• Reduced oxygen levels decrease muscle performance
• Increased heart rate and respiration
• Greater fatigue and perceived exertion

These effects can lead to a decrease in skating speed, endurance, and overall performance on the ice.

Playing at Altitude Has Advantages

However, altitude can also provide some advantages in hockey, such as:

• The puck travels faster and farther at high altitudes
• Players may have an advantage in conditioning if they are used to playing at altitude

So, while altitude can have some negative effects on hockey performance, it can also provide some advantages. It is likely that the overall effect of altitude on hockey performance is small, and that other factors, such as team skill and conditioning, are more important.

Does NHL Data Support the Theory?

Let’s take a look and see if NHL data supports the idea that altitude gives a team an advantage.

• In the 2021-22 regular season, the Avalanche had a home record of 32-7-2.
• However, they also had a road record of 22-14-5.
• This suggests that altitude may have given the Avalanche a slight home-ice advantage, but it was not a major factor in their success.

In conclusion, while there is some evidence to suggest that altitude can affect hockey performance, it is likely that the overall effect is small. Team skill and conditioning are more important factors in determining success in the NHL.

Conclusion

The Colorado Avalanche are a talented team with a good chance of winning the Stanley Cup this year. However, their success is not likely due to the fact that they play at a high altitude. Altitude may give them a slight home-ice advantage, but it is not a major factor in their success.