Colorado Avalanche fans are still basking in the glory of their 2022 Stanley Cup win, but beneath the surface, the team's trajectory serves as a cautionary tale for other NHL clubs. After back-to-back Stanley Cup triumphs in 1996 and 1997, the Colorado Rockies relocated to Denver and became the Avalanche, only to experience a prolonged period of mediocrity. A case study of the team's rise and fall offers valuable insights into the challenges of sustaining success in the highly competitive world of professional hockey. As the NHL's landscape continues to evolve, the Avalanche's story can serve as a reminder of the importance of smart roster management, strategic decision-making, and adaptability in maintaining a winning culture.
How Kings ended up in NHL’s mushy middle after Stanley Cup triumphs is a case study for other clubs The Denver Post
