That's not to say vocal support is of no value. It is , just more so to spectators than either competing team. These days support is measured financially by the gate receipts. In that department the Avalanche are in very good shape. I'd be worried if fans were not showing up to the games.
Sparse crowds are a sure sign of a team in trouble.
Now, about that crowd noise. Cheering for a poor showing is never the signature of an informed audience. Which is the point of the Pepsi Center crowd behavior. Avalanche audiences have come a long way in nearly six years. I think it's safe to say the majority have a better sense these days of what is an honest performance.