It may be only 2 games into the season, but I can't say enough good things about how the "new" look avs are playing - in particular goaltender Semyon Varlamov. While GM Greg Sherman took enough criticism in trading for Varlamov this offseason, the young Russian goaltender has looked spectacular in his first two starts making 66 saves on 68 shots. Varlamov was spectacular in the first game against the wings, keeping the avs in the game when they needed him most, but the offense couldn't muster anything against Ty Conklin. Fast forward to today's game, and the avs found themselves in a similar situation with Varlamov playing even better but nothing again on the scoresheet. Things quickly changed in the third when Milan Hejduk took the puck along the boards, and beat a screened Tuuka Rask to give the avs the 1-0 lead and first goal of the season. Varlamov continued to find answers to the bruins attack, including making 2 nice saves on Brad Marchand. But the play of the game came on a cross-crease sprawling blocker save on Milan Lucic late in the 3rd. Varlamov is so quick on his feet, and he is a very aggressive goalie - he showed both of those traits today and was simply spectacular again. The avs may have been a weak team on defence last year, but that isn't the case anymore as the avs bolstered up their d with Jan Hejda, Shane O'Brien and a returning Kyle Quincey. In total, the avs have 5 d 6"2 and over (Quincey, Hejda, O'Brien, O'Byrne and Johnson) with the last defence Ryan Wilson the shortest at 6"1. So far, the avs have been very tough in front of Semyon Varlamov, allowing little traffic and rebounds, but most importantly providing a physical presence that has been non-existent for a long time in Denver. While I could talk about how good Erik Johnson was once again (as I did last game), I will shift my focus on Shane O'Brien. Brought in to provide some toughness and grit, O'Brien has simply been a complete surprise as not only his defensive play has been great but he has been chipping in offensively. He has been very active jumping into the plays, making smart defensive reads and most importantly passing the puck very well. On forward, I felt that the Duchene-Hejduk-Mueller line was much better today, as they created the game's lone goal. Again, the O'Reilly-Winnik-Landeskog was the best line on the ice, as they are really developing some chemistry and just playing a very hard-working game all together. This was a complete win by a team that looks completely different from last year, and I attribute Joe Sacco for really developing some fight in his players so far. Overall, I felt that the avs have played 2 extremely good hockey games and will look to build on that as they continue on their road trip. Congrats to Semyon Varlamov for his first W in an avs uniform with a 30-save shutout
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Shane O'Brien - Has been a great surprise on the avs d, I felt that he was extremely strong today not only defensively but chipping in offensively and making great breakout passes
2. Milan Hejduk - Scored the lone goal of the game and first of the avs season, simply put Hejduk is a sniper and has shown no signs of slowing down even as the avs oldest player
1. Semyon Varlamov - Best player on the ice for the 2nd game in a row, Semyon really looks comfortable playing in Colorado with the d infront of him. The avs are providing excellent support for the Russian goaltender, and I know it's still early but I really feel that Semyon has been absolutely spectacular in net so far. 30-save shutout earned him first star no question
Play of the Game - Semyon Varlamov's sprawling blocker save on Milan Lucic, secured the win for the avs late in the 3rd
Game #3 - Avalanche travel next to Columbus to meet the Blue Jackets on Wednesday night (@7pm), lead by Rick Nash and Jeff Carter
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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