One of the most frequently asked question at the end of last season was why does Joe Sacco still have his job in Colorado? To most of the hockey world, the Avs were horrible last season (especially following the All-Star Game in which the Avs won 5 of their last 25 games). However, the entire time Coach Sacco kept his composure with the extremely injured and young Avs team, and I believe that is why he still stands as Head Coach right now. The fact of the matter is, the Avs made significant moves this offseason and with the return of some key missed players (Mueller, Galiardi and Quincey) they can contend in the West again. If everyone remembers, the Avs made the playoffs in Sacco's first year coaching and he was nominated for the Jack Adams. The most important factor is the Avs went out and got 2 proven goaltenders, not having to rely on any of Anderson-Budaj-Elliot who were all horrible last season. In Varlamov and Giguere they have a young goalie paired with a grizzled veteran that has been there and more in his career. That being said, I have the utmost respect for Craig Anderson and think he will thrive in Ottawa. So say what you want about Joe Sacco, but the man knows his hockey and I believe he is the right man for the job in Denver.
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Thursday, August 25, 2011
2011-2012 projected roster/lines
First off, captain Projections: C Matt Duchene, A Paul Stastny and Milan Hejduk/Erik Johnson
Forwards:
First Line: Gabriel Landeskog Matt Duchene Milan Hejduk
Second Line: Peter Mueller Paul Stastny David Jones
Third Line: TJ Galiardi Ryan O'Reilly Chuck Kobasew
Fourth Line: Daniel Winnik Jay McClement Cody Mcleod
Subs: Joey Hishon, Brandon Yip, Kevin Porter
Defence:
Erik Johnson Kyle Quincey
Jan Hejda Tyson Barrie
Shane O'Brien Ryan O'Byrne
Subs: Ryan Wilson, Stefan Elliot, Matt Hunwick, Kyle Cumiskey
Goalie:
1. Semyon Varlamov
2. J.S. Giguere
For the forwards, I believe the top 3 lines are cemented in with the 4th line players all fighting the subs for the last 3 spots. As for the d, besides EJ and Quincey, I believe any spot is open (Except I think Hejda and O'Brien will make the team as they were signed this offseason). It will be exciting to see who coach Sacco chooses come opening night. As for the goalies, it is obvious that Varlamov will start as the starting goalie and it will be up to him to keep his job. Giguere will not push for the starter, put he certainly will help Semyon shoulder the load and should he not be able to, J.S. certainly will step into the starter role.
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Forwards:
First Line: Gabriel Landeskog Matt Duchene Milan Hejduk
Second Line: Peter Mueller Paul Stastny David Jones
Third Line: TJ Galiardi Ryan O'Reilly Chuck Kobasew
Fourth Line: Daniel Winnik Jay McClement Cody Mcleod
Subs: Joey Hishon, Brandon Yip, Kevin Porter
Defence:
Erik Johnson Kyle Quincey
Jan Hejda Tyson Barrie
Shane O'Brien Ryan O'Byrne
Subs: Ryan Wilson, Stefan Elliot, Matt Hunwick, Kyle Cumiskey
Goalie:
1. Semyon Varlamov
2. J.S. Giguere
For the forwards, I believe the top 3 lines are cemented in with the 4th line players all fighting the subs for the last 3 spots. As for the d, besides EJ and Quincey, I believe any spot is open (Except I think Hejda and O'Brien will make the team as they were signed this offseason). It will be exciting to see who coach Sacco chooses come opening night. As for the goalies, it is obvious that Varlamov will start as the starting goalie and it will be up to him to keep his job. Giguere will not push for the starter, put he certainly will help Semyon shoulder the load and should he not be able to, J.S. certainly will step into the starter role.
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Sunday, August 7, 2011
2011-2012 Insight Part 3 - Forwards
The Avs forwards looked bright going into the 2010-2011 season. Coming off a crazy year, where as the youngest team in the NHL the Avs made the playoffs, this past season had highs and lows for the forwards but a consistent low as a whole group. Minus 2nd year standout Matt Duchene, many of the Avs stars failed to be consistent as well as injuries played a huge toll. Missed games include:
Peter Mueller - Full Season
Tomas Fleishmann - 27 games missed
T.J Galiardi - 47 games missed
Chris Stewart - 20 games missed (pre trade)
Milan Hejduk - 11 games missed
Ryan O'Reilly - 8 games missed
Paul Stastny - 8 games missed
While injuries are not a good enough excuse in today's NHL, 2nd year coach Joe Sacco relentlessly tried to stress to the media that there is nothing to do but keep playing with the players you have. However, until the Allstar break the Avs were fighting for a playoff stretch, and things have gone very different had players stayed healthy. Nonetheless, key forwards Stewart and Fleishmann are gone and it will up to some draft picks and younger players to step-up into the forward core. The Avs 2011-2012 Lines (my opinion) look as follows:
Peter Mueller Matt Duchene Milan Hejduk
Gabriel Landeskog Paul Stastny David Jones
T.J Galiardi Ryan O'Reilly Brandon Yip
Cody Mcleod Jay McClement Chuck Kobasew
subs: Joey Hishon, Daniel Winnick, Kevin Porter
In order for the Avs to bounce back next season, look for a big year out of 3rd year Center (and my guess of future captain) Matt Duchene. Peter Mueller will be expected to provide a scoring touch the Avs lacked last season, assuming he is healthy. Look for youngsters Gabriel Landeskog (100%) and Joey Hishon (50%) to make pushes for roster spots come opening night, and don't be surprised in Landeskog plays big minutes quick. Only new addition besides Landeskog is RW Chuck Kobasew, who will provide a checking role for the Avs penalty kill and 3rd/4th line. To conclude, I think that if the Avs sign/trade for a few more forwards their team could be seriously improved from last season. Look for a more consistent group next season. That wraps up my 3-part season insight, thanks for reading!
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Peter Mueller - Full Season
Tomas Fleishmann - 27 games missed
T.J Galiardi - 47 games missed
Chris Stewart - 20 games missed (pre trade)
Milan Hejduk - 11 games missed
Ryan O'Reilly - 8 games missed
Paul Stastny - 8 games missed
While injuries are not a good enough excuse in today's NHL, 2nd year coach Joe Sacco relentlessly tried to stress to the media that there is nothing to do but keep playing with the players you have. However, until the Allstar break the Avs were fighting for a playoff stretch, and things have gone very different had players stayed healthy. Nonetheless, key forwards Stewart and Fleishmann are gone and it will up to some draft picks and younger players to step-up into the forward core. The Avs 2011-2012 Lines (my opinion) look as follows:
Peter Mueller Matt Duchene Milan Hejduk
Gabriel Landeskog Paul Stastny David Jones
T.J Galiardi Ryan O'Reilly Brandon Yip
Cody Mcleod Jay McClement Chuck Kobasew
subs: Joey Hishon, Daniel Winnick, Kevin Porter
In order for the Avs to bounce back next season, look for a big year out of 3rd year Center (and my guess of future captain) Matt Duchene. Peter Mueller will be expected to provide a scoring touch the Avs lacked last season, assuming he is healthy. Look for youngsters Gabriel Landeskog (100%) and Joey Hishon (50%) to make pushes for roster spots come opening night, and don't be surprised in Landeskog plays big minutes quick. Only new addition besides Landeskog is RW Chuck Kobasew, who will provide a checking role for the Avs penalty kill and 3rd/4th line. To conclude, I think that if the Avs sign/trade for a few more forwards their team could be seriously improved from last season. Look for a more consistent group next season. That wraps up my 3-part season insight, thanks for reading!
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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