Post Game Avs/Ducks: How The Players Did

This will be the first of many post-game blogs analysing how certain Avs players did in the preceding game. This feature will aim to praise and/or criticize Avs players for their hard work or awful plays. So let’s get this party started!

Semyon Varlamov: If it was not for Semyon Varlamov, the Avs would not have left the Pepsi Center that night with 2 crucial points. He made key saves when the Avs seemed to sit back after gaining the lead. The Selanne goal was not his fault at all. Lazy defense on the PK by Paul Stastny and a defensive breakdown by the Avs, coupled with a beauty pass by Matt Belesky led to a sure goal that no one can blame #1 in Burgundy and Blue for. Bottom line: Varlamov was solid when the Avs needed it most, and was my 1^st star for the Avs.

Kevin Porter: Porter scored his 4^th goal of the season on a great tip in. Good shift by #12. Other than that, he had a poor game. He could not keep the puck on his stick for the life of him, he was lazy on the back check, and his defensive play was noticeably subpar. Oh and Kevin, when you skate into the corner with a member of the opposition, it wouldn’t hurt to ACTUALLY HIT HIM. If I had a nickel for every time Porter lightly grazed a Ducks player along the boards or in the corner instead of actually laying a solid hard check on him, I would probably have about 45 cents. There were at least 9 times I noticed, without the help of rewinding my PVR, that Porter either hit the boards beside his man, or brushed against him so lightly and harmlessly that the opposing players probably thought he threw a feather duster at their bodies. Porter needs to be better. He scored, yes. And that goal helped the Avs win the game; no one can knock him for that. But one goal does not excuse a player from a game full of mistakes and lazy play. Mike Connolly is waiting for a chance to play again and Chuck Kobasew won’t be hurt forever. Matt Duchene will return and Porter will once again be in the press box. He had a chance to show the team, the coach, and the management why he deserves a roster spot on this young blossoming team, and he has done nothing but fill everybody’s heads with reasons to let him walk in the summer. Sick tip in though.

Matt Hunwick: Another great game from the once dark horse of the Avalanche back end. He deserves to stay in the lineup and he should be given a big pat on the back for his poise and class after being a healthy reserve most of the regular season. His play to keep the puck in the attacking zone just before the Landeskog OT goal was key.

Paul Stastny: not playing up to his bloated 6.6 million dollar salary. He needs to be better offensively, better defensively, keep his stick on the ice, get to the dirty areas, and not FLOAT so much. The goals aren’t just going to come to you Mr. Stastny; you need to work for them.

Jamie McGinn: Every time the puck went to net, or a player made a powerful move around the Ducks D-men, it seemed #11 was the man doing the work, or was close by waiting for a key scoring chance. McGinn could have had 2 or 3 goals tonight. Solid effort, great pick up by Greg Sherman. (I can’t believe I just typed that!)

Erik Johnson: EJ could have had 2 goals as well. He played a good defensive game, and even though he is in a bit of an offensive drought (0 G’s in 12 games) his play tonight did not suggest that. He was rushing the puck left right and center, creating offense and generating scoring chances. He almost squeaked one by Hiller in the 2^nd and had another quality chance in overtime. Solid game by Johnson. Remember how many awful games he had earlier this year? Those are few and far between in the second half of the season. 

I would love to hear some comments, questions, and input of your own! Comments can now be added by anybody, and we will do our best to answer them and get back to you! Thanks for reading Avaholics!