Denver Post sports writers Terry Frei and Mike Chambers post the Avs Mailbag every other Thursday during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.
20 year Avs fan from Montreal here. Lucky enough to be spoiled during the first 10 years, not so much the last 10 years. My question is, how far are the Avalanche from being legitimate Cup contenders again? Do you think Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic can get it done? Thanks!
— Mike Comand, Montreal, Canada
The Avs could make a run for the Cup this spring. But is that likely? No. They are not good enough on the blue line. That could change this month before the trade deadline, so stay tuned. But certainly, the Avs have the goaltending and forwards to go rounds in the playoffs.
Same question you’ve heard 1,000 times since yesterday, I am sure, but do the Avs have any plans to trade to improve their blue line? Are there any good callups waiting in the lower levels, or maybe buy someone in the offseason?
— Mike, Colorado Springs
Two Mikes in a row. I like it. Yes, the Avs are looking to improve their defense via trade. But at this point of the season it might be a rental, because the pending unrestricted free agents are becoming available as the Feb. 29 trade deadline approaches.
The Avs are high on the potential of Nikita Zadorov and Chris Bigras, both 20, and they’d rather not take on a big contract into next season. Keep in mind that Colorado has a maximum 50 contracts, so any trade would not only include giving up draft picks.
Greetings from the middle of the world. I want to ask you the reason why the Rob Blake’s number had not been retired by the Avalanche. I think he deserve this honor, even more than Ray Bourque because he played for Colorado five seasons. Besides, he is a hall of fame member and one of the members of the Triple Gold Club.
— Guayaquil, Ecuador, South America
Good question. I don’t know the answer. But I suspect the franchise is more comfortable retiring No. 77 instead of No. 4 and likes the fact Bourque only played for two teams, the Bruins and Avs.
Blake played most of his career in California for L.A. and San Jose. Also, Bourque retired out of Colorado and Blake played many more years in California.
Trying to understand the thought process behind the current NHL playoff format. I guess give the league credit for trying something new, but it doesn’t appear the current configuration necessarily rewards the best 16 teams in the league.
If the idea is to truly emphasize divisional match ups and create rivalries, then maybe the NHL should find a way to make those games worth more in the standings?
— Ryan, The Woodlandsm, Texas
I agree, Ryan. The Avalanche might miss the playoffs and a Pacific Division team with fewer points will get in. The format is fine when you assume all divisions are generally equal. But that’s not the case with the Pacific and Central.
Seems to me that the Avs must lead the league in passing up shots or chances. They spend way too much time in their own zone to pass up what few chances they actually get. I think they need to more garbage goals and stop over passing. Thoughts?
— Dan, Littleton
There’s a balance between being creative and playing hungry. Dirty goals come from urgency, and sometimes a lack of creativeness. If things aren’t going your way offensively, focus on putting the puck on net and following your shot. The Avs certainly can produce more garbage goals.
What do you make of coach Roy always changing the lines it seems almost every game? Is this NHL normal, or possibly excessive?
— Bob, Denver
Very normal, Bob. If forwards aren’t scoring goals, line changes will be made. Winning teams don’t change it up much, but losing teams constantly search for effective combinations.
What positions, players do you expect the Avs will target at the deadline given they’re still in the playoff conversation?
— Jeremy L.
As I answered previously, the Avs are trying to acquire a top-four defenseman, ideally a veteran lefty who will log significant minutes with Tyson Barrie — moving Nick Holden to the third pairing. The Avs might also trade for a power forward, a guy who can bang and score.
Denver Post sports writers Terry Frei and Mike Chambers post the Avs Mailbag every other Thursday during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.
