Post by AvsGM on May 20, 2009 20:31:25 GMT -5
With the regular season finally at an end, the Colorado Avalanche could not have been more pleased with their season. We posted our 6th 100 point season and grabbed our 4th division title in 7 seasons. We got off to a very decent start and hit a rough patch or two mid-season, but we were able to make a very strong finish and hold off Dallas for the 2nd seed in the playoffs. With some great late season additions in Pominville (17pts in 18 games), Dumont (14pts in 17 games) and Forsberg (10pts in 15 games) we were able to secure a very strong roster for the playoffs. Another strong but silent addition was Marek Malik, you might not see him on the score sheet but he is definitely a presence on the blue line.
Those additions also gave us the luxury of being able to move Gionta and Sykora to the 3rd line, probably the most talent this team has ever had on a 3rd line. Obviously not your typical "checking line" but overall we're not a very physical team. Last in the league in hits but that doesn't mean we can't play defense, as we were also 6th in the league for GAA per game. And not being as "physical" as other teams means we don't take many penalties (lowest PIMs per game) and when the other team does then we make them pay (#1 PP in the league).
The playoffs are always a hard fought battle no matter what team you are playing, but we feel we have a chance to make a strong run. Hopefully some team will be able to knock of Calgary in an early upset, otherwise a three-peat might be on the horizon!
Our X-factor: Mark Streit - we had very high hopes for him this season, but he finished with what we feel was a disappointing 3-35-38. He really needs to elevate his game and get more involved in the play. He will definitely get his fair share of minutes, so hopefully this will be the time he steps up!
Those additions also gave us the luxury of being able to move Gionta and Sykora to the 3rd line, probably the most talent this team has ever had on a 3rd line. Obviously not your typical "checking line" but overall we're not a very physical team. Last in the league in hits but that doesn't mean we can't play defense, as we were also 6th in the league for GAA per game. And not being as "physical" as other teams means we don't take many penalties (lowest PIMs per game) and when the other team does then we make them pay (#1 PP in the league).
The playoffs are always a hard fought battle no matter what team you are playing, but we feel we have a chance to make a strong run. Hopefully some team will be able to knock of Calgary in an early upset, otherwise a three-peat might be on the horizon!
Our X-factor: Mark Streit - we had very high hopes for him this season, but he finished with what we feel was a disappointing 3-35-38. He really needs to elevate his game and get more involved in the play. He will definitely get his fair share of minutes, so hopefully this will be the time he steps up!