Avalanche players and coaches on Monday watched a videotape made by the NHL that detailed instances of obstruction that won’t be tolerated this season. The early consensus: There could be some long preseason games as the players adjust.
“The players that just recently viewed it basically were saying that there could be like 25-30 power plays initially in the exhibition games,” Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said.
Quenneville said defensive players who aren’t square to the puck carrier and who use their stick in any way to impede progress are likely to go to the penalty box.
“Reaching from behind with a hook or tug, they’re going to be looking to call stuff like that,” Quenneville said. “If you’re chasing a guy outside your body, with a glove or a stick, be it a puck carrier or a non-puck carrier, you’re going to be liable for a penalty. Man-on-man coverage down low in the offensive zone, non-puck carriers when you latch on to them won’t be tolerated. There’s a heightened awareness of cross-checking in front of the net and slashing, but it’s more so the clutching and grabbing than anything.”
Don’t go changing
Avalanche goalie David Aebischer said he won’t change his game even with new rules designed to improve scoring and limit goalie puck-handling.
“The equipment is a little bit smaller and you can’t play the puck in the corners, (but) that’s about it,” Aebischer said. “The key is not to change anything.”
Aebischer said he is concerned some goalies may find ways to beat the new rule that shaved the width of goalie pads from 12 to 11 inches. Because goalies use a variety of equipment, Aebischer said, they may find it easier to beat the system.
“Goalie equipment is not consistent from brand to brand,” he said.
Footnotes
Training camp opens at 9 a.m. today at the South Suburban Family Sports Center in Centennial. Practice sessions are open and free to the public. … Newcomer Pierre Turgeon knows he has a tough act to follow replacing Peter Forsberg as one of the team’s top two centers. “Let’s make it very clear, I’m not Peter Forsberg. That we know,” Turgeon said. “But I can bring a lot of good things. I’m looking forward to playing for a good organization. I’m at a stage in my career where I don’t have a lot of years in front of me, and obviously winning the Stanley Cup would be a big thing.”
Adrian Dater can be reached at 303-820-5454 or adater@denverpost.com.
