LOS ANGELES — The competition is friendly, but also fierce, for the top six defensive spots with the Avalanche right now.
The Avs went into Saturday’s contest against the Los Angeles Kings with eight healthy defensemen on the roster. Usually, teams play only six D-men in a game, which means one or two players must sit.
Against the Kings, Matt Hunwick was already ruled out of playing. Seven defenders were slated to participate in the pregame warm-ups, and coach Joe Sacco was unsure whether he would use all seven or just go with six.
Veteran Jan Hejda, who missed some time with a groin injury, said he was feeling ready to go again Saturday morning.
Haircut for Elliott
Avs rookie Stefan Elliott had been wearing a grungy beard and flowing dark locks of late. But the Elliott who sat in the visitors dressing room of the Staples Center on Saturday was looking more military style, with a short haircut and shaven face.
“Maybe it was time to change it up a little,” said Elliott, whose offensive numbers have slipped some of late.
Avs center Ryan O’Reilly, on the other hand, continues to sport a thick, playoff-style beard and long hair. It’s not playoff time yet, though?
“I like it,” O’Reilly said. “Feels a little tougher.”
Footnotes
Sacco said he would decide overnight who would start in goal against Anaheim today. … Kevin Porter was the Avalanche’s other healthy scratch.
