Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers posts his Avs Mailbag every other Thursday during the regular season.
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I find it annoying and insulting that two teams that already participated in the Winter Classic before get to play in it again. Does the NHL only want the popular teams and players to enjoy these or what?
— Tyler, Arvada
It is annoying, Tyler. Chicago and Washington are big-market teams with elite players Patrick Kane and Alex Ovechkin, respectively, but it’s a shame the Blackhawks, Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings have competed in multiple Winter Classics before most teams have had one. Buffalo hosted the inaugural WC in 2008 because of its dependable cold-weather climate and proximity to Canada. But even warm climates have now passed the test. The Avalanche would be an excellent host, and there would be no better setting than Coors Field for the WC or, more likely, an NHL Stadium Series game. .
What does the Avalanche need to do to put together a significant winning streak? Do you think they can get back into the playoff picture?
— Anna Shethar, Denver
Anna – The Avs, like all teams, get in trouble with defensive-zone turnovers. They kill the offensive game because the forwards and D spend too much time defending. The Avs are good when their breakouts/exits are clean and they use their speed through the neutral zone, get pucks behind the opponent’s D and establish a sustained attack. They can get back in the playoff picture by doing this consistently, which they have not thus far.
As this Avs season threatens to circle the drain, our attention turns to the prospect pool. Thanks for your ; it helps explain Rick Pracey’s departure. I’m wondering what you know about the Lake Erie Monsters this season, if any players are distinguishing themselves there as potential Avalanche players.
— David, Denver
David – Because of Pracey’s poor mid- to late-round draft success (plus a couple first-rounders), the Avs signed an unusual amount of unrestricted free agents last summer to stock their AHL affiliate — guys such as forwards Dennis Everberg and Borna Rendulic and defensemen Maxim Noreau and Bruno Gervais — and the hope is that these guys develop and ultimately help the big club. As of Wednesday, Noreau led the Lake Erie Monsters in scoring with 22 points (seven goals) in 31 games. I expect him to play with the Avs this season and get a chance for an opening-night spot next season.
Do you think the Avalanche has enough talent and depth at defense?
— Jesus Munoz, Denver
No. Clearly, Jesus, the Avs expected more from Brad Stuart, who was acquired from San Jose in a pricey trade to solidify the D. That hasn’t happened. He’s on the third pairing. And the team thought Nick Holden would only get better from his surprisingly successful first season, and that has backfired. The expiring contracts of Ryan Wilson and Jan Hejda will free up a combined $5.5 million to help the Avs improve their backline in the offseason.
Small sample size but he has impressed me. Who is better, Semyon Varlamov or Calvin Pickard?
— Charles Lee, San Antonio
Charles – Pickard has been better this season, no question. With Varlamov’s groin problems, Pickard is the only reason the Avs aren’t in worse shape than they are. Next season, the Avs will almost certainly go with the Varlamov/Pickard combination unless they trade one of them for a high-priced defenseman or forward.
Goals are certainly hard to come by for the Avs and in the NHL in general. What has changed about the game? We never see the outrageous offensive numbers (goals/assists) we use to see in the 1980s. The days of Gretzky, Coffey, Lemieux (Mario), the points tallying in triple digits. I know they had goalies and defensemen back then, too. What gives? Where did the points go?
— Bob Leahey, Honolulu
Good question, Bob. It’s more of a four-line attack these days, with skilled guys on every line. The top lines don’t play as much as they used to, and athleticism and scouting are much improved. More parity across the board has made it harder for the best of the best to put up huge numbers.
The Avs have called up a lot of AHL guys, and yet Joey Hishon and Duncan Siemens haven’t gotten a shot. Why is that and when will we see them?
— Evan, Aurora
Evan – Joey Hishon is not fit for a third- or fourth-line role and he’s shaping up as a first-round bust. He’s an undersized skilled forward who is struggling at Lake Erie, with just 13 points in 27 games and a team-worst minus-13. The Avs are similarly disappointed with Siemens, the No. 11 overall pick in 2011 who has just three assists (no goals) in 28 games for Lake Erie. Siemens is not the answer to Colorado’s problems.
At what point is the season a total loss? Alex Tanguay may have been our best player in 2001, but he can’t be in ’14!
— Tony, Thornton
From my perspective, Tony, a total loss means you can’t stand to watch it, and I’ll be watching the entire season. But I understand your point; the Avs are looking like a lottery team. Keep an eye on the future. The young (former) standouts are locked in, as far as contracts, and the Avs will have nearly $10 million to spend on upgrades for next season.
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