The Avs Are Slowly Getting Healthy
Time for a little positivity! When a team like the Avalanche are struggling, you tend to look for things to blame. I could go off on total fanatic rant, but when it comes to injuries with this hockey club, it’s a problem that can’t be ignored. Patrick Bordeleau, Ryan Wilson, Jamie McGinn, John Mitchell, Jesse Winchester, Semyon Varlamov, and Brad Stuart have all missed time recently. Fortunately, some of them are slowly making their return to the roster.
Oct 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brad Stuart (17) during the game against the New York Islanders at Pepsi Center. The Avalanche won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Last night against Pittsburgh Brad Stuart came back just in time to participate in his 1,000th career game. Congrats to him on this amazing accomplishment! He becomes the 100th defenseman to reach this milestone. Stuart had been sitting out since November 6th with a hamstring injury, so having him back gives the penalty kill a slight boost. You could definitely sense his presence out there last night.
Along with Stuart, Patrick Roy announced that a few more players would be traveling with the team on the current road trip. Bordeleau, Mitchell, Winchester and Varlamov have been told they would be evaluated every day in hopes of eventually playing. This morning Marc Moser tweeted that Varly was working with Allaire, and seemed to be practicing very hard. Hopefully his return is imminent. Although Pickard has been playing like a mad man, it would be still be nice to see a fully healthy Varly between the pipes. I just hope they don’t rush him back too soon. Groin injuries seem to be tricky. So far, Picks is still slated to start every game on the road trip.
Nov 8, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Patrick Bordeleau (58) and Calgary Flames right wing Brian McGrattan (16) fight in the first period at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Bordeleau has been out all season after having back surgery this past summer. It’s good to hear he’s been working very hard to get back as soon as possible, so look for big Bordy to be back in the line up during this road trip. He was on the ice during warm ups in Pittsburgh, so one can only hope that he is back soon. Hopefully on Saturday against Buffalo. It would be nice to have that big presence in front of the net. Someone who can screen the goaltender. Maybe Bordeleau can help clean up the trash too. I see too many rebounds go to waste, and it’s quite frustrating.
Oct 24, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center John Mitchell (7) shoots the puck in the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Another guy I’m really looking forward to see back is John Mitchell. His presence on the ice is really missed. Johnny seems to make things happen. His speed is underestimated and he can force plays down low. Having him sit out with a leg injury two separate times is not what anyone wants to see, so hopefully this time out he is healthy enough to help the team get back on track. The Avs need to score goals, and the snipers need those playmakers to help them.
There is no definite answer as to when Varly or Winchester will be back, but with them being on the road trip means there is a chance they will play against Buffalo or Detroit. Just a chance though. I’d rather Varly be at 100% before he attempts to make his return. Calvin Pickard has proven his worth, but the poor kid needs help from his offense. Let’s hope with the return of some of these players, the slack is picked up, and the Avs start scoring goals. They need to win games and collect those points. That’s all I really want for Christmas.