Colorado Avalanche 3 Stars of the Week, March 28

As this 2014-15 season winds down for the Colorado Avalanche, and we try not to acknowledge how few games are left, the players are finally firing on all cylinders. We lament they didn’t play this way all season, but as our captain, Gabriel Landeskog, points out, you lose sleep over thoughts like that.

This week started out rough, with the Avs losing two on the road. They were the better team against the Calgary Flames, but just couldn’t manage offensively. The Edmonton Oilers game was a tough pill to swallow.

However, the Avalanche showed the resiliency that head coach Patrick Roy has praised them for a lot recently. They bounced back and beat the Vancouver Canucks decisively 4-1 with backup goalie Reto Berra in net. The Avs then handled the Buffalo Sabres at home.

A lot of players shined for the Avs this week, making it hard to choose just three. Landeskog is continuing with his points streak, earning four this week alone. He’s also come into his own as a power forward. Veteran Jarome Iginla recorded five points this week. Center Ryan O’Reilly and his seven points… any other week he’d be the first star.

The three players I chose this week, though… well, there’s a valid reason for each. Let’s look at their contributions.

#3: Reto Berra

Berra’s probably a controversial choice. However, considering he’s been so maligned since he got traded to the team last season, his contributions this week take on greater significance.

Starter Semyon Varlamov let in three goals in seven shots in the Edmonton Oilers game. Coach Roy put Berra in as relief, and he was near perfect. He stopped 26 of 27 shots — the only one to get past him was on the power play.

He was equally impressive when coach Roy gave him the start in Vancouver. He stopped 33 of 34 shots, again only letting one in during the penalty kill. Ultimately, Berra came up big when the Avs needed him the most this week. Coach Roy said he was proud of Berra, and expected the players were proud, too, of how much improvement he’s shown.

#2: Tyson Barrie

Defenseman Tyson Barrie had *only three points this week. However, one of them was a big goal against the Buffalo Sabres.

Barrie earns second star honors because of the milestones he’s earned. First of all, he’s just one point away from earning 50 in a season. The only other Avalanche defensemen to earn that honor are the greats Rob Blake, Ray Bourque and Sandis Ozolinsh. That’s pretty exclusive company.

Barrie also earned his 100th career point with that goal against the Sabres. Pretty good week for T-Bear.

#1: Matt Duchene

Center Matt Duchene had a three-point night against the Buffalo Sabres, recording a goal and two assists. He’s got four points on the week. He’s still lower on the scoring list than he should be — #5. However, how timely would it be for the Avs if he went on a scoring streak right now. It might not actually help the team make the playoffs, but it would be good for the player himself if he got his mojo back.

That said, the reason I chose him for the #1 star position is only partially about his scoring. Prior to the game, I was watching his post-morning skate interview, and I was impressed by his leadership. He’s a different leader than Landeskog, and he doesn’t wear a letter, but he had a lot to say.

He admitted how the slow start hurt them, saying, “You put yourself behind the 8-ball like that, and this league is too good, that’s what happens.” He was positive about the whole road trip, admitting the weak play here and there but also pointing out the strengths in the team’s play.

An analytical mind like Duchene’s, he knows the odds are near nil of the Avs making the playoffs. However, he understands the team’s role:

"“We’re professionals, and we get paid very well to do what we do. We’ve got to come and be professional every night. We’ve got to put a good product on the ice for the fans. They come, and they pay their money, and we’ve got to be loyal to them and play for them.”"

Nonetheless, Duchene is staying upbeat. Both during the post-skate presser and his small speech after he was awarded the first star of the night, Duchene said the goal is the same for the Avs — to “win every game and see what happens.”

He puts it that way, you continue to believe in that young core. And that’s how he earned the first star of the week.

Next: Reto Berra Shows NHL Ability

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