Colorado Avalanche Players Mourn Derek Shepherd

Matt Duchene (Meredith Shepherd)

Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene in the home jersey. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Center Matt Duchene, listening to the most soulful of country songs, expressed shock at Dr. Shepherd’s passing. He shook his head, his pompadour even looking droopy, as he remarked, “I can’t believe Shonda Rimes killed off Derek Shepherd. She really put the boot on the throat of McDreamy, really just pounded the nail in the coffin.”

Duchene’s brow furrowed as he spoke. “You know, this reminds me of that terrible playoff elimination.”

At the hands of the Minnesota Wild last year?

Duchene shook his head. “No. May 26, 1997. The Detroit Red Wings eliminated the Colorado Avalanche by winning Game 6, 3-1.” He mumbled. “Brendan Shanahan. Sergei Federov and Martin LaPointe also scored, but… Brendan Shanahan.”

Dutchy, you were only six at the time.

“Doesn’t matter — history matters.”

Duchene pursed his lips with sudden determination. “I’m motivated to work that much harder in the off season now.”

Because the 1997 Detroit Red Wings eliminated the Avalanche or because Derek Shepherd died?

Never mind. Let’s see how Tyson Barrie is handling things.