Colorado Avalanche: Analyzing Potential Defenseman Pairings
Despite the popular opinion that the Colorado Avalanche are weak at the defenseman position, the team actually has a logjam of NHL-level talent.
Patrick Roy’s tenure as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche has taught us that he has a specific combination of attributes he wants in his defensive pairings.
The most obvious combination is a bigger, “stay-at-home” defenseman combined with a faster “puck-moving” defenseman. He also wants both a left-handed shooting and right-handed shooting defensive pairing on the ice as much as possible. The Avs have the personnel to fulfill both these combinations, and I’ve pieced together several combinations that we could see next year.
1st Pair: LD Nikita Zadorov and RD Erik Johnson
When the current Chicago Blackhawks “dynasty” won their first of three Stanley Cups in 2010, they had a top defensive combination that the ‘Hawks called “Thunder” and “Lightning,” namely, Brian Campbell and Duncan Keith. I think that the Colorado Avalanche combination has the potential to achieve a similar reputation.
Nikita Zadorov has the reputation for looking for big hits, and Erik Johnson has rounded into as complete a defenseman as there is in the NHL. Both can move the puck and score from the blue line. If “Big Z” can discipline himself to stay in good position and not give up odd man breaks (aka let Johnson take the lead as far as joining the rush is concerned), then this pair could take the NHL by storm (pun intended).
2nd Pair: LD Patrick Wiercioch and RD Tyson Barrie
This obviously assumes that Tyson Barrie is back in the fold for the Avs next year, which Joe Sakic has said would happen. Patrick Wiercioch is a “possession darling” defenseman who thinks the offensive side of the game at a very high level. Combine that with Barrie’s skating and puck-moving ability, and this pair could lead the league in points from a defensive pairing next year.
The caveat is that Wiercioch will have to stay disciplined in his positioning. He also as to use his 6’4″ frame to his advantage more consistently as Barrie is apt to get caught in the rush, leading to odd man rushes back towards the Colorado Avalanche net.
3rd Pair: LD Chris Bigras and RD Francois Beauchemin
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Though Francois Beachemin is a left-shooting defenseman, I can’t think of a better teaching partner for Chris Bigras, who earned the favor of Coach Roy last year during a late-year call up. Unfortunately, he really faded physically and mentally down the stretch. With “Beauch” as his teacher for the next season, Bigras should take some huge steps forward as far as being in position and learning when to join the rush.
Another upside to moving Beauchmin down in the pairings is lessening his minutes. By playing less 5-on-5, he will be fresher down the stretch and he will more effective on special teams. Speaking of that…
Penalty Kill: Beauchamin and Johnson
EJ is the team’s best all-around defenseman and Beauchamin led the league in shot blocks last year (and it wasn’t close). When you consider the fact that they were a defensive pair for most of last season, and thus are familiar with each other’s tendencies, this PK pairing could really shine, especially if our beloved Semyon Varlamov returns to the form he showed in the 2013-14 season.
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Puck Prose
Power Play: Barrie and/or Eric Gelinas
It’s no secret that occasionally Patrick Roy likes a forward to man one of the points on the power play but with Gelinas’ nuclear slapshot from the point it’s hard not to like him being out there with one less person to potentially block the shot. Similarly, we are all aware of Barrie’s ability to skate his way into space for a lethal snipe from above the circles. Using either of these two in tandem with a forward or as a pair could yield some devastating results for the opposition when they take penalties.
Empty Net: Johnson and Beauchamin/Barrie
Regardless of whether the Avs are attacking the empty net or defending it, I want the best guy out there…that’s Johnson. If we’re attacking the empty net (meaning that we’re probably ahead on the scoresheet), I want the shot-blocking machine that is Beauchamin out there with him. If we are defending an empty net (meaning that we’ve pulled our goalie because we’re trailing) I want Barrie out there because of his offense acumen.
Depth/Scratches: Eric Gelinas, Fedor Tyutin, and Duncan Siemens
It has yet to be determined as to whether or note Patrick Roy will keep Siemens on the NHL roster, but this might be his year. He’s faithfully toiled in the AHL and he was one of the few players from “the A” that was given a qualifying offer. Tyutin is another Columbus Blue Jackets cast-off but might fit nicely in a depth roll if either Bigras or Zadorov struggle in the early going. While Gelinas is a tantalizing prospect on the PP, Wiercioch is a better possession option.
Next: Colorado Avalanche Possible Defensive Pairings
Conclusion:
Despite the lampooning from the hockey gurus, Avs actually do have significant depth on the blueline for the upcoming season. It will be up to Patrick Roy to put these players into a position where they can have success. What possible defensive combinations would you like to see?