Mile High Sticking
Fansided

Colorado Avalanche: 5 Players Must Step Up in Johnson’s Absence

By Nadia Archuleta

Nov 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) controls the puck in the third period against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson (6) controls the puck in the third period against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
colorado avalanche
Nov 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nikita Zadorov (16) skates the puck up ice in the second period against the Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Nikita Zadorov

Defensman Nikita Zadorov has been Erik Johnson’s erstwhile defensive partner. He’s such an exciting player. He’s big and more than a little wild. In fact, I’ve likened him to a wild mustang.

Unfortunately, Zadorov’s wild ways have been a problem for the Colorado Avalanche this season. It practically wouldn’t be an Avs game if Zado didn’t get a penalty. He’s third on the team (behind Jarome Iginla and, naturally, Cody McLeod) for penalties with 24 minutes. Zadorov’s undisciplined play even earned him a benching for a game.

It’s tough for a young d-man like Zadorov. It takes quite a few seasons to become a seasoned, disciplined defenseman. It’s very hard to balance physical play with that discipline.

Well, it’s time for Zado to make more of a concerted effort to do so. He was a key piece in the Ryan O’Reilly trade. He’s going to have to become more of a key piece in Erik Johnson’s absence.

Johnson has been excellent between walking that fine line between physicality and discipline. Zado will have to mimic him to help the team.

Home/Editorials