Colorado Avalanche: 5 Players Must Step Up in Johnson’s Absence
Semyon Varlamov
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Yes, I know Semyon Varlamov isn’t a defenseman. Except, in a way he is — the goalie is the last line of defense in hockey.
As in previous years, the Colorado Avalanche have made Varlamov their number-one goalie despite inconsistent play. He’s simply capable of keeping the team in a game they have no business being in because of sloppy play in front of him. No question he often doesn’t receive the kind of support he needs.
However, Varlamov is also capable of costing the team games. He’s been known to cheat the pass and also rely on his talent over skill. He can let in some soft goals — and I do mean more than one in a game.
Well, as long as Varlamov has the number-one spot while our number-one defenseman is out, he’s got to work on consistency. No more cheating.
I daresay he also needs to find what Patrick Roy called swagger. The quiet Varlamov has never really shown that kind of cocky presence, and he’s not likely to do so now. However, when he’s on his game, he’s got one of the coldest stares in hockey (see picture above). Opponents need to be subjected to a lot more of that.