Colorado Avalanche: 5 Players Who Must Work Together in Erik Johnson’s Absence

Tyson Barrie, Power Play

Tyson Barrie is only 5-foot-10 to Erik Johnson’s 6-foot-4. He’s never going to have the wingspan of Johnson. So, yes, he’s not going to be able to reach the puck the same way Johnson does. However, he should still get into a better position and at least try to stop it from whizzing past him over the blueline rather than just watch it like he usually does.

That said, Barrie doesn’t need to have a bomb of a shot like Johnson. No one is questioning his offensive skills. Indeed, it’s pretty much the best part of his game.

Barrie has three power play goals on the season. The most he’s ever had in a single year is four, in the Golden Why Not Us season. Even with the return of Nathan MacKinnon, the Colorado Avalanche’s power play has been ineffective at best.

The team could really use Tyson Barrie to quarterback the power play into a better effectiveness. He had five points last night, all on the power play — keep it up, T-Beaut.