Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie phoned into the Marc Moser show to talk about his thoughts and expectations for next season. They’re both high.
Colorado Avalanche players are slowly trickling back into Denver. As we know from my previous post, Erik Johnson, Colin Wilson and Semyon Varlamov are already practicing down at the Avs training facility with some of the prospects.
Soon, we’ll have another defenseman to add to that list — Tyson Barrie. Our rover spoke with Marc Moser on the Marc Moser Show yesterday and mentioned he’d be returning to Denver this Sunday.
Barrie mentioned a lot of other things as well. One of the biggest themes of his interview was higher expectations for the team. Those expectations come from reflecting on how last season went:
"“You don’t really realize what you’re able to accomplish until you take a step back and take a look at it. Because I think a lot of people didn’t have us pegged to really do anything last year.”"
The Colorado Avalanche accomplished a lot. They went from the worst season in Avs history — and in the entire salary cap era — to making the playoffs. En route, Nathan MacKinnon was up for the Hart Trophy, and coach Jared Bednar was up for the Jack Adams Trophy.
That said, Barrie doesn’t see the team resting on such laurels:
"“For us to make it to the post-season was huge, but the disappointment of losing in the first round… I know it’s been a few months, but it’s fresh. You get a taste, and you want more.”"
The last part of that sentiment echoes what MacKinnon said at the end of the season, when he indicated that it’s playoffs or bust for the 2018-19 season.
That said, Barrie thinks the playoff experience for both the young veterans and the young youngsters is good. “ realize we’re not that far off… We’re in a good spot moving forward.”
Tyson Barrie also feels a lot of pressure for the team being in the Central Division. He believes that the systematic collection of playoff contention points has to happen starting already in October. “You have to have… I don’t want to say a playoff mentality all year because that would be crazy . Every game is so important now.” Ultimately, it leads to being unable to taking any nights off.
Barrie thinks the team has the inspiration inside of them, for some stemming from that dreaded 48-point Lost Season:
"“As disappointing as the 48-point season was, you learn from that. And I think we have. You can see it last year. We were so embarrassed going into last year. It just helped us focus and prove to people that we are a good team and good players.”"
Barrie considers that a “lesson learned” — and also inspiration to not fall that way again.
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Side note: Hearing Barrie talk about the 48-point season — and having talked about it a lot myself — made me realize it’s always going to be a part of our lore now. Granted, it’s more in line with the Statue of Liberty than the No More Rats. But that Lost Season gives Avs fans a certain bragging right, “You think your season is bad… 48 points.”
I’m not trying it with Ottawa Senators fans — I’m conceding they win the poor-me competition.
Last year, the Colorado Avalanche dressing room was known for being a tight group. Moving forward, Barrie sees that as a key aspect of the team’s continuing success:
"“If we want to win, these are the guys we’re going to do it with. We know that. We’re proud of that and we’re proud of the organization and proud of who we are as people. We owe it to our fans to show that we’re a good leadership group. And we can win with this group.”"
He laughs ruefully, “I think a lot of people were questioning it after the 48-point year.” He sees the team strength being where it has to start for any team — in the dressing room.
Barrie acknowledges that all teams spend the off-season getting better. But, in typical T-Brat style, he laughs that off. “Every game is competitive. That’s what makes it so exciting to watch now.”
Anyway, Barrie isn’t just putting pressure on the team — he’s putting it on himself as well. “I’ve always felt I have more to offer. I can’t be satisfied.” After a brief moment, he lays it out, “I want to try and win a Norris and try to be a #1 defenseman.” I’m impressed by that.
He acknowledges it’s still a team endeavor, “Bottom line is, when you’re on a successful team, and the team is doing well, the personal success follows.”
It should come as no surprise that he sees a lot of the strength of the Colorado Avalanche stemming from the defensive corps. “We’ve had some knocks in the past on our d-corps, but going forward I think that’s going to be a strength of our team now.” He sees it as a tough group to play against, a mobile defense that can also jump into the play.
It also should come as no surprise that Barrie is appreciative of his good buddy, team star Nathan MacKinnon:
"“I might be a little biased, but I think he’ll be up for the Hart a lot more seasons to come.”"
I’m betting money that Tyson Barrie is right about that.
Last season, Tyson Barrie was the second pairing cornerstone and the quarterback of the first power play unit. He got plenty of ice time. He’s sure to play a similar role for the Colorado Avalanche this season, in addition to mentoring the young defensemen like Samuel Girard and Conor Timmins.