The many skills Samuel Girard brings to the table
Samuel Girard has always been an elite skater. He is one of the smoothest looking guys moving backward you will ever see. La Tornade (French for the tornado) is not just Girard's nickname among the guys, it is also the name of his signature spin-move. But more than being able to put him on a highlight reel now and then, Girard's skating skill puts him in position to help.
For a few years, Avalanche fans seemed to blame Sammy G for a lot of plays. Or say that he was simply too small. I would concede that in hockey a large portion of goals are scored on an opponent's miscue. But getting back on defense is in some ways half the battle. Elite skating skill can get you that far a fair share of times a game.
Where Samuel Girard actually leads the team this year, speaks to that ability to get in position. Girard leads the Avalanche in blocked shots. Samuel Girard has blocked 63 shots so far. Naturally this is a stat led by defensemen. The top six spots are all held by players at the position. But to lead any team in that category is all about commitment and guts.
There are a thousand reasons I could not play competitive hockey. When I watch the game I see otherworldly talents I could never hope to possess. But the thing that hockey players do so routinely that makes me wince in vicarious pain - is willingly blocking shots with their bodies. That is a sacrifice many people don't even notice.
Indeed, only goalies truly know how fast and hard pucks fly out there, and they have unique equipment to handle it. For a regular skater to step in front of a full speed NHL shot and know it's going to hit them they have to be totally committed to winning. Players might tell you it's instinctual, but in any other context, the bodily imperative toward self-preservation is the exact opposite.