Colorado Avalanche Report Card

I've been doing some thinking about how this year's team is playing, so I decided to put together a full report card of the players and different aspects of the team. So far this season I have only missed 5 periods of Avalanche hockey, so I feel I have a good understanding and view of the strengths and weaknesses of the team and the players. I will start with player reviews, then move onto more general aspects of the team and final conclusions. Enjoy!

FORWARDS

Paul Stastny

"A"

- The Avs most consistent offensive threat so far this season, and that's a bit scary because Paul has gone through some pretty bad offensive stretches. Some games he dominates and is all over the puck, other nights you don't seem to notice him quite as much. Part of that comes from his current linemates. Wolski, as we all now is up and down and all over the place and can dominate a game when he chooses. (But that's been rare lately) Stewart is also going through the ups and downs of being an every day pro. Both of those players aren't exactly helping Stastny currently. I can see that he is continuing to evolve his all-round game and still deserves to be called our best forward.

Wojtek Wolski

"B"

- What can I say about WW? He has gone through stretches this year that have been absolutely lights out. Some where it seems as if he should have got consideration for Team Canada, ok that may be a stretch, but he has proven he can dominate games. It seems as if one of these games hasn't occurred in a while though. He seems to float for 3-4 games, then have 1 game where he is part of the play. He reminds me of Alexei Kovalev. His plus minus of +13 leads the team, so atleast he is showing he can play consistently on both ends of the ice. I think a line shakeup could be in order soon for Wolski.

Matt Duchene

"A+"

- Upside. That's all I have to say about Matt "Bring the Pain" Duchene. He is such an exciting player to watch and is improving every game. His two way play has been greatly improved recently and you can just tell he is more comfortable in his own end than he was 2 months ago. He reminds me of thicker version of Zack Parise, which is absolutely frightening for the opposition. The sky is truly the limit for him in my opinion. His play the last 30 games has been among the top on the team (if not the top), and he is rightfully leading rookies in scoring. He will definitely get some consideration for Calder, just because he is younger than Myers in Buffalo.

Chris Stewart

"B+"

- I've always had a soft spot in my hear for Chris. Ever since he was a rookie trying to fight anyone and everyone. This season his offensive game has taken a big leap forward, and unfortunately, seems to have levelled off the last week or two. He has the skills to get it back on track at any time. The one thing I am missing from him this year is that physical game. The only thing he used to do was throw the body and fight, and I wish he would get back to basics a little more in that regard. I'm sure Sacco has had something to do with that this season. But, as of right now his game seems too one dimensional, and that's sad because he is the perfect model for an elite powerforward.

Milan Hejduk

"B+"

- You can just see the difference Milan brings to the lineup when he's healthy. He is so creative with the puck and also provides a veteran offensive option this top 6 sorely needs. You can tell he is on the downside of his career but he is still a very valuable asset to this team. I think the Olympic break should do him some good, and he should be huge for this team after that. It will be like adding a former 50 goal scorer at the deadline. Still a good effort from the Duke this season as he is really battling when he gets into the lineup.

TJ Galiardi

"A-"

- One of the biggest and best surprises for the Avalanche this season. His offensive totals probably aren't as high as some people expected, but his two way game has been more than impressive. He has size, speed, a good hard shot and thinks the game very well. His defensive play is just awesome and has been a huge part of our PK this year. His +7 is also a very impressive feat considering his offensive totals aren't terribly high. His play on the second line with Yip and Duchene has been consistent and fun to watch. I think he is due for a huge outburst down the stretch.

Ryan O'Reilly

"A"

- You couldn't ask much more from someone who is still only 18 years old (Until Feb. 7th) His offensive game hasn't been on the radar for the last month or two, but that doesn't matter because he is so good everywhere else on the ice. Some of the plays he makes in his own zone are just mind-blowing. He is always in the right position and when the puck comes to him he often makes a perfect touch pass or chip off the boards. It's always the right play. I just don't get how we can see such a young player make so few mistakes. This kid is going to be a Selke candidate within two or three years, once his name gets out a bit more. He's that good. I would like to see a bit more physical play from him, but I can understand if that is simply not his game. He's been very fun to watch, a great player and a steal in the draft for sure.

David Jones

"B+"

- He was on his way to becoming my favorite Avalanche player before he was injured and Matt Duchene emerged the way he has. His speed and physcial play was game breaking for the Avs and Jones deserves a large portion of the credit for the Avs great start to the year. He had 10 goals in just over 20 games and was "on pace" for around 35. That's impressive to say the least. The Avs have really missed his scoring punch, as expected. Let's just hope that he comes back next season like he started this season. I'm looking forward to watching this guy grow with the rest of his young teammates.

Darcy Tucker

"D"

- I don't think the Avs have a less usefull player on there entire roster, and yes I know that includes Koci and Clark (who has been much improved). He runs around (trying) to hit everything. He spends half the game on his a** because he's been knocked down or misses his check. His play on the PP is the epitome of god-awfulness. Whenever he is out there with the extra man he makes the worst possible play with the puck. He either turns it over or dumps it in when no one is expecting it. Sure he is one of the lone veterans on the team, but he is surely not leading by example. I can't wait for his contract to expire. Harsh? Yes, but well deserved.

Brandon Yip

"B+"

- I highly doubt anyone who have expected this type of production from Yip right off the bat. He has been an excellent fill in on the second line, plays hard and physical and has almost been the ideal replacement for David Jones. His passion inspires teammates and he plays the body whenever possible. He brings added grit and size to the second line and has done well for himself moving up the depth charts. This kid has earned a spot on this team and should be valuable in stretch run. A very positive surprise to the team this year. Congrats Yipper and keep it up.

Cody McLeod

"C"

- What happened to Cody McLeod? I had such high hopes for him this season. He always had a ton of passion, where has that gone? He doesn't hit as much as he used to and his scoring touch seems to be gone. I honestly expected 20 goals from him this season...but he only has 5?! Sure he fights, and is quite good at it. It's a good thing he does that, because otherwise there wouldnt be too much room for him on the roster (of course injuries affect that). Maybe he is just going to be a role player and I was silly to expect anything else, but after scoring 15 last year on a brutal team you would think he could improve on that. I guess not. Oh well. Get 'em in the postseason Cody.

Marek Svatos

"C"

- Ugh. This guy still has a ton of skill, it's clearly evident. I just wish he played like it. He doesn't play hard often enough. He doesn't go to the front of the net. Therefore he doesn't get the minutes that would ultimately turn into more success. I'm sure there is someone in the league willing to gamble on him and I don't blame them. This guy needs a change of scenery or a kick in the pants or both. Ship him away if there are any suitors at the deadline. He has been passed on the depth charts by Galiardi, Yip and even Stoa in my mind.

Matt Hendricks

"B+"

- Hendricks is good, if not great at what he does. He is the Avs best 4th liner. He is a solid penalty killer, hits, has speed and fights. He is a much better option down there than a guy like Koci and the Avs could really use his services right now. I also love his hair. The Avs are lacking effective role players for the 4th line and this guy is exactly that. Good first part of the season for him.

Chris Durno

"C+"

- He's slow, but atleast he tries. He hits and is ok on the boards in the offensive zone. I doubt this guy ever becomes more than a plugger, but he is better than some out there. He looked terrible in his first couple of games, but has gotten consistently better each and every game and that's all you can ask for. A valuable 4th liner for the future, nothing more.

TJ Hensick

"C"

- Never really given a fair shake for what he brings to the table, but I'm not concerned. He's playing well in the AHL. He might have blow his chance at the bigs this year with the Avs due to lacking play early. Send him packing if you can get anything for him. Career AHLer as long as he is stuck in Denver.

Ryan Stoa

"C+"

- Was pretty brutal during his first call up. Looked totally lost and didn't do many things well. After a bit more seasoning he has returned looking quite a bit better. He's big, surprisingly big and moves quite well for such a big guy. You can tell he has some skills, just needs to get more comfortable using them. Still needs more work in the A. Could be of some value next fall.

David Koci

"C"

- Saved the best forward for last. Just kidding. He's pretty bad. He doesn't even fight that much. I mean, that's his job and he's damn good at it. I still think there is a place for enforcers in the league, I just wish some of them came with a little more skill so they could atleast play a somewhat regular shift. Atleast he's trying and atleast he can kick an a** or two.

Not worth evaluation: Mercier, Dupuis, Willsie


DEFENSEMAN

J.M. Liles

"B-"

- He is hated on too much around here. People complain about his decision making and questionable play on the point on the PP. Considering he was such a late round pick I think he has turned out more than admirably. Not everyone is going to paly there best game every night, and atleast Liles turns out a consistent effort. His point totals are still enough to lead all bluleliners on the team. His -2 is a concern, but he was never known for being great in his own end, and it's not fair to expect that from him every night. With that being said I am a huge Cumiskey fan, and if someone will overpay for JM's services, I could see him being sent packing with Kyle taking his role. Overall an up and down season for Liles, could be better, could be worse.

Kyle Quincey

"B+"

- I hadn't watched too much of Quincey before the Avs, and I have come away pleasantly surprised. Plays the body when necessary, but doesn't go looking for contact when it's not necessary. He is very calm with puck and makes a good first pass. He does get caught running around a bit in his own zone, but is coming along very good considering he is only 23 and never was considered a great commodity. Would like to see him improve on his 4 goals. Seemed like he started the season as an offensive dynamo and has really cooled off in that respect.

Scott Hannan

"A"

- My defensive MVP for the Avs this season. His play has been rejuvinated this season. He had a down down down year last year and looks like a new player. He still plays physical, but not reckless and is the Avs best defensive defender. He has also jumped up into the rush more this season and opened lanes for players offensively. He was always one of my favorite defenders when he used to battle Foppa, and I'm glad to see him finally getting some success in Denver. His plus 12 also leads defenders on the team. I do miss his hair though. Keep it up Troll.

Brett Clark

"B"

- Yes, I will give him some credit. This guy was beyond awful the last two seasons and was easily my most hated Avs player. He has taken huge strides this year and looks like the player the Avs signed to that big deal a few years ago. His offensive game is finally coming back around, he is cutting down the turnovers and like always, blocks a butt load of shots. I'm still scared about the outcome of his contract. I'm pretty sure it's up after this season, and am still hoping the Avs don't re-sign him. Some team out there would still give him a healthy contract, and I hope he decides to test the open market. He's been good this year, I will give him credit, but I hope he's just not a wolf in sheeps clothing.

Ryan Wilson

"A-"

- What a player. I love this kid. His bonecrunching checks are just awesome (and clean). He brings the pain and backs it up when he needs to. His d-zone coverage was something to be desired when he was first called upon, but has adjusted very well. He anticipates the play much better and doesn't get beat wide like he used to. You can tell he is getting more comfortable in the offensive zone and hopefully he can continue to improve. He was one of the better offensive dmen in the OHL back in the day, and maybe we can still expect that at some point for the Avs. Congrats on a great start to a career Willy.

Kyle Cumiskey

"B-"

- He's improving almost as fast as anyone on the team. His skating is arguably top 15 or 20 in the entire league and he is learning how to use it for effectively. He can rush end to end almost at will, something very valuable in today's game. As mentioned he may be good enough to steal Liles job as the two are almost identical. He isn't a PP QB, and likely never will be due to the lack of a booming shot, but could one day be a 35-40 point threat from the backend. I love this kid and think we are only scratching the service. There aren't even too many players in the league right now to compare him to, he's that unique. Either way, a good first portion of the season for him.

Adam Foote

"B"

- His heart is still there, even though his skills are dimished. His foot speed is lacking, but that's to be expected. He is still a very effective player and battles all night when he's healthy. He's not afraid to get in a players face and does it on a more than regular basis. The perfect captain for a young team if you ask me. A guy that tries every shift and stands up for his teammates. A few guys on this team could learn a bucketload from old Bootnose. Not sure if there is another season left in his body, but I would welcome him back as a 5th or 6th dman with open arms.

Not worth evaluation: Preissing, Salei, O'Neill, Peltier

Goalies

Craig Anderson

"A"

- One of the keys for this team. This team will go as far as Anderson takes them down the stretch. He is a weird goalie to judge. Some games he looks out of position on every shot, but stops everything, other nights he plays technically sound and gives up a softie or two. But, he is having a more than admirable season and answering all the critics. I was a huge supporter of him from day one. I even said just before July 1 that he was the guy I wanted to Avs to grab more than any other player, and sure enough it happened and it has panned out. The Olympic break will be nothing but good for him and will give him a few weeks to regroup and get rested and ready for the final stretch. A great first season in Denver for this guy. Long term goaltending is still going to be this teams biggest question mark moving forward.

Peter Budaj

"B"

- Hasn't been great, hasn't been terrible. A good example of what you want from a backup, a player to simply give you a chance to win. Budaj has done that when he has been given a start, and even filled in great while Andy was injured earlier in the year. I think the pressure of being a number one may have been too much for him last season as he looks much more comfortable in a reserve role.


Overall/Final Thoughts

This Avs team has been better than most (including myself) would have expected. Battling for top spot in the division (while the Canucks head out onto a massive roadie) has left this team in the perfect position for the stretch drive. I just pray (figuratively, of course) that this team makes it into the playoffs. There a young team and anything could happen. Even a first round loss would be a great learning experience for the young players. The thing I am most looking forward to down the stretch is the continued emergence of Matt Duchene.

The deadline is one curious part of the season fast approaching. I have no idea what the Avs will do. I could definitely see them standing pat and hoping for the best. I could also see them adding a veteran or two. Maybe a package of Svatos+ for Ray Whitney would get the job done and add a good veteran to the top 9 for the final push. If I had to bet I would say they simply stay put and don't do anything. The injuries are also a bit of a concern, and something may be done to address that at the deadline.

So, what are your opinions and what do you think of the report card/review?