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Giguere taking over starting, mentor role |
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When the Avalanche signed Jean-Sebastien Giguere in the offseason, they were expecting him to be the backup goaltender and mentor to newly-acquired goaltender Semyon Varlamov.
Lately, what they are getting instead, is the goaltender that won the Conn Smythe trophy back in 2003.
Giguere will start his fourth game in a row for the Avs as they look to extend their home winning streak to eight games with a win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Over the past three games, Giguere has put up outstanding numbers; a 1.62 goals against average with a .949 save percentage.
Emerging as a leader through the year, Giguere has calmed an Avalanche team that just three weeks ago, was 12th in the Western Conference standings and appeared to be giving Washington a top five pick. However, Giguere, who has been helping Varlamov keep his confidence up and get his game solid, is taking over the team.
Milan Hejduk might be the captain but Giguere could possibly be the leader in the locker room. His passion shines through on the ice as every goal against him he takes as a direct insult. Giguere talks to the team on the ice, letting them know where to go and who to cover. On the bench he's pumping their tires and giving all the guys support.
Some players in the NHL need a letter on their jersey to lead but there are the best leaders who lead regardless. Giguere is that kind of guy, helping a young team grow and develop, teaching them how to play tough in one-goal games.
The past three games have seen the Avs return to the solid defense they were playing at the beginning of the year and, on the occasions that they miss something, Giguere has been a rock, keeping them in the game at times.
Getting all this wasn't what the Avs planned when they got Giguere but it is a nice perk to have your 35-year-old backup goaltender play as he has in the past, when he has carried teams to the playoffs and beyond.
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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