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Mueller activated, can he play? |
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Yesterday the Colorado Avalanche got great news on the injury front and for forward Peter Mueller, it was even better news.
Mueller, who has played 18 games since being acquired for Wojtek Wolski, has been activated from IR. He has playing only three games because of a concussion receive from a hit into the boards by former Avalanche defenseman Rob Blake who was then playing for the San Jose Sharks.
In the 15 games before he was injured, Mueller had 20 points and was electric to watch. His speed and shot were an asset on the team, one that has yet to be replaced.
Now the big question still looms: can he still play? Mueller has been gone a lone, long time and there are serious questions whether he can play at the NHL level. Will his speed and hands come back to him after so long?
It will be interesting to see what coach Joe Sacco does with Mueller. Does he start him out slowly with a small amount of minutes and powerplay time or does he throw him out on the first line immediately.
Considering Matt Duchene is out with a knee injury and David Jones continues to struggle, the Avs need an offensive spark and if Mueller is on his game, he can provide that.
For Mueller's sake, it would be great for him to return and be able to play at the level that he can. This is what he loves to do and for almost the past two years, he hasn't been able to.
This will probably be the last comeback attempt for Mueller. If the concussion symptoms return or if he can no longer play at his level, this could be the swan song of Peter Mueller.
Landeskog the lone Avs All-Star representative
Considering how awful the Avalanche played in November and how much they've struggled offensively, it is not surprising the only representative at the All Star Game will be rookie Gabriel Landeskog, as a member of the All Star Rookies no doubt.
The only player truly deserving and one who probably was snubbed was Ryan O'Reilly. Radar hasn't put up dazzling numbers with 11 goals and 30 points but considering he only put up 26 total the previous two years and O'Reilly should have had at least had some consideration.
He is tied for second in takeaways and the players right there with him, Jonathan Toews and Pavel Datsyuk are both going, though both have 42 and 43 points on the year and are locks to make it. O'Reilly would have been one of the last selections and his numbers coupled with the fact he still is seen as a third line "defense-first" center won't turn any heads.
Futhermore, every incarnation of the All-Star game really means nothing. MLB tries to make theirs mean something but the reality is it is a game where the stars get to show off for three hours.
All-Star games are for the fans, a weekend that is put on to entertain the fans of the host city. To try to make anything more of the All Stars would just ruin it.
Erik Johnson game-time decision
Update: Johnson will be in
After missing the last game with a hand injury, Erik Johnson practiced on Wednesday and will be reevaluated today to see if he is ready to go. Most likely he will be a gametime decision.
Johnson, as the team and the fans found out Tuesday, is the leader on defense. He sets the tone for all who are around. Whether it is getting players to focus in practice and get to work or his presence on the ice directing traffic, Johnson has become that go-to guy. He and Shane O'Brien, out with a knee injury, have been the true leaders for the Avs.
If a player isn't playing well or makes a mistake, they let them hear it, more than any coach. Their leadership and physical presence was missed dearly during Tuesday's 4-1 loss to their current opponent, the Nashville Predators.
Ideally the Avs would get both players back as soon as possible but they need at least one back.
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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