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A glimpse into the future

March 29, 2013, 1:08 PM ET [30 Comments]
Aaron Musick
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
During their latest loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Colorado Avalanche offered its fans a glimpse into the future, a glimpse of their talent.

Even though the score was 4-1, the Avs played well enough to be in the game, even to win. Eventually, the experience of the Sedin twins took over and gave the Canucks a win but it was a game that the Avs showed their talent.

Especially on forward, the Avs used their speed with a little tenacity to hound the Canucks and keep the Sedins in check. They capitalized on bad positioning by Ryan O'Byrne for an early goal but otherwise were limited in their opportunities.

Regardless of the fact the Avs currently sit last in the NHL, they are a better team than they have played. They are more the team that beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 than the one that lost to the Calgary Flames 4-3.

Their defense still needs a character change from big and slow to slightly less big but mobile. There are too many O'Byrne types on the roster than is feasible for consistent success.

With that in mind, the Avs have some players on defense who can play, who have shown they can in the past. Erik Johnson showed in the last game that he can carry the puck through the neutral zone, get shots off and keep the opposition from scoring as well.

Also proven capable is Tyson Barrie. The young defenseman is an offensive threat, capable of stepping up into the rush as well as finding the open man on the powerplay or even strength. He should never have been demoted and every game he plays is evident of that truth.

Jan Hejda has also stepped up after a round first season. His skating is much better, he is physical and he is reading plays well. When he and Barrie were paired, it gave the Avs its first dynamic defensive pairing of the season.

At forward, the Avs are not as bad as they have played and would still rank, at least in my book, as a team who is underachieving, not a team that lacks talent.

Matt Duchene has blossomed into the center the Avs thought he would be, P.A. Parenteau has been the yin to his yang. Ryan O'Reilly is playing the part of second line center perfectly, especially with Paul Stastny out of the lineup. Gabriel Landeskog is finally starting to come back into his own after recovering from his concussion. While the Avs are missing Steve Downie, they have top six set of forwards that is good enough to compete.

When they skate and work hard, like they did in the previous game, they can play with any team in the league. Their problem has been skating for a full 60 minutes, every game of the year.

The Avs have the talent, they showed it last night but can they play with heart and passion, from here on out, despite the fact the playoffs are a fevered dream, that is the question.
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