The Avs really needed a big showing like this at home to bolster the boys confidence and get the fans re-engaged.
The defense was still suspect at times and Varly looked a little shaky on a couple of goals but I'm hoping that just a symptom of his lack of playing time. He did look quick and moved well from side to side. If he can stay healthy (groin issues are sometimes hard to knock for goalies) I think he'll get back to form sooner rather than later.
I'm still concerned with some of the guys play. Barrie had 3 assists but was -1. O'Reilly played over 18 minutes but only had one assist and he was also -1. And poor MacKinnon... He can't BUY a break right now. Tangs is killing me with that extra pass. If he had 3 more shots on goal (he only had 2 total), he probably would have had a couple of goals as well (shoot the puck, Tangs!) But I think my biggest issue is that Briere had a goal and an assist and was +2 but only had 6:35 TOI. I'd really like to see Briere get a little more TOI even if it means shuffling the lines ever now and then.
On the upside, McGinn has been playing really well and was great last night. I wish he would have been healthy during the playoffs last year. EJ played really well and it was so good to see Iggy break out. That smile and seeing how happy he was during the intermission interview was great to see. Redmond was a real eye-opener and played with such confidence. With that level of play, I think we'll see a lot of him this year. An what more can you say about Dutchy other than, looks like he is back
Great game overall. The Canucks played Lack and it was a back-to-back for them so I'm sure we didn't see their best. They did look tired at times. Either way it was a big two points at home for the Avs and hopefully is the start better things to come.
