Avs Record: 2-1-0 this week, 12-6-2 season (26 points)

Current Standings: 2nd in Central, 4th in Western Conference, 7th in the League









1. So obviously the big talk this week was goaltending. The Avs started three different goalies and had mixed results Adam Werner recorded a shutout in his first (I don’t care what the stats said that was his shutout). Anton Bibeau also got in on the action with a really solid win against the the Canucks on Saturday. Adam Werner did get lit up by McDavid and Draisatil but I’ll give him a pass as those two are the best duo in the league right now and they are going to eat a lot of other goalies alive this season too. Its always cool to see some goalies get their first few NHL games. The Avs will welcome starter Phillip Grubauer back with open arms against Calgary though.

2. Jared Bednar doesn’t get enough credit for what he’s done with the Avs. He’s been a great coach and the players seem to love having him as a coach. Given the injury troubles the Avs have faced Bednar should easily be in the Jack Adams conversation if the Avs maintain a spot near the top of the central at the end of the season. He really seems to be a great players coach and his message really seems to resonate with the Avs core. The Avs are very lucky to have Jared Bednar behind the bench.

3. Watching Matt Calvert withering in pain and bleeding on the ice in Vancouver was brutal. The fact that the refs wouldn’t blow the whistle was just crazy to me. Even the Vancouver Canuck players were concerned. The Avs eventually won the game but I don’t think anyone on the team cared at that point. Calvert is one of the most respected guys in the league and literally no one would ever accuse him of faking an injury. The NHL needs to have a look at this rule sooner rather than later, a players health, especially regarding head injuries, should always be priority #1 and there are no exceptions to this in any circumstance.

4. The Avs are really taking their time letting players recover from injuries this year and its fantastic to see. Its tempting as a fan to want to rush key players back in the lineup but letting them take the time to heal properly sends a great message to everyone. It shows that this team is committed to winning in April and May instead of selling tickets in November. It also shows players (both on the team and not) that this organization values the guys that put their blood, sweat, and tears on the line. Guys take note of that come free agency and playoff time.

5. Cale Makar and Nathan Mackinnon have combined for 51 total points in their 20 games this season. I can’t decide who I’m more impressed with as both these guys have stepped up huge with injuries hitting the rest of the roster. This is what you want from superstar players and they both fit that title right now.





Thanks for reading, see you next week

Go Avs!