Recently, I was asked by Marc Parsons, an Avalanche-centric writer for hendrickshockey.net, for my views on the upcoming Avs season. You can see them here. (mine are the one sentence responses which I thought passed for insight)
I asked Marc to return the favour, so here are his thoughts (to his same, awesome questions) about the upcoming season in Colorado.
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First of all, which part of the world do you reside in?
Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
When did you become an Avs fan?
When Patrick Roy was traded to the Avs in the 95-96 season
In the last 15 years of the Avs being in Denver, which player is your all time favorite and why?
Definately Patrick Roy. He was the greatest goalie of his time, and was huge in the Playoffs when it mattered. When the Avs made it to the Finals twice, he made sure to seal the deal both time.
How do you feel about the direction the Avs future is heading?
I love the youth movement, with the speed and energy it takes to play in the NHL, they avs are training their young guys to use their speed and energy to their advantage. They are going to be a tough, speedy team with many years of success coming their way. Its going to be wonderful to be an Avs fan for the next 10 years.
How long do you think it will take this new generation Avs team to make an appearance at the Stanley cup Finals?
Im going to give it a few years until the Defense becomes stronger and able to play more of a full defensive shutdown group. 2012-2013
A lot of writers are counting out the team to miss the playoffs this year. Where do you predict the Avs to finish this year and why?
I predict the Avs will finish 5th in the western Conference and 2 in the Northwest division. I dont believe the Avs of last year were a Fluke and that this team is going to surprise alot of teams again.
Which current Avs player do you think Will have a breakout season?
David Jones. I think we will finally see a full year of a healthy Jones. As we all seen last year before his injury, he can produce. Its going to be a big boost for goal scoring on the team.
The Avs management has always been quiet in the off-season. Are you pleased they didn't go out and try and lure a big name player with all the available Cap room they have? Why?
I would of liked to see a few current d-men moved this off-season, and try to snatch up a top defensive UFA. But in the long run with the Upbringing up prospects like Shattenkirk and Guance, even propects that were drafted this year like Silas and Rutowski. The defense will vastly improve in the next few years. But as for going after a Superstar like Kovalchuk, im glad they never made a serious move to aquire him. although he would of been nice on a line with Dutchy.
What area do you believe the team has improved the most.
Penalty Killing and the Powerplay. Having Mueller on the point in the Powerplay is going to be huge this year. With the signing of Winnik, our PK should improve.
Which part of the game do you see the team struggling with this year?
Defense. i hate to say it, but with Adam foote still on the team, it will show his age and his slowness. Which will slow down the defensive part of the game. Sure he's a good veteran to teach the young guys, but it is a drag on the team.
Last year shown that rookies can be a strong part of how a team does during the year. Which Avs prospect do you think will see a considerable amount of NHL playing time this year?
I would say we will see quite a Bit of Justin Mercier. Dont know why, just a hunch.
How important do you think it will be for Anderson to get more nights off? He was wonderful last year. Do you think fatigue set in on him during the end of the season?
It will be very important for Andy to get at least 5-8 more games off then he did last year. And even more important for him not to be expected to play back to back nights. Budaj is a solid #2 goalie and will earn some wins for the team this year.
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Good Alberta boy cheering for the Avs, I like that.
I'd like to thank Marc for taking some time answering these questions, and for allowing me the opportunity to answer them as well.
Be sure to check out his blog at www.hendrickshockey.com
- Jaye
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