What I’ve Noticed So Far…

I’ll admit it, I’m guilty.  I was wrong.  Many of you were too.  Time to admit it.

We’re six games into the season and I feel like many of you.  We let the press, news, hockey experts, Avs blogging “experts” (who I’ll always follow anyways though), etc. lead us into believing the fact that this season was going to be horrid from beginning to end.  Overall, I like the way this team is playing, and the wins are just a bonus.  There is health, energy, and accountability; just a few of the things that were missing from last year’s team for many reasons that really don’t matter now so they’re not worth talking about.

I’m just going to keep it simple and share some random thoughts on what I’ve liked and what I’m worried about when it comes to the future of our 2009-2010 Avs.  These are in no particular order, kind of like the thoughts in my head.

Here’s what I’ve liked so far, and I love that this is an actual list of stuff.

• Craig Anderson — It’s obvious that he’s excited to be a starter, he protects his crease, his teammates play hard for him and vice versa, and you can tell the respect that needs to be there between players and their goaltender (that has never been there with Budaj) is now there.  I like it and hope it stays around for a while.
• Scott Hannan, Darcy Tucker, Kyle Cumiskey, Brett Clark, and Marek Svatos —  Sacco has said or done something to get these guys going.  They look pretty good and you have to give them credit for that.
• A healthy David Jones — I’d love to see what this kid could do if he learned to take a hit at the NHL level.
• Wins! — I think they are a product of a new system and some health, but it’s just fun to watch Avs games again.  They play with a passion and purpose, special teams have been pretty special, and they are getting efforts night in and night out.  I’ll take it.
• Matt Duchene — Pretty obvious this kid is special.  He’s squeezing his stick a little tight right now.  He’s itching for that first NHL goal and he’s had his chances.  A bunch of chances to score with nothing to show for it are way better than no chances at all, it’s just a matter of time.
• Kyle Quincey — He makes me miss Ryan Smyth less every game I see him play, and I liked Ryan Smyth.  Quincey is physical and solid on the defensive end and creates chances on the offensive end, especially during the power play.  Reminds me of our old friend Rob Blake and that’s a very good thing.

So much to celebrate, but there are always things we won’t like.  Those that know me know that I don’t like to dwell or complain too  much, but I also have coaching in my blood and I know there are always opportunities to get better no matter how well you’re playing as a team.

• Foote and Liles — WAY too many turnovers in their own zone, although, for two periods in Toronto, they were a little better.  Craig Anderson can only bail out this pair so many times.  Liles is out for a few weeks so I’m not sure what the pairings will look like, but taking care of the puck in your own zone is a must for any successful hockey team.
• T.J. Hensick — It just looks like he’s caught somewhere between Lake Erie and Colorado.  He’s proven himself at the AHL level, but just hasn’t had a stretch in an Avs uniform that would solidify his spot on the roster for good.  It makes you wonder how long the organization will stick with him.
• Health — Besides Liles, everyone has stayed pretty healthy.  Just keep your fingers crossed for a good health season.  This is team is due for one after last year’s injury craziness.
• Ruslan Salei — Is he still a part of this team’s plans, or is it time to let the young kids step up?
• Blown third period lead in Nashville — I’m getting a little picky, but that’s the kind of season it has been so far.  We had to get used to that type of thing the past  few seasons and I never want to get used to that again.  A lead in the third should stick if your team is for real.

There you have it.  Six games worth of thoughts.  I like what’s happening so far, I know you’re having a good time watching as well. Enjoy it for as long as it lasts, maybe we’ll actually be able to get used to it eventually.  That would be really, really nice.  Maybe this team is somewhat for real when they’re healthy.  We’re not talking Stanley Cups or anything, but it’s way better than last year already, although that’s not giving them the credit they deserve so far.  As always, we’ll see.