October 8th, 2011
Colorado Avalanche 2011-2012 Opening Night Roster
Forwards
Milan Hejduk - Paul Stastny - Peter Mueller
David Jones - Matt Duchene - Gabriel Landeskog
Chuck Kobasew - Ryan O'Reilly - Jamie McGinn
Cody McLeod - Jay McClement - Kevin Porter
INJ. - Steve Downie
Defencemen
Jan Hejda - Erik Johnson
Shane O'Brien - Ryan Wilson
Matt Hunwick - Ryan O'Byrne
Goalies
Semyon Varlamov
Jean-Sebastian Giguere
Colorado Avalanche GM Little Jacob released the team's lines for their season opener vs. the Detroit Red Wings. The top line sees veteran and the holder of the 'C', Milan Hejduk, line up with Paul Stastny and Peter Mueller, who is looking to redeem himself after concussions shortened his 2010-2011 season. The second unit sees sophomore star Matt Duchene center rookie Gabriel Landeskog and sniper David Jones. The more defense orientated third line sees another sophomore, Ryan O'Reilly, center offseason acquisitions Chuck Kobasew and Jamie McGinn. Rounding out the forward unit is the checking unit of Cody McLeod, Jay McClement and Kevin Porter. Steve Downie, who normally suits up on the third line, is injured and will miss another 4 weeks before returning.
On to the defense, the top pairing sees free agent addition Jan Hejda man the point with young stud Erik Johnson. With the Avs' limited 'D' depth, expect this pairing to see a ton of ice. The second unit sees another free agent add, Shane O'Brien, pair with Ryan Wilson to form a shutdown pair. The third unit sees Ryan O'Byrne and Matt Hunwick pair up. If injury strikes this 'D', the Avalanche are in trouble.
In the crease, newcomer and young Russian Semyon Varlamov takes the full-time reigns after being acquired from the Washington Capitals. Free agent acquisition J-S Giguere provides veteran insurance should Varlamov falter or get injured.
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December 1st, 2011
Record: 12-11-2
Avs Solid After 25
Injury to Johnson crippled 'D'; Varlamov holding fort
The masked marvel, Semyon Varlamov, has stepped up to lead the Avs towards a playoff spot.
The Colorado Avalanche started the year solid, with a 4-3-1 record. Then, Erik Johnson, the team's only elite blueliner, went down with injury. As expected, the Avs went down too. When he returned, the Avalanche were 5-10-1. His return, along with goalie Semyon Varlamov's excellence (12-9-2, 2.46 GAA, .915sp%. 2SO), fueled Colorado's return to a playoff spot, as the Avs sit 12-11-2 after 25 games. As for stats, Paul Stastny leads the team in scoring with 20 points (5 goals, 20 points). Peter Mueller (10 goals, 19 points) has had a very solid comeback campaign with 19 points through 25 contests. Third line center Ryan O'Reilly (9 goals) has been a pleasant surprise. Matt Duchene (7 goals, 14 points) has held the fort as second line center. His linemates, David Jones (5 goals, 13 points) and rookie Gabriel Landeskog (5 goals, 10 points) have been decent thus far. However, Milan Hejduk (4 goals, 9 points) has struggled, and could be on his way out of Denver. Steve Downie has also underperformed, with just 1 goal and 5 points through 17 games. Downie is rumored to be headed out, with a trade to occur as soon as tomorrow. Overall, things are going smoothly in Denver.
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December 2nd, 2011
Downie Dealt To Texas
Mark Fistric headed to Denver following trade
Mark Fistric adds depth to the 'D' corps in Denver.
The Colorado Avalanche dealt underachieving forward Steve Downie to the Dallas Stars today. Coming to Colorado is blueliner Mark Fistric. Fistric has also struggled, with just one assist and a horrid -22 rating in 25 games with Dallas. However, Dallas is 4-18-3, so don't blame Fistric. "We are happy to add Mark to our team" Avalanche GM Little Jacob said. "We feel he adds depth to our 'D'. Steve wasn't fitting in, so dealing him to Dallas gives him a fresh start, where he will hopefully exceed". Following the deal, the Avs placed defenceman Matt Hunwick on waivers. The New York Islanders claimed him shortly after.
To Colorado
Mark Fistric, D
DAL 2012 2nd Round Pick
To Dallas
Steve Downie, RW
I will post the halfway report, all-star break report, trade deadline, and draft reports tomorrow.