TORONTO — Denver Post sports writers Terry Frei and Mike Chambers post the Avs Mailbag every other Thursday during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.
Is this a “show me” year for Patrick Roy?
— Louie Martinez, El Eentro, California
Yes. The pressure is on. Will his systems and ability to motivate and manage be what makes this team win?
Guys, From the 2009 draft: John Tavares from the Islanders had a near MVP season last year and has started this season where he left off last year. Victor Hedman of the Lightning had a great season last year and a terrific Stanley Cup Playoff run. Isn’t it time for the player taken third in that draft – Matt Duchene – to start producing numbers commensurate with his draft position?
— Dan Rish, Albuquerque, New Mexicroyo
Thanks for the question, Dan. Duchene was off to a poor start, had some bad breaks and became his own worst nightmare. Lately, he’s been one of the league’s top scorers. Duchene’s 21 goals last season were far too few for the No. 3 pick in the 2009 draft. He’s 24 and should consistency hover around the 30 goal mark if healthy. The jury is still out on nine, but I certainly feel like he has potential to be a top-10 scorer in this league.
To begin with, I would like to say I am a huge fan of Mike and Terry, you both provide excellent insight and I greatly enjoy your work. My concern with the Avalanche is that if they continue on the present course throughout the season and it comes time for a coaching change that Joe Sakic won’t fire Patrick Roy due to the obvious relationship between them being former teammates and friends. This relationship was played up heavily and praised while it was going well, but if it comes time for a coaching change, will Sakic pull the trigger?
— John Witwer, Golden
Appreciate the kinds words John. We said from Day 1 that it’ll be hard for Sakic to fire his friends and fellow Hockey Hall of Fame member.
But Roy has repeatedly said he knows he will be fired at some point. It’s the reality of any professional head coach. I do think Roy has a relatively long “leash,” given the situation, and he is not on the hot seat. I would be surprised if Sakic makes a coaching change this season.
Do you have any ideas on Matt Duchene and Semyon Varlamov? Neither seem to be on their game. Varlamov appears to me to be hurt and not moving well at all. Thoughts?
— Tod Reynolds, Illinois
My thoughts on Duchene are above. As for Varlamov, outside his 2-1 win at Tampa Bay he has been below average. If he doesn’t pick it up when he returns from injury — if Reto Berra and Calvin Pickard (AHL) continue to shine — Varalmov could be the odd-man out next season, or perhaps at the trade deadline in March.
It looks as thought the Avs are starting to play some better hockey, but are still in last place in the Western Conference. What do you think they need to do this season to compete in the West.
— Jim, Aurora
Hey Jim, the game doesn’t change. Confidence and trust in teammates is what wins in both conferences. But certainly, climbing in the playoff picture while playing the majority of your games against Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville, Chicago etc. requires a lot of everything.
Denver Post sports writers Terry Frei and Mike Chambers post the Avs Mailbag every other Thursday during the regular season.
Pose an Avalanche- or NHL-related question for the Avs Mailbag.