The Colorado Avalanche is on a four-game slide. The Avs haven’t scored a goal in over 120 minutes of play, and are making it seem like they have retired their skates for golf clubs.
The Avalanche seems to be missing a necessary component to hockey…physicality. The Avalanche has amassed 1,080 hits in its 52 games, excluding the recent 3-0 loss to the Coyotes. The current first-place Vancouver Canucks, prior to today’s games, have 1,200 hits, while the second-place Philadelphia Flyers have 1,160.
The Avalanche and Canucks have both dressed 30 players this season (excluding goalies) and the Flyers have dressed 22. For those who like statistics, the Avalanche roster has amassed an average of 21 hits a game.
The Canucks, on the other hand, have played 53 games and average 23 hits a game, while the Flyers have 53 games under their belt and 22 hits a game.
It doesn't seem like a lot, but that extra hit or two a game could be the difference between scoring a goal and returning to the bench with your head down.
The Avalanche is also ranked 22nd in the league with 22 fights (http://www.hockeyfights.com/leade ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Nico Goda
Colorado Avalanche Are Missing a Critical Component To the Game- Physicality
February 8th, 2011 by Nico Goda Leave a reply »
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