What to Do With Peter Forsberg?

I was going to write a serious analysis about how the Avs should use Peter Forsberg should he actually sign a contract and return to the team. This is what I came up with instead.

 

Apparently, some dude named Peter Forsberg has been practicing with the Colorado Avalanche.  A few years ago he was allegedly a pretty good player, winning some cardiovascular award in 2003, and also eating out of an apparently very special bowl made by some chap named Stanley a couple times.  If you like him a whole lot, you can call him Faux Pas, which might mean something in Scandinavian, I think.

Mr. Forsberg has been away from the game of hockey for, like, ever, and chances are he's going to die of a broken body before ever playing another NHL game, causing Avalanche fans across the world to ponder suicide, but just in case that doesn't happen, I'd like to take a minute to look at the many options the Avalanche organization has if, indeed, Foppa pries his right foot out of the grave and returns.

Checking Out Ryan O'Byrne

ATLANTA GA - DECEMBER 10:  Alexander Burmistrov
#8 of the Atlanta Thrashers is sent to the ice by Ryan
O'Byrne #3 of the Colorado Avalanche at Philips
Arena on December 10 2010 in Atlanta Georgia. 
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Ryan O’Byrne, the 6’5" 234-pound defenseman, has already made a huge impact with the Colorado Avalanche. In his first game, he led the team in TOI (24:51) and hits (6) and tied for lead in shots on goal (3) and blocked shots (4). To say the least, he made an immediate impression. However, many recently-traded players – especially those who had found themselves out of favor with their previous coaches – play over their heads for their new team for a while and then settle back into mediocrity when they get comfortable. Fortunately for the Avs, O’Byrne hasn’t done that. Per game, he is averaging 20:18 minutes, 3 hits, and 2 blocked shots, and he’s a +13. He’s secured himself a spot on the penalty kill and has remained on the top defensive pairing since that first game. Just as others before him, O’Byrne has rejuvenated his career in Colorado, becoming a refreshing and reliable piece of a struggling defensive corps.

The Hunwick-Holøs Conundrum

There has been much discussion of late about Matt Hunwick and coach Joe Sacco’s reasons for continuing to put him in the line up despite what appears to be less than acceptable play. Compounding that issue is the belief that Jonas Holøs has, in his limited appearances, done a better job than Hunwick, thus deserving the ice time more than his counterpart. As often is the case, however, it’s impossible for the fans to know why coaches make the decisions they do; still, that doesn’t lessen the frustration.

In order to attempt to understand Sacco’s position, it’s important to know some basic information. Hunwick (Warren, MI) is considered a fast, puck moving defenseman - something any fan can tell you is a priority with the Avalanche organization. Holøs (Sarpsborg, Norway), on the other hand, focuses more on positionally sound defense with the ability to jump into the play as needed. As professionals, Hunwick and Holøs  averaged 21 and 15 points per year, respectively. Hunwick has appeared in playoffs for the past 3 years for a total of 24 games; Holøs has been in the playoffs for 10 consecutive years, playing 51 games, in addition to 4 Olympic games.

Both players are relatively the same size: 5’11” and approximately 190 lbs. Hunwick is 25 and is in his fourth year at the professional level (1 in AHL), while Holøs is 23 and is in his first year in the NHL. However, he played two years prior to this season in the Swedish Elite League and has Olympic experience. In 2004, Boston drafted Hunwick in the 7th round (224th). Holøs was taken by Colorado in the 6th round of the 2008 draft, 170th overall.

So there are the fundamental stats for the two players. Essentially, their backgrounds present fairly evenly: Hunwick has averaged more points, but Holøs has more high pressure experience. As Sacco tends to favor offensive-defensemen, it seems apparent why he values Hunwick over Holøs .  When it comes right down to it, though, the most important thing is which player has been best for the Avalanche this season.

MId-Season Grades: Offense

Colorado Avalanche right wing Milan Hejduk, left, of the Czech Republic,
center Paul Stastny, center left, center Matt Duchene, center right, and
defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, right, celebrate a goal by Stastny in the third period
of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Denver on Sunday,
Jan. 2, 2011. The Vancouver Canucks won 2-1. (AP Photo/Chris Schneider)

Today we look at the Avalanche's offense. It's hard to believe that these guys are as young as they are. It makes for an exciting future, though, as the core of the forwards will be around for a many, many years.

Team Offense – Grade: A-

GP	W	L	OT	PTS	GF	GA	Home	Away	S/O	L10
42	21	15	6	48	139	134	11-8-3	10-7-3	3-0	2-6-2

Despite a recent skid, the Avalanche forwards are still producing at an extremely high rate. The team remains one of the top goal-scoring clubs in the NHL, and it’s due in no small part to the power of the forward corps. With such a fast-skating group, the aggressive, run-and-gun system coach Joe Sacco is promoting works so well that other teams often cannot keep up or are physically drained by the third period. However, as their opponents are figuring out how to take away time and space, they need to find new ways to press their play, dictate the pace, and create scoring chances. At times they suffer from trying to find the prettiest shot instead of just putting pucks on net, but these young players still have the ability to flat out beat the other teams with their creative plays, speed, and passing. Moreover, their depth gives the coaches plenty of options as injuries rack up or chemistry wanes. In the end, their solid distribution of talent makes them a scoring threat and defensive menace on all four lines.

World Junior Championships Recap: Russia stuns Canada for gold, 5-3

The Russian team celebrates their U20 world title.
Photo: Matthew Manor / HHOF-IIHF Images

You could see it in the emptiness of their eyes. You could hear it in the silence of their fans. And you could feel it in the celebrations of their foes. Team Canada had just suffered what’s being called the worst upset in World Junior Championship’s history.

I suspect they thought they had the game locked in, and they simply needed to coast through the next 20 minutes. I suspect everyone else thought that, too - the fans at HSBC arena, the people watching on NHL Network, those listening on the radio - everyone thought the Canadians had the gold...everyone except Team Russia, that is.

This was the 7th meeting between Russia and Canada since the format of the WJCs changed in 1996. In the first three, Russia won; the second three went to Canada. Both teams came out strong in hopes of getting the tie-breaker.

World Junior Championships Recap: USA fights off Sweden, takes Bronze 4-2

Team USA celebrates after defeating Sweden for the bronze medals at the
2011 IIHF World U20 Championship. Photo: Andre Ringuette / HHOF-IIHF Images

Team USA lost a heart-breaking game to the Canadians, forcing them to fight for the bronze medal: win or go home empty-handed. After their poor showing against Team Canada, USA veteran Chris Kreider called his team out; he said the Canadians played like men - they didn’t. It worked because the Americans came out strong and remained so for the full 60 minutes despite a solid opponent in Sweden.

Nerves seemed to be getting the best of both teams as the first period started; USA was controlling the puck but weren’t able to go tape to tape. Sweden was getting in the right positions but couldn’t get their stick on the puck to create the turnover. Within the first minute, however, the Swedes did force the penalty, and Drew Shore was called for hooking.

Mid-Season Grades: Defense

With only a game to go until the half-way mark for the season, it's time for mid-season grades. Today will focus on the defense of the team. The offense will be reviewed next.


Team Defense - Grade: C

GP	W	L	OT	PTS	GF	GA	Home	Away	S/O	L10
40	21	14	5	47	136	128	11-7-2	10-7-3	3-0	5-4-1

There’s no way around it; this team gives up way too many goals. From a rebuilding standpoint, things are looking pretty good. The offensive force of the defense is in place, supporting the philosophy the organization has repeatedly said they will honor: fast, aggressive offensively, and young. The problem is that they are small and lack defensive strength in their own end, especially along the boards and in front of the net. They are too easily pushed off the puck or forced out of position. What they do have going for them is the luxury of taking risks in the offensive zone, pinching in to create scoring chances and work with the forwards to cycle the puck down low. Their speed gives them the chance to get back into position quickly, as well as negate odd-man rushes the other direction. With the addition of Ryan O’Byrne, the d-corps got stronger and meaner. Aquiring another shut down defenseman - preferably one with a bomb from the point - and a suitable replacement for Adam Foote next year, this defense could be Cup-worthy. The challenge for the brass, however, is what to do with the extras on the roster. With Kevin Shattenkirk already in place and Tyson Barrie in the pipeline, guys like Kyle Cumiskey, Jonas Hølos and Matt Hunwick may be obsolete.

World Junior Championships Recap: USA v. Canada, Semi-Finals

Canada is off to the gold medal game for the tenth straight year.
Photo: Matthew Manor / HHOF-IIHF Images

As an American, last night was painful. I don't just mean the loss, but also how it came about. If I was going to write this recap as a fan, I'd say Team USA lost because they didn't get the bounces or Canada's Mark Visentin stood on his head, stopping all but one of USA's chances. While both those things are true, the reality is that Team Canada was the better team last night. They came out hitting hard and taking away the lanes, disrupting the Americans' game. And it worked. Brilliantly. The final score was 4-1 Canada; if not for the spectacular effort by USA goaltender Jack Campbell, the Canadians would easily have scored another four more.

From the very first puck drop until the final horn, the Candadians dictated the pace of play. 2:38 into the first, Canada started their scoring as Cody Eakin dropped a pass to Curtis Hamilton who got a shot off and then tapped in his own rebound. Shots were limited by both teams early on as both sets of defense were doing a good job of forcing turnovers. But Canada was hitting anything and everything they could, and the US was just taking it, rarely hitting back. In the end, I personally think this was their downfall. Canada just wasn't worried about standing them up at their blueline because they knew the USA wouldn't punish them for being there.

After about ten minutes of entertaining back and forth plays, Canada netted their second of the night. Visentin passed the puck up to Brett Connolly who led a three on two into the Americans' zone. He slipped a pass across the circles and Quentin Howden tipped it in. After this goal, the momentum was all on Canada's side, and the US was completely on its heels. By the end of the first, the score was 2-0 Canada, and shots on net were 12-5 Canada.

The second period looked pretty much the same as Team USA had a hard time even getting in through center ice. By the time they did, their lines were so tired, they'd have to go for a change - unable to set anything up. Canada took the first penalty of the night as Howden accidentally whacked Campbell in the head. At first look, it seemed like a bad call, but watching the review, it was clear that Howden kept trying for the rebound even after it was clearly covered. That's when he hit Campbell. Still, I don't think it was intentional.

Canada immediately started out on an aggressive penalty kill, and the US wasn't able to get much set up. They had a few good chances, but Visentin was there to stop them. Then just as Canada's penalty expired, Charlie Coyle of the US was called for high sticking. Within seconds, the Americans were called for another penalty, this time hooking on Patrick Wey. At first, it seemed the penalty killers might have been on their way to shutting Canada down. However, Campbell was just having to do too much. On a frenzied shot, he made the initial save, but he couldn't control the rebound. His defenders weren't there to clear it out for him either. Campbell almost got his glove on it, but Ryan Johansen was too quick and sent the rebound in.

The Canadians were still on a 4-on-5 power play, but the US limited their chances after the goal. Over the next few minutes, Campbell showed why he's so highly valued as a future NHL goaltender. Play after play, Canada would use their physicality and strength to enter the offensive zone, set up some good cycling, and battle away in the crease. Campbell made save after save: from the blueline in traffic, at the side of the net against a wrap around attempt, in the crease with a mass of bodies fighting for the puck. I kept shaking my head, wondering how the hell he was able to stop the ones he did.

On the few saves he had to make, Visentin controlled his rebounds. Unfortunately for the United States, those garbage goals in front of the net have been a big part of their game. They were also losing all the battles in the corners, but they drew some penalties nonetheless. With less than four minutes to go in the period, Canada's Calvin de Haan went off for hooking and sent the USA on their second power play of the night. The Americans did a better job of setting up this time around, but even on some great chances, Visentin kept them off the scoreboard with fantastic saves. Canada went into the locker room leading the United States 3 to1.

Shortly into the third, I saw the worst non-call of the tournament so far. Right in front of the ref - actually, right next to him as he got jostled around in the process - Canada's Marcus Foligno joined his buddy as he was hitting an American player along the boards at the Canadian bench. But instead of finishing his check and skating away, Foligno grabbed the American and shoved him literally into the bench face first, completely taking him out of the play, one that was developing into a rush for the US. The ref just kind of got out the way and steadied the American without saying a word. Horrid display of officiating.

At approximately the 3 minute mark, Carter Ashton of Canada went out for slashing, Again, the United States was able to get a bit of pressure on them, but between Visentin and Canada's defense, there wasn't any scoring. Immediately after the penalty expired, Zack Kassian got a breakaway and increased Canada's lead to 4-0.

USA was still fighting and got another good opportunity, but Visentin made a fantastic glove save and held on for the face off. With a little more than 10 minutes to go, Johansen took a hooking penalty, and Team USA got their 4th power play opportunity of the night. This time they converted as Jeremy Morin got off a shot from the point, defenseman Nick Leddy knocked it down, and Chris Brown picked it up off a bounce at the bottom of the circle, beating Visentin short side. 4-1 Canada.

The Canadians didn't let up at all, though, and Charlie Coyle uncharacteristically mishandled the puck, shooting it over the glass for a delay of game penalty. This time, the USA was extremely aggressive on the PK and not only killed it, but forced a couple of strong short-handed chances. They couldn't find the back of the net again, however, and Canada won with a final score of 4-1.

Quotes for the night:
Jack Campbell of the USA:

"I think nobody in the locker room can go around and say he played his best, including myself. I never went through this before. We were shot down by a great Canadian team, and it's really hitting me."  

Marcus Foligno of Canada:

"Our transition game was very fast. We came up early. We played well in the defensive zone, and we kept up the pace. We wanted to do a statement."

Players of the Game:
USA - Jack Campbell (37 saves)
Canada - Mark Visentin (22 saves)
(Both goalies truly deserved these honors; still, Campbell looked equally pissed and devastated when accepting the award. He did everything he could to keep his team in it, but they just completely let him down.)

Next Up:
USA fights for the bronze v. Sweden, Wed. Jan 5 at 3:30 MT/7:30 ET
Canada goes for gold against the surprising Russians, Wed. Jan 5 at 5:30 MT/7:30 ET

World Junior Championships Recap: Canada v. Switzerland, Quarter Finals

Canada's Casey Cizikas scores the game-winning goal, roofing the puck over Conz.
Photo: Matthew Manor / HHOF-IIHF Images

We're having a rematch. After fighting to a 4-1 win over the Swiss, Canada moves on to the semi-finals where they will face the United States for the chance to play in the gold medal round. As they did with the Americans, Team Switzerland would not go quietly into the night...or afternoon, as the case may be. (FYI, in the other bracket, the Russians upset heavily favored Finland to make it to the semi-finals themselves. They face the Swedes, and, at the time of writing this, the game is tied at 2.)

69 seconds into the game, Swiss forward Into Pestoni got his team on the board with a soft goal that Mark Visentin just couldn't handle. Pestoni moved in from behind the net and snuck the puck between the goaltender's pads and the post with a backhanded goal that never should have seen twine. However, less than two minutes later and under pressure, Reto Shappi took Switzerland's first penalty for delay of game after shooting the puck out over the glass in his own zone. A minute after that, they took another penalty and gave the Canadians a short 5 on 3. As he was all night, Swiss goaltender Benjamin Conz withstood the onslaught.

Canada got another power play chance on a slashing call to the Swiss. After a fanned clearing attempt, Ryan Johansen scored from a pass across the circles, tying the game at one. Canada was heavily outshooting the Swiss team, but Conz kept turning them away. He was very calm, making tough saves look easy. It's hard to believe this guy has been passed over in two consecutive drafts. I'm thinking he won't be this year. At the end of the period, the score was stilled tied.

Although not getting a lot of offensive chances, the Swiss were playing strong defense by backchecking and forcing turnovers. Ryan MacGregor of Switzerland had a huge hit center ice and stopped an odd man rush for the Canadians. Shortly after that, the Swiss got into the offensive zone and created a frenzy in front of Visentin as he couldn't control the puck. Switzerland had multiple opportunities but couldn't convert. At the other end of the ice, they were doing a great job of clearing rebounds, but a misplay by Nicholas Steiner forced Conz to come up with probably the save of the night. Steiner meant to send the puck behind the net, but he put it right in its side where a Canadian player got his stick on it and sent a pass across the crease to a waiting teammate who shot into what seemed like an open net. Conz was able to get back in time for the save.

On a weird play, Canada took a slashing penalty as Carter Ashton broke the stick of a Swiss player. However, Visentin thought the penalty was on Switzerland and started skating to the bench, leaving his net wide open. Unfortunately for the Swiss, the Canadians were able to touch up before any damage was done.
In another show of talent, Conz went to play the puck in the corner, but Curtis Hamilton was barreling down on him. Conz deked around the Canadian to put the puck safely behind the net and to his teammate. The Swiss were not able to set up for the power play, being stood up at either center ice or the blue line. In the last 30 seconds, they were able to get some chances going, but Visentin stopped all the shots.

At the end the period, Casey Cizikas showed incredible patience as he made good on an odd man rush. He went high short side on Conz after waiting for the defenseman to commit to going to the ice to block the shot and as Conz cheated over for the pass. End of second: Canada was up 2 to 1.

By the start of the third, Canada had double the shots on net versus the Swiss. At the six minute mark, they forced a turnover in the Swiss zone, cycled down low and LeBlanc scored from the face off dot. Canada went up 3-1. At this point, the Swiss really couldn't get any offensive pressure going due to Canada's strong defensive presence. Swiss forward Benjamin Antonietti took a slashing penalty which allowed Canada to set up shop for two full minutes in their zone.

The refs called a very bad penalty on Tristan Sherwey as he accidentally smacked his head against that of a Canadian player when finishing his check. The penalty kill was much better this time and they did a good job of clearing the puck. Unfortunately, it didn't translate to offense, and Canada scored an empty netter with 2 minutes left to go. 4 to 1 Canada. After they scored, Nino Neidereitter shot the puck the length of the ice in frustration, resulting in an unsportsmanlike penalty. On the power play, Erik Gudbranson took a hooking penalty, ending the game with 4-on-4 hockey. No one scored during that time, and Canada prevailed 4 to 1.

Game Notes:
- Tyson Barrie took a scary high stick from his own goaltender that went up and under his visor, catching him near his eyes. He went down for a bit, but he came back for his next shift without appearing to have any ill effects.
- Quote of the night by Pierre McGuire: "Ellis is getting strong on the foreplay."

Players of the Game:
Switzerland: Inti Pestoni (1 goal)
Canada: Ryan Johansen (1 goal)

Next Up: Semi-finals vs. USA, tonight (January 3rd) at 5:30 pm MT/7:30 pm ET