Neil, I have to say your journalistic launch angle is just terrific - you just keep hitting it out of the park. Another gem of analysis that is being overlooked by the sports media.
The Avs are a terrific story. Yes, Alexandar Georgiev noticeably improved against Winnipeg (Game 1 aside and to some degree because the best defense is a good offense) but the offense was something else - akin to watching a hot 3-point shooting NBA team blow out their opponent who unsuccessfully tries to keep up by pounding it inside for two points as a response. It just "felt" like Colorado was scoring 3 on each goal to the Jets' 2.
Strangely, throughout the season the Avs appeared lethargic at times and a bit disjointed. MacKinnon, Rantanen and Makar were having their usual outstanding seasons, but something was clearly missing - most noticeable during road games. Some fans even began to call for the firing of HC Jared Bednar.
Then at the deadline, Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland controversially acquired - many thought Bowen Byram was too steep a price to pay - Casey Mittelstadt and Sean Walker. Those deals changed the chemistry and trajectory almost immediately and to dramatic effect.
Suddenly, the entire roster was involved and contributing. It's that depth of contribution that was on full display during the Winnipeg series. There were just too many weapons that were relentlessly coming at Hellebuyck.
I frequently speak here and elsewhere of the importance of front office philosophy and courage for sustained success. An interesting piece of that is owner Stan Kroenke. Kroenke has won two Lombardi trophies with the Rams (one as partial owner), two Stanley Cups with the Avs, and last year, the NBA's O'Brien trophy. That, in addition to championships in other leagues as well. A singularly remarkable accomplishment in sports history that rarely gets talked about.
Despite his incomparable success as an owner, Kroenke remains a bit of a mystery - rarely seen or heard from in the media. Decidedly out of the limelight and allowing his carefully selected general managers the space and autonomy to make moves that are needed. Just imagine if that championship hardware belonged to Jerry Jones. It doesn't, in large measure because he is too intrusive and oppressive.
Throughout Kroenke's organizations, a consistent element is a stable, smart, aggressive front office that takes risks and relentlessly pursues greatness. Everyone remembers Les Snead's "f*ck them picks" as the Rams GM whose hotly debated strategy was ahead of the game and won the Super Bowl, but Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland are equally aggressive and ahead of the curve in the NHL.
Their draft picks seem to hit more frequently, their trades work out more often, the cap is appropriately managed and their head coaches understand how to quickly blend the constant stream of new resources into a team concept and chemistry. Everyone thought the Rams were a tear down and rebuild last year - they weren't...and the Avs didn't implode after winning the Cup as many predicted after MacKinnon's new expensive contract and the loss of Nazem Kadri.
The Avs are something to see for sure, but while they might not show up in the box score, Kroenke, Sakic and MacFarland are enormous contributors too.
Thank you! And I really appreciate the extremely thoughtful and well-researched comments... They are often stories unto themselves, and add a lot for the other readers.
There is such truth here regarding the Avs that it has to make you wonder - depending on how this plays out - how valuable will Jake Oettinger be as a free agent in 2025 (now at only a reported $4 MM per year)? The Avs expressed utter frustration at his ability to stop their shots, saying they felt they played very well in Game 3. He was the difference.
His emerging story has a sort of Binnington/Kuemper feel to it...Stanley Cup timing is everything for the roller coaster ride that is the goaltender's life.
Neil, I have to say your journalistic launch angle is just terrific - you just keep hitting it out of the park. Another gem of analysis that is being overlooked by the sports media.
The Avs are a terrific story. Yes, Alexandar Georgiev noticeably improved against Winnipeg (Game 1 aside and to some degree because the best defense is a good offense) but the offense was something else - akin to watching a hot 3-point shooting NBA team blow out their opponent who unsuccessfully tries to keep up by pounding it inside for two points as a response. It just "felt" like Colorado was scoring 3 on each goal to the Jets' 2.
Strangely, throughout the season the Avs appeared lethargic at times and a bit disjointed. MacKinnon, Rantanen and Makar were having their usual outstanding seasons, but something was clearly missing - most noticeable during road games. Some fans even began to call for the firing of HC Jared Bednar.
Then at the deadline, Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland controversially acquired - many thought Bowen Byram was too steep a price to pay - Casey Mittelstadt and Sean Walker. Those deals changed the chemistry and trajectory almost immediately and to dramatic effect.
Suddenly, the entire roster was involved and contributing. It's that depth of contribution that was on full display during the Winnipeg series. There were just too many weapons that were relentlessly coming at Hellebuyck.
I frequently speak here and elsewhere of the importance of front office philosophy and courage for sustained success. An interesting piece of that is owner Stan Kroenke. Kroenke has won two Lombardi trophies with the Rams (one as partial owner), two Stanley Cups with the Avs, and last year, the NBA's O'Brien trophy. That, in addition to championships in other leagues as well. A singularly remarkable accomplishment in sports history that rarely gets talked about.
Despite his incomparable success as an owner, Kroenke remains a bit of a mystery - rarely seen or heard from in the media. Decidedly out of the limelight and allowing his carefully selected general managers the space and autonomy to make moves that are needed. Just imagine if that championship hardware belonged to Jerry Jones. It doesn't, in large measure because he is too intrusive and oppressive.
Throughout Kroenke's organizations, a consistent element is a stable, smart, aggressive front office that takes risks and relentlessly pursues greatness. Everyone remembers Les Snead's "f*ck them picks" as the Rams GM whose hotly debated strategy was ahead of the game and won the Super Bowl, but Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland are equally aggressive and ahead of the curve in the NHL.
Their draft picks seem to hit more frequently, their trades work out more often, the cap is appropriately managed and their head coaches understand how to quickly blend the constant stream of new resources into a team concept and chemistry. Everyone thought the Rams were a tear down and rebuild last year - they weren't...and the Avs didn't implode after winning the Cup as many predicted after MacKinnon's new expensive contract and the loss of Nazem Kadri.
The Avs are something to see for sure, but while they might not show up in the box score, Kroenke, Sakic and MacFarland are enormous contributors too.
Thank you! And I really appreciate the extremely thoughtful and well-researched comments... They are often stories unto themselves, and add a lot for the other readers.
My pleasure. A colleague once told me that age robs you of many things, but gives you in return perspective and stories...happy to share.
There is such truth here regarding the Avs that it has to make you wonder - depending on how this plays out - how valuable will Jake Oettinger be as a free agent in 2025 (now at only a reported $4 MM per year)? The Avs expressed utter frustration at his ability to stop their shots, saying they felt they played very well in Game 3. He was the difference.
His emerging story has a sort of Binnington/Kuemper feel to it...Stanley Cup timing is everything for the roller coaster ride that is the goaltender's life.