The Tape: Namestnikov's First Impressions

Vladislav Namestnikov has officially notched his first game with the Avs. While one game isn’t much it is nearly 5% of what’s left of the regular season. The adjustment period is virtually non-existent and we go to the tape to see what Namestnikov brings to the team.

1. Responsibility. On his second-ever shift in burgundy and blue Namestnikov showed off his ability to read a play and react to his teammates. First, he chases a puck in deep gaining the Avs possession on the dump. After rimming the puck, Erik Johnson pinches in deep; at that point, Namestnikov is the high forward and correctly circles back to the blueline to cover defensively. This proves quite valuable as a quick turnover has the Avs out of the offensive zone and Namestnikov is able to prevent what could have been a dangerous odd-man rush for Buffalo and he even takes a hit on the end boards to regain possession.

2. Dirty Work. This one was noted a bit in the last run of The Tape but it’s clear Namestnikov is most comfortable going to the net front and the surrounding area in the offensive zone. In a situation where he has little knowledge of the systems, you would regularly see him pop-up there. He has good knowledge of the spot as well moving behind the net to work with the puck or circling up high to shake defenders and sneak in to try for a rebound.

3. Physicality. For someone listed at just 183 pounds, Namestnikov doesn’t shy away from laying a big hit at all. With 97 hits on the season and 140 in the year previous, it is something he has integrated into his game well since carving out a consistent bottom-six role. He takes hits well which comes in handy on both ends of the ice but I’ll admit I was surprised when I saw him drop Wayne Simmonds.

4. Forechecking. Vlad looks to be a very intelligently aggressive player. He uses his speed to close gaps quickly but understands that you can just skate at the puck. By reading both the puck carrier’s eyes and understanding how the play is developing behind him he can angle things off and cruise in the passing lane to disrupt the breakout, at minimum, and causing a turnover at best. You can see here the positioning works so well he not only helps create a turnover but assists on the zone entry and creates an opportunity.

5. Speed. For most of the game, Namestnikov didn’t crank it up. You could see some pace off the puck at times but were waiting to see more. Then, after deferring with the puck for the majority of the game he picked it up in the defensive end and went coast to coast. He has one of those deceptively smooth strides that make him look slow but when he blew by Miller up the boards avoiding a big hip check it was obvious he has some gas when he puts the pedal down.

Ultimately Namestnikov played just 12:17 and likely has a whole lot more to offer (particularly on the penalty kill) once the Avs get him more integrated. His time with the Avs may be fleeting so he will have to make the most of it while he can.