After benching, John Mitchell responds with strong performance

While the Colorado Avalanche’s top point getters were held off the board in their 4-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues Tuesday night, the team found a surprising offensive catalyst in veteran center John Mitchell.

In the midst of a challenging season which saw Mitchell register just one point in his first 43 games Mitchell has faded from a frequent depth contributor to a occasional scratch. That might be unfamiliar territory for a player whose missed just 33 games in his last four years, but Mitchell took the scratch in stride and responded the best way a player can: on the ice.

“Yeah. I mean it’s always nice when you can come in and contribute and score a goal and get the team started in the right direction at the beginning of the game so that’s always good. But you know, at the end of the day you want two points.”

Mitchell gave the Avalanche their only lead of the night just 5:32 into the first period when he deked around Colton Parayko and wired a shot past Jake Allen.

Through the first two periods Mitchell and his equally beleagured linemates Carl Soderberg and Blake Comeau would create a number of dangerous chances for the Avalanche. Missed opportunities and a strong performance from Allen, however, meant that the line could not extend their early lead.

“We had one shift I felt like we had seven shots in a matter of 20 seconds and grade-A scoring chances so, you know he stood on his head and he played really well for them in the second half of the game.”

In what has become familiar fashion this season, the Avalanche collapsed late in the game, surrendering three third period goals. Asked whether or not the team has become fragile in the face of adversity, Mitchell was forthcoming about his team’s mental struggles:

“Yeah. I think so. I mean it’s pretty evident out there that we tighten up a little bit when we give up a goal. It’s one thing to give up one goal but two? Then you’re really behind the eight ball.”

In addition to his goal, Mitchell added an assist on Mark Barberio’s late third period tally and boasted an impressive 56% raw corsi for percentage at even strength. In a year that has seen Mitchell score career-lows in goals and assists, with just five total points in his first 62 games, a two-point night is an important breakthrough for a veteran working to show the NHL that he still has more to give.

“You know my contract is up this year so you know you’re trying to go out there and play as hard as you can every night and I mean whether that’s, you know, getting points or just doing well on faceoffs, blocking shots, getting hits, and being involved in the game as much as you can. I’m trying to go out there and play my game.”

If it’s those little things that make up a good performance, then Mitchell’s response to being scratched extended well beyond the scoresheet. In addition to his goal and assist, Mitchell registered a pair of hits, a pair of blocks and was perfect on his three faceoffs.

A strong night for the 32-year-old, but there are no consolation prizes in the NHL, especially not for guys on the wrong side of their 30th birthday. Does Mitchell’s lack of security next season change his mindset at all as the Avalanche head into their final 10 games?

“No it can’t. I mean I’m still trying to just go out there and play my game and help my teammates get wins. Inevitably that’s the main goal here. I mean yeah, it’s there in the back of my mind but, you know first thing’s first trying to get wins and help my teammates.”

It might not be on the forefront of Mitchell’s mind, but in a league that’s always trying to get younger and with his role diminished this season on a team hurdling towards a last place finish, his late season tryout may be among the most critical of the Avs’ pending free agents. Stringing together a few more performances like tonight’s might be just the ticket to securing a new NHL contract come July.