DENVER, CO – For the early stages of preseason, I treat it much the same as I do rookie face-offs; the results are of little consequence and the focus is more zeroed on individual efforts. Rosters are a mixed bag of veterans and those trying to make an NHL team. Systems are still foreign and teammates are as well, and oftentimes there is a great disparity in the talent level each team decides to ice.

For the opening game in Denver, the Colorado Avalanche put forth the team you’d expect, no ‘superstars’, but rather the players who are trying to force the decisions of coaches and management. For the record, the Dallas Stars for the most part followed suit, which again, is expected for teams opening their 6 game preseason schedule.

The eyes were on several in the burgundy and blue at puck drop tonight with the hope of some questions either getting clarity, or in some cases even answers.

Notably, how would Cal Ritchie fair in his next test on becoming a full-time NHLer? Would the Avalanche’s PTO Pierre-Edourd Bellemare perform at close to NHL game speed and could he be a factor? What things would we learn on the defense side from the likes of Erik Brannstrom, Sean Behrens, and Oliver Kylington (who only this AM finally received his immigration-plagued gear)?

The overall game was as expected. It was a tentative pace and some cautious play that saw moments of flow which were disappointingly disrupted by the third team on the ice, who over the course of 60 minutes called a total of 14 penalties that included three 5-on-3 chances for Dallas. The heartbreak of a game-winning goal at the 20:00 minute mark of the third period sent a decent-sized crowd for a preseason game home disappointed. Maybe no one more so than our very own Rudo, who to this day has yet to see a game decided in a shootout live.

In the future, I’ll be far more in-depth with the game and how it progressed but for preseason, the focus is on answers to the questions and how the checking of boxes is progressing.

GOALIES

To no surprise, it was even split between the pipes in terms of time. I was impressed by both and despite the fact that Trent Miner takes the loss and gave up 2 GA, I thought he was very impressive and made some very good saves turning away 16 of the 18 he faced.

Justus Annunen played solid and the volume was just slightly less at 15 pucks finding their way to him. Both goalies move well and from high in the press box, seem to communicate. There are options in net for the Avalanche and the future has stability.

CAL RITCHIE

Tonight Ritchie confirmed for me what I saw in LA. He is very much a pass-first player and that’s okay. As a center you want him distributing the puck, and his hockey IQ lends itself to that. With that being said, I feel there were several times tonight he would have been well justified in taking the shot.

He was credited for the goal in the second that gave the Avs a 2-1 lead on a 5-on-3 as a result of the cross-crease pass finding a Stars stick and then the back of the net. Ritchie had three shots on goal in his 14:40 of ice time tonight but truthfully was most noticeable on the power play, a role he won’t see much time on during the regular season. But for the 2:32 in which he was on for the advantage, he was impressive.

He led the effort and was very comfortable as the QB with the extra attacker(s). Ritchie also performed at the dot going 6/11 good for 54.5%. Another checked box for the youngster.

PIERRE-EDOUARD BELLEMARE

Sign him. For me, there is really nothing else left to discuss. He has performed to, and exceeded expectations across the board. The Avalanche have made it clear that ability coupled with a desire to be in this organization are key factors in signing players.

First, it was Jonathan Drouin…then just hours ago, Logan O’Connor. Bellemare is in the same boat. He wants to be here, he relishes the opportunity, and it’s not lost on him that these moments are fleeting for a player who is aging. His dedication and approach to this PTO are exactly what you would hope for.

He showed up ready, willing, and quite fine with the above and beyond. Bellemare spent extra time after each skate to offer face-off advice to Ritchie and bonded quickly with Jason Polin. Tonight, he played 14:22 and went 6/11 on draws. He also spent 5:11 killing penalties.

Bellemare moved well, looked confident and comfortable, and clearly earned the Avalanche logo back. He will be a valuable 4th line center, but more importantly a leader and mentor in the room this season as a respected veteran.

DEFENSE

This is going to be the hardest preseason decision-making the Avalanche brass will be faced with, and as I have said it is a pleasant problem to have.

Erik Brannstrom stood out to me this evening. It started with body sacrificing goalie save in the first at 8:05 when he threw his body across the crease to make a stop. I like the way that he plays and I like the willingness to do the little things. He was also effective on the PK, and I think he will adapt to the Avalanche’s defensive mentality quick.

Kylington in my opinion had a near-identical game and for all the extra drama he endured to the lead-up, he gets credit in my book for being able to improvise, adapt, and overcome. There were no clear answers found tonight for defense and this will be an ongoing evolution!

NOTES

Matthew Phillips stood out tonight. He was constantly involved and part of many great things in both zones. He scored a goal (tying the game in the first), had four shots on net, played 15:47 and had the most time tonight on ice for the PP. He won’t be on the opening night roster for the Avalanche but is going to be an absolute star this year up north for the Eagles.

POSTGAME TRANSACTIONS

One player was reassigned to his junior club:
 
Saige Weinstein, D (Spokane – WHL)
 
Two players were reassigned to the Colorado Eagles American Hockey League camp:
 
Chad Hillebrand, LW
Devante Stephens, D