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Let’s hope Cale doesn’t turn into Landeskog 2. Also the Avs need to realize that their fans everywhere pay good money to come out and see them especially on the road. How embarrassing to put forth such a poor effort. This might be sacrelige, but Bednar did a great job coaching an extremely strong team that went on to win a cup, but remove some pieces and the result is lacking. I don’t see a system designed to emphasize defense. A team of pluggers can make it very hard for any team to score if they play the right way. And if the Avs stop cheap goals from going in, they will certainly get scoring opportunities. It’s not the same team right now obviously and we can’t expect as many wins but cmon guys, at least look like you’re interested!

Thanks AD!

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Right on all points, and Gary hit the nail on the head as well, BAD HABITS! Here's what I've noticed, and that EJ is missed to mentor the Byram's, and the Jone's and the other young D, and without that, they are forced to learn by mistakes, instead of being taught how to play in the NHL. A lot of wholesale changes this summer lead to bad chemistry, trying to have a 2nd line has turned ugly. Too much like in-between the cup years. It shows when we scramble in the d-zone and loose coverage Sure, we will score goals and beat teams like the Sharks, but put this team up against a defense first minded team that is willing to work to win games and we get pushed around. Turnovers are part of the game sure, but the turnovers lately are ugly and if a team waits a bit, the Avs will give them a perfect pass right to their blade and to the back of our net. Whoever we have playing goalie doesn't matter if we don't stop the weak defensive play and commitment it takes.

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Great insight Ted! The loss of EJ’s mentorship is huge. And the off-season signings we all touted as brilliant are being looked at differently now, now that Tatar has washed out and RyJo is looking like a wash-out. And this is so key: “a defense first minded team that is willing to work to win games”. This the Avs are not. And THESE are the type of teams that the Avs have squandered valuable points playing.

Bednar was a lunch pail guy so I know he has it in him to desire that same sort of game from his players, but absent a good defensive scheme, well, what we see is what we get. I’m thinking someone like the ever-recycled Torts could instil in the Avs the type of play you described. And when playoff time rolls around, the elite talent can excel and win the big ones. But alas, we’re stuck with what we have and can only hope things work out.

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All great points, Gary!

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Also it’s about habits. Develop poor habits and you can be beaten by the bottom feeders, yes, those which you are feasting your eyes on as designated wins.

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I get the sense they also looked at the schedule, perhaps they even read your article, and decided to phone it in so they can be ready to pick up some easy points here in the next couple of weeks.

But seriously, it's disconcerting still how often the Avs just don't show up to these games.

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