The second part of the January CHN Mailbag covers questions about potential playoff matchups, Sam Malinski’s future, Brent Burns’ role, and more.
Question from Joe Cerwinske
With the top 3 seeds in the Central all but locked up already, which of the (by my estimation) 11 potential first-round matchups for the Avs do you see as the most favorable? Conversely, which team would you most hope to avoid of those 11?
Aarif’s Response
I’m going to assume Edmonton isn’t going to fall into a wildcard spot (even though they very much still can). But I’d say the toughest of those remaining potential wildcard teams would be Utah. Simply because they play the Avs well and have for years, dating back to their days as the Arizona Coyotes. They just know how to keep the star-studded offense in check.
Here’s a fascinating stat: Colorado has played 23 games at Ball Arena and has scored fewer than three goals only twice. Both of those games were against Utah. It’s a good sign that the Avalanche won both times in regulation, 2-1 in the home opener and 1-0 more recently. It shows this team can win those types of games too.
As for the most favorable, it’s hard to say. But I do believe the most entertaining would be against the San Jose Sharks.
Question from Jeffrey Zucker
Aarif’s Response
I’ve not heard anything on this front. I wouldn’t be surprised if Malinski and his camp are the ones holding out to see how things shake out over the next few months.
There’s no reason to rush into an extension unless you absolutely want to stay and aren’t interested in entertaining any other options but this. (Which, given how this team looks, wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities.)
Question from Joshua Canfield
Aarif’s Response
Nabokov has been much better as of late, but his numbers overall are not as strong as in the previous two seasons. He’s got a .898 save percentage in 26 games, albeit a .927 in his last five starts. He’s also playing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk, which leads the KHL with a 35-6-4 record. That team can score its way out of a lot of issues.
As for Gulyayev, I haven’t followed his game as much lately as early in the season. But it seems he’s struggling to find a role with Avangard Omsk, and I don’t see things changing unless he’s playing elsewhere.
Mac Curran was a pleasant surprise for Czechia at the World Juniors. He’s also having another strong season in the WHL. At just 19 years old, I wonder if the Avs decide to develop him slowly over the next 3-5 years, or if they use him as a trade piece as they did with Will Zellers last year.
Question from Jeffrey Anderson
Aarif’s Response
I think he does. We’re 45+ games into the season already and he’s done nothing to say he’s slowing down or being overplayed. He consistently plays 82 games a year and has done a great job of staying in shape. Even at his age.
I also think that having Malinski as the third pair right-shot defenseman is a nice security blanket in case you need to cut down on Burns’ minutes later on.
Oh, and that Cale Makar guy can also play more if needed.
