Avalanche Leaders (Defense)

I'm not sure how effective it is to have Sakic on the point for the PP.  I agree that he's got good instincts for passing the puck out there.  However, he's out of the mix when scoring chances occur down low and a slap shot from the point will be his first.

I look at what Lidstrom and Phenauf can do for their teams from the point and the fact that they can get back on D more easily and it just doesn't make a lot of sense to me.  I understand the concept of putting Sakic out there to just have more offense but I think he's just too far from the action.  There's a really specific style of play at the point that just doesn't translate to most forwards.  The way Zubov or Lidstom take a pass back to the point, slide down the blue line and blast a shot is just not a natural thing for Sakic but it's an essential part of effective power plays in this league.  Liles isn't even doing it though he's the only defenseman on the PP for the most part.

Keep in mind Q has coached Pronger and McGinnis.  He should know the value of that role.  Then again, there is the Jacque Fricken Cloutier factor to consider.

That's a good point DD.  I think both Liles and Sakic are getting double shifted on the power play.  That can't be healthy for the back end of the power play shift and it's got to throw lines out of wack for a while coming off those to even strength.  Is there even a way to track +/- or anything of the team within five minutes of a PP?  It would be interesting to see how the Avs numbers hold up after PPs.

Can we give "youngblood" Finger the tiebreaker for goals cause it was that sweet shorthanded one the other night in Vancouver?

then who gets the PP time on the backend?

I agree that it is out of character for him, but who else gets that spot?  Hannan hasn't impressed me with his defensive responsiblity as yet even strength, so I sure don't want him as a last line of defense should something go awry on the PP.  A fierce look from an onrushing forward would shatter Leopold's femur into a thousand pieces, so he's no good.  Finger, Clark, and Sauer all have downsides too, mostly that they haven't done much in that role, IIRC.

My vote?  Give the kid Cumiskey a shot.  Isn't he supposed to be another offensive d-man that will take Liles' and Leopold's job away down the road?