I know this was against Arizona, but this was Avalanche hockey. Avs haven’t had this kind of swagger in a long time, and it was while competing hard defensively and focusing on this first, while also pushing the play offensively with the kind of swagger that knows other team’s can’t contain their power/speed combo when they play this way.
Thought this was Byram’s best game of the year as well. Not just his goal (most his goals being highlight goals says something about his talent level), but especially after the goal you could see the weight come off his shoulders, because this young defenseman feeds off confidence in his game just like Nate, and he knows he hasn’t played up to his abilities this year.
He had an assertiveness to his game after the goal thad sped up his reaction time, not just offensively, but defensively. Quick to make reads, quick to contain players defensively and break up plays. Which IMO is a perfect example of how this style benefits his overall game, by just letting him play off instinct. Despite what some think, Bo has a very cerebral high IQ game. I thought the difference was very noticeable before and after he scored.
And he did it by playing on his toes and pushing the pace all game. This is how he needs to play to be at his best. Haven’t seen him play this way in a long time either, and the fact he did it after the losses and comments recently, should tell everyone that him playing this way isn’t a problem for anyone else either.
Also reinforces that Byram needs more time at the point on PP2. He’s got the second most dangerous shot on the team, he has a bit of deception and creativity in his puck movement, and he scored in the exact same spot he’d be in as a lefty playing the point on the PP.
And once again the Dogg feeds off the Yotes. Something about this team brings out every ounce of competitive fire in this apex competitor every single time. Every game he plays against them, he plays like a ram trying to win a contest of head butts out in the open field. Or an alpha male chimp running wild though the forrest making sure everyone knows who the big dog is. He ran over a guy after moving the puck in this game, not just once, but TWICE, and the second one was even more impressive.
After so many years of watching this team, it’s truly an absolute pleasure to watch Nate play this way.
If he can stay healthy this year (knock on wood) he’s winning the Hart.