Not only to the Avalanche lack the mental game, their physical game has begun to lack as well. Having three players already on the Injured Reserve (IR) list, this team can't afford to move one more to this list. With multiple players taking big hits early on in this season, an ever-growing IR list may not be something this team can control.
Avalanche defensemen, Erik Johnson, may be the next addition to this list. Johnson skated off to the locker room, during Monday nights game against the Phoenix Coyotes, after receiving a big hit from Martin Hanzel. According to the Denver Post, Johnson appeared to have suffered a possible chest or shoulder injury, however; no formal injury report has been issued by the team.
The Avalanche's IR list already contains Defensemen, Ryan Wilson, and Forwards, Gabriel Landeskog and Steve Downie. Don't forget to not Matt Hunwick, on the sideline as well. Hunwick, not officially on the IR list yet, was a scratch from Monday's game due to a torso injury.
With Wilson missing (out indefinitely with a leg injury) and Hunwick on the sidelines, an even heavier strain has been placed on an already-struggling defense. If Erik Johnson joins the IR list or is sidelined for a number of games, the team is going to have to find some way to block the pucks from the net, being down one of the Avlanche's top defensemen.
With Downie out (torn ACL) as well as Captain Garbiel Landeskog (concussion), a big hole has been left in the offense. This is hole is slowly being filled, by powerful newcommers, like P.A. Parenteau.
This routine of receiving injuries, that the Avalanche seem to be falling into, is going to play significant role in the outcome of such a short season.
Links:
For Brad Stuarts' big hit on Gabriel Landeskog, Click Here
Sources:
CBSSPorts Denver Post-Johnson Denver Post- Hunwick RotoWorld
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