Eurolanche

Six Monsters looking to make an impact

Six members of the Lake Erie Monsters have been called up to take part in the short training camp beginning on Sunday. Most of the players called up were expected. Now the likely hood is only one or two of these guys will get the chance to be on the roster opening night January 19^th against the Wild. Let’s take a look at the 6 lucky contenders.

Both Tyson Barrie and Stefan Elliot were not only expected call ups, but predicted by many to crack the opening night roster back in September. Both have spent time with the Avalanche last season. Elliot played 39 games last season recording 13 points in total. While Barrie only played 10 games and register no points. While earlier it could have been said Elliot was the clear choice over Barrie with more NHL experience and points to crack the roster. The first half of the Monster season shows the complete opposite. Barrie currently leads all Monster defense men in points with 27 in 36 games played. While Elliot has only recorded 8 points in 33 games. Though after a slow start and being a healthy scratch for a few games Elliot seems to be finding his offensive side again. Either of these two could crack the lineup, but with the logjam of defense men for the Avs being a scratch would not help their development.

Both Mark Olver and David van der Gulik have spent similar amount of time with the Avs. As well as having very similar point totals with the Avalanche. As well both are have statistically similar season for the Monsters with Gulik have one more point at this time. While Gulik does seem to statistically have a slight edge to make the cut. I would have to give my own endorsement to Olver making the opening night roster after a stronger performance at the end of last season. Olver made good impressions with coaching staff and fans for his go hard playing style. This is something that seem to lacking in the Avs lineup at points outside of O’Reilly and Landeskog line.

Mike Sgarbossa in his first year turned pro playing with Lake Erie is off to a great start. He is second in team points and first in goals. His only knock so far this season would be his minus 6 stat showing that he needs to develop a bit more defensive smarts with the puck at the pro level.

A surprising call up to the training camp would have to be Patrick Bordeleau. Consider by many to be a career AHLer. He is a steady force to be reckoned with standing 6’6 and weighing 239 pounds. He has been a staple of the Monsters for years now. While never posting big numbers scoring wise with career high in points being 12 in 2010-11. He is known for something just as important being a great teammate and a fan favorite in Lake Erie. Which could be exactly what the Avs are looking for, going in a direction of players who go hard every night no matter what.

My prediction is Olver will crack the lineup and earn a spot on the fourth line. Barrie has the second best chance to make the lineup but with such a logjam it might be could for both to get more playing time with the Monsters. Sgarbossa should continue his wonderful season with Lake Erie and gain the big minutes he needs to sharpen his game. Gulik and Bordeleau will remain ready to get called up in case of injuries.