This will not be a game summary; I will be pointing out some key points and making some notes from the game. I will be doing this for all important games and the games I attend.

-          The Avs were totally out played during the first period and Varlamov was the only reason the Avs had a chance to come back in the third period. He made some huge saves and was once again our best penalty killer. Varlamov will be the key to this Avs season.

-          On the one goal the Kings scored Barrie was beaten badly. That was not the only time during the game that Barrie looked overmatched. I like Barrie and think we will turn into a good puck moving defenseman but in this shorten season I’m just not sure if you can keep sticking him out there. Might be time to start O’Brien.

-           Landeskog was the best player on the ice for the Avs for most of the game. He has the ably to take over a game at any time and that is the kind of play we will need from our captain. He scored the Avs first goal of the game off a rebound that came off the back board. He also was the team’s best penalty killer, blocking multiple shots and forcing the play all night. Best player on the Avs since Sakic/Forsberg.

-          Duchene played a great game, the type of game all Avs fan wants him to play; great in both ends. He played very well on the PK­ which wasn’t always the case the past few seasons. Still tries to dance around the defense a little too often but if he plays like he did last night, we will turn into the star that the Avs drafted. His toughness also came out last night, I could hear that sound of the puck hitting his jaw but he only missed a few shifts; color me impressed.

-          Jones played a very solid game with a goal on a great shot and played a physical game. That is the Jones that needs to show up every night now that he is making 4 million a season.

-          Johnson was by far the best defenseman on the ice for the Avs. Had some nice hits, blocked shots and lead some offensive rushes. Would like to see him paired up with Wilson who I feel is the second best defenseman on the team.

-          Like both of the off-season signing; Parenteau is just the type of player we needed, has some grit, passion and a play maker. Mitchell is also a solid player, more of a 4^th line center but isn’t horrible on the 3^rd line. Don’t feel he should be on the power play but other than that I like his game.

-          I like Olver but you can really notice his lack of size out there; would make a better winger in the future, too small to play center, gets pushed around.

-          Per Adrian Dater Steve Downie torn his ACL and is out for season. Avs called up Brad Malone.

-          With the Steve Downie news, I hope the Avs go after Nino Niederreiter to fill that hole. I would offer a package of Stefan Elliott/Duncan Siemens/Tyson Barrie, Mike Connolly and 2013 2nd for Niederreiter. Not sure if that is even in the right ballpark but the Avs need to do something now with Downie out and O’Reilly in the KHL.

-          Final Note: Zanon beard is even more epic in person.

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