I said this Tuesday night in the Post Game show when the
Avalanche beat the LA Kings 3-1 at Pepsi Center, chemistry will outweigh talent
the majority of the time. I am certainly not suggesting any lack of
talent on the side of the burgundy and blue, but what I am saying is that a
strong bond on any given line, is stronger than the best hands or most creative
player on the other line. Matt Duchene centers a line with Captain Gabriel
Landeskog and P.A. Parenteau. The top line will always go toe to toe with the
opponents top line. Last night it was Anze Kopitar and company. Kopitar is a
beast and a lot to handle defensively when he’s on his game. He scored 76
points last season and is poised to have similar numbers this year by
dominating in the offensive zone with his 225 pound frame. However, last night,
if you didn’t know better, you might have thought they were healthy scratches.
Duchene’s line, alongside Landeskog and Parenteau, showed more chemistry,
more willingness to sacrifice the body to make the big play. Landeskog got the
Avalanche on the board after a gutsy play in the corner by line-mate Matt
Duchene. From there, it was a feeding frenzy. Things changed. The ice tilted
and the Avs dominated the entire 3rd period. Colorado scored a
couple minutes later on the power play when David Jones went top shelf on
goaltender Jonathan Quick to raise the temperature once again inside the walls
of Pepsi Center. Newly acquired right winger, P.A. Parenteau followed with a
grinding goal near the crease moments later. It was like a switch went off
inside the minds of the Avalanche and the goals came in bunches. I believe that
kind of play is all chemistry, buying into a system, seeing the effort put
forth by the top line, and inspiring those around them. The Avs have a ton of
talent, but on Tuesday night, they beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions
with something much more important. Chemistry.