Experience of Shane O’Brien and others become vital to Colorado Avalanche’s playoff run-NHL News
The Colorado Avalanche who are desperate for maintaining the run for the playoffs from the National Hockey League (NHL) Western Conference have turned to experience for the much-needed help as a last resort.
Shane O'Brien, the 28-year-old defenseman from Port Hope, has come out to be their final choice to draw up on his experience that he has earned while playing for a number of teams in the past to protect them on the blue line.
O’Brien has played about 40 games in the postseason round/playoffs while being in Nashville, Vancouver and Tampa Bay. He could now lend the experience to Avalanche to help their playoff cause, which has become very competitive lately.
He said:
"I just tell the boys that there's nothing to save it for here - we've got to dig in every night, leave it all out there. We're in a situation where we can't take nights off and we can't take shifts off. Anything I can do to help the boys realize how desperate
and urgent we have to be, hopefully that will help us down the stretch here."
The team is currently at 7th position in the Western Conference and is in a must-win situation in remaining eight games to stay on the course for the second round of the NHL current season.
O’Brien is among the top few veterans who have the experience of playing in the playoffs, and their contribution has become more vital for the team for the rest of the season.
Avalanche who have 85 points are closely chased by at least three teams, Phoenix Coyotes, San Jose Sharks and Calgary Flames with a difference of only a couple of points.
The race for the playoffs is going to be even more competitive as all the teams look to remain on the chance until the end. The fight for the last spot, which has been rotating the sides more frequently, has become even tougher.
However, many of them are struggling in their chances in the absence of experienced players and suffering from the number of injury scares.
In this situation, Colorado Avalanche are one of the luckiest units to rely on the experience at the time of need and can boost their chances for maintaining the current standing in the Western Conference and may be even look to improve it.
O'Brien was signed to a three-year deal by Avalanche last year.
It is his second consecutive season with Avalanche and the team is hoping to make it to the playoffs for second time straight. They hope that the player will make most of his experience and bring the versatility of the game skills to boost their chances
for the playoffs.
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