An honest review of defenseman Sam Girard’s first two Avalanche seasons from coach Jared Bednar did not sugarcoat areas for improvement.
“I would have wanted to see him produce a little bit more offensively,” Bednar said. “Join the rush a little bit more and be more dangerous in the offensive zone.”
Ask and you shall receive.
Lately, Girard’s potential as an offensive savant quarterbacking Colorado’s top power-play unit, and supplanting rookie sensation Cale Makar, has been fulfilled. Friday night marked Girard’s 200th career NHL game and he responded with a pair of assists in the Avs’ 4-3 overtime loss.