5 reasons why Colorado Avalanche will win Stanley Cup

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DENVER, CO – MARCH 18: Tyson Barrie #4 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Detroit Red Wings at the Pepsi Center on March 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Red Wings 5-1. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) /

4. Tyson Barrie and Samuel Girard

Matt Cooke’s knee-on-knee hit on Tyson Barrie in the 2014 NHL Playoffs changed the entire series. The Avalanche were up 2-0 in the series and Barrie’s ability to transition from defense to offense helped spark a team that thrived on scoring chances off the rush.

That hasn’t changed. Barrie is still the best puck moving defenseman the Avalanche have and he’s coming off his best season a pro. His 57 points put him tied for 10th in defenseman scoring this season.

He not only pushes the pace from the back end, he quarterbacks a power play that finished eighth in the league.

Alongside Barrie is Samuel Giard, who was the centerpiece of the Matt Duchene trade. Many believed that Girard, 19, would be returned to his junior club after finishing his seven game stint with the Avalanche. But his play in those seven games forced Colorado to keep him around.

Like any 19-year-old, he had his highs and lows during the season. But in the biggest game of the season, he was the best defenseman on the ice. He scored the opening goal against St. Louis, blocked shots, threw a hip check and did this:

That’s not a one-off. He’s been doing that to forecheckers all season. His spin move has become legendary in Denver.

Both players have their shortcomings on defense. But as offensive sparks from the blueline, they’re a formidable duo that must be accounted for at all times.

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