Traffic In Front Of The Net

In the latest episode of the Avalanche Ink podcast, beat writer Corey Masisak talks with Joe Smith, who covers the Minnesota Wild and NHL at large for The Athletic. Among the topics discussed: + His memories covering the other side of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final as a Lightning beat writer. + What he learned from the Lightning's mini-dynasty and what the Avalanche might have in store. + What went wrong for the Wild this year, and is there hope for the Avs' division rivals? + What is Nikita Kucherov's case for the Hart Trophy? + Brock Faber vs. Connor Bedard in the other hotly contested NHL award race, the Calder Trophy. + What it's like to get blindfolded, spun around and throw darts.

In the latest episode of the Avalanche Ink podcast presented by Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric, beat writer Corey Masisak checks in with The Athletic's Peter Baugh, who used to cover the Avs and now writes about the New York Rangers. Among the topics discussed: + Peter's transition to covering the Rangers, with some Islanders and Devils mixed in, in the middle of the season. + Are the Rangers actually one of the best teams in the league, or are there still reasons to doubt them in the postseason? + How this Avalanche team looks different than it did before Peter went to New York + How are the Avs going to handle the pending salary cap crunch with some many pending free agents having great seasons?

In a bonus edition of the Avalanche Ink podcast, beat writer Corey Masisak speaks with Ryan Lambert of Elite Prospects and Evan Rawal of Colorado Hockey Now to focus on the NCAA hockey tournament and the mystery man, Nikolai Kovalenko. Among the topics discussed: + How does DU stack up against the other title contenders? + What could be the Pios' biggest weakness? + What needs to happen for Colorado College to make the tournament? + Is the Eastern Conference, beyond the Florida Panthers, just kind of meh? + What are the strengths of Kovalenko's game? + Why is he different than most Russian prospects? + Where could he fit for the Avs? + What are the potential pitfalls for the Avs despite the recent hot streak?

In the latest episode of the Avalanche Ink podcast, beat writer Corey Masisak chats with Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic for a debrief of what transpired at the NHL trade deadline. Among the topics discussed: + Some thoughts on the instant classic in Edmonton between the Avs and Oilers. + How did Colorado fare at the trade deadline? + Comparing the potential fits of Chris Tanev and Sean Walker with the Avs. + Did Vancouver and Dallas do enough to keep pace with the other powers who made more moves? + Is Florida the class of the Eastern Conference? + What will Nikolai Kovalenko's arrival mean for the Avs?

In the inaugural edition of Avs Ink, beat writer Corey Masisak talks with Chris Johnston of The Athletic, TSN and the Steve Dangle Podcast Network about where the Avs stand leading into the NHL trade deadline. Among the topics discussed: + Colorado makes two big trades, adding Casey Mittelstadt and Sean Walker while subtracting Bo Byram and Ryan Johansen. + The market for Jake Guentzel, the No. 1 player on Johnston's NHL trade board, and how that relates to the Avs. + The fascination with Sidney Crosby potentially joining forces with Nathan MacKinnon if he ever decides to pursue a championship outside of Pittsburgh. + Valeri Nichushkin's pending return to the lineup. +Nikoali Kovalenko, the ultimate wild card.

Denver Post hockey writer Mike Chambers is again joined by Marty Richardson, executive director of Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation, in the latest episode of Traffic in Front of the Net.

Avalanche beat writers Mike Chambers and Kyle Fredrickson discuss why the timing was right on Wednesday for Colorado to sign Boston College forward Alex Newhook, and why two more college draft picks -- Sampo Ranta (Minnesota) and Nate Clurman (Notre Dame) -- are also likely to join the Avs despite having one more season of NCAA eligibility remaining.

In the latest Traffic in Front of the Net podcast episode, Denver Post reporter Mike Chambers visits with former Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda and Marty Richardson, president and CEO of Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation.  Hejda shares his thoughts about the Avalanche, his brief fighting career, and how he recalled himself from the minors to the Edmonton Oilers in a move that saved his NHL career.

Avalanche beat writers Mike Chambers and Kyle Fredrickson discuss the most pressing issues surrounding the team -- including the need for a backup goaltender, how Colorado managed its coronavirus quarantine, and the Avs' chances to win the Stanley Cup.

Avalanche beat writers Mike Chambers and Kyle Fredrickson recap Colorado’s 3-0 victory in Game 1 against the Arizona Coyotes. The guys also discuss what the Avs must do in order to avoid a first-round postseason letdown.

Denver Post hockey writer Mike Chambers is joined by former Avalanche employee and freelance writer Ryan Boulding in the latest episode of Traffic in Front of The Net.

In this special edition sports podcast by The Denver Post, sportswriters Kyle Newman, Kyle Fredrickson and Mike Singer discuss the return of major pro sports in America. The trio assesses the re-start plans for the MLB, NBA and NHL, as well as discussion on the feasibility of an NFL season/college football this fall and how they have been covering sports during a global pandemic.

Avalanche reporter Mike Chambers and guest Aarif Deen of Mile High Sports discuss the latest developments in when the NHL might resume play after nearly five weeks of uncertainly surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

Denver Post Avalanche reporter Mike Chambers is joined by guest Aarif Deen of Mile High Sports in another edition of Traffic in Front of the Net. Mike and Aarif discuss Tuesday's conference call with NHL general managers and commissioner Gary Bettman, how the league might seed playoff teams if and when play resumes and the Avalanche's top-10 games of a memorable season thus far.

Denver Post hockey writer Mike Chambers sat down with former Avalanche center John Mitchell and some of Chambers' long-time hockey buddies after a recent beer-league skate in the latest episode of Traffic In Front of The Net. The guys discuss the possibility of the Avs making a deal for Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist and more in an entertaining conversation at a local eatery.

The Avalanche ranks second in NHL scoring but, suddenly, the club is without its top two wingers in Mikko Rantanen and Gabe Landeskog, the latter of whom will miss significant time with a surprising lower-body injury. Denver Post hockey writer Mike Chambers and new Denver-based journalist Aarif Deen discuss the new-look lineup leading into the Avs' game Wednesday against the visiting Florida Panthers.

Denver Post sports writer Mike Chambers and freelancer Ryan Boulding discuss Mikko Rantanen's leg injury and the Altitude dispute with the Big 3 in the latest episode of Traffic In Front of the Net.

In the latest Traffic in Front of the Net podcast episode, beat writers Mike Chambers and Kyle Fredrickson break down the most pressing storylines after the Avs' 2-0 start before a Thursday night test versus the Bruins. Topics include Ian Cole's early return from offseason surgery, the immediate impact of Mikko Rantanen and how Colorado can avoid a midseason letdown similar to 2018-19.

The Avalanche began training camp Thursday and opening night is just three weeks away. But will the team retain a fan base without Altitude, its regional network?

The Denver Post's Mike Chambers and freelance writer Ryan Boulding discuss Colorado's only glaring weakness, plus the contract status of all-star right winger Mikko Rantanen and Peter Forsberg's appearance at Joe Sakic's celebrity golf tournament.