EJ & Barrie
The success of the Avalanche often depends on the success of Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie. The two defensemen who occupy the right side of the first and second pairings have both seen about 25 minutes a night recently. An injury to Eric Gelinas on the third defensive pairing and a shortage of confidence in the alternative options to fill his spot have given Johnson and Barrie a more significant role and heightened expectations.
The defensive unit as a whole is often the scapegoat for any lack of success throughout the season, and Tyson Barrie is frequently criticized for his minus-15 plus/minus while Johnson isn’t far ahead with a minus-9. The performances of the entire defensive group will need to be at its best to ensure success for the Avalanche and it must be lead by the core members in E.J. and Barrie.
Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie have recently made their presences felt on the offensive end. With four goals and five assists between the two in the month of March, their help putting points on the scoresheet will be needed more than ever now that the Avs are facing detrimental injuries to their two top scorers.
