The resurgent Colorado Avalanche found themselves at a surprising 4-1-1 record, with the powerplay atop the league at a 38.4 percent success rate (10/26).
Then John-Michael Liles got hurt.
In the three games since Liles shoulder injury, suffered against Toronto on October 13, the Avalanche power play has gone 0/9.
Even when he's not scoring, the speed and puck moving ability Liles brings to the table help's Colorado control the flow of play, specifically on the power play.
Liles role on the team has often been questioned. He's not strong defensively, and his offensive numbers have dipped recently; after having back-to-back 14 goal, 44+ point seasons in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007, Liles hasn't hit the 40 point plateau since.
But like every Avalanche defenseman, the loss of long time defensive ...
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Article written by James Crider
Avalanche Powerplay Struggling without John-Michael Liles
Posted: 23rd October 2009 by James Crider in NHLComments Off on Avalanche Powerplay Struggling without John-Michael Liles