Samuel Girard missed a couple games recently which we were told was for “personal reasons”. We now know what those reasons were.
Girard released a statement saying he was putting himself into the players assistance program, admitting he has a problem with anxiety and depression as well as alcohol use. This has us asking the question, how much of what is said about Sammy G online is to blame?
We also discuss the Avalanche on the ice, which has looked pretty good recently, including the back to back victories against the Minnesota Wild and Calgary Flames in the team’s first back to backs of the year.
Finally, a Stanley Cup rematch is set for tonight! What can we expect?
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30 Comments
Made $75 betting in the 2 games so I’m proud of the boys in multiple ways 😂
Also on the thing w say girard, I’m not quite sure about what people say about him I’m not on Avs sm much. But as someone whos played reffed and coached hockey for 30 years I think he’s been fantastic for the Avs his entire tenure. He came here as a 20 year old kid uprooted his life in Canada to come to cooorado and has performed VERY well. He was a key contributor to the cup team before the broken sternum that knocked him out of the final 2 rounds. Fans are fuckin brutal. Cale makar doesn’t still make at least 1 bone headed mistake in the d zone every night? Josh Manson was perfect on the play Calgary scored their only goal? Bc I saw a guy who put NO pressure on the man standing on top of his goalie until the puck was in the net. Sammy has been GREAT and that guy has the heart of a lion. Hopefully he’s back soon, and I think when he DOES come back, Avs fans will do the right thing and give him the type of welcome he deserves.
LOVE YOU SAMMY G
Health comes well before sport. High performance sport and its environment, particularly in the modern world of scrutiny via technology, can't be an easy one to navigate.
All the best to Sammy G and good on him for seeking the help he needs, that is a huge step.
On a playing note, he works big minutes for the Avs and has moved up lines when needed with injuries etc. He has been versatile and a good puck mover. Never understood why he was the guy to be picked on.
I hate how people speak on Sammy G. He has always been one of my favorites. Sending all the best to him.
The most ridiculous part of it all is that he’s actually been SO GOOD this year.. all the best to Sammy
Nothing but love for Sammy G.
It is huge for Girard to come forward, for us normal Joes that thinks they are all alone with this issue shows were not. For a professional to come out like he did, tells the graphic of hockey community, that your not alone, seek help if the issue if bigger then you. Many struggle with this and some turns to substance abuse and ends up destroys family and friends just trying to help
As someone that struggled with anxiety and depression that led to an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, Sammy G was a favorite player, but speaking out makes him a favorite person. What he did takes incredible personal strength and I really hope he comes out of this okay. Its also great to see him (seemingly) being proactive in this journey rather than reactive.
I'd be more concerned if Mack was happy at this point lol. I think I've seen one interview he's ever done that he seemed happy and open
Upon me saying to trade Girard was referring he was expendable, Last couple years Avs were deep on the backend and were badly in need of center depth, not necessarily for bad play. And for the Avs at the time they had to move money out but without hurting the team but yet they addressed the problem for this offseason. But yeah, I could see the comments tend to get overwhelming and few crossing the line. When you watch professional hockey analysts and/or other youtubers lay in with their quick fixes on struggling teams, the whole hockey community can be at fault at times because of there's too much passion on a game we love
I like you guys, but he is making a ton of money. Game or not, we can call for a trade and it is not our fault he takes it personal. I screamed about Skoula for quite a while. Feel sorry for the guy, but that doesn't mean he can't be criticized for some bad play.
The puck-luck seems to shift to our side 🙂 Maybe we should sacrifice a goat to the hockey gods to keep it going? OK, that seems too much, too barbaric; but how about sacrificing a goatee? Anybody?
On a serious note though, Sammy's bold decision tells us that he wants to have his fate in his own hands. I believe that once he's back he'll be back stronger. And I can't wait to see his gravity-defying, ice-violating spins!
I love the L-O-AV!
It's sad to hear about G. I've been a fan since he first came from Nashville and I hope he gets himself straight.
I am always a supporter of getting help with all mental health issues… Sammy G, you have nothing but love and angels in your corner, come back when you are read, we got you❤
But I did forget to add about Artturi Lehkonen… so happy to hear he is out of the collar, on the path to getting better❤❤
I love the weekend games. I thought everyone played well, but I still feel like we still have more. Therefore, my Band-Maid Sound Check #14 has to be Take Me Higher.
Your faces are in front of all clickbait and discussions. And your podcast hosts all comments. Now you’re backpedaling on Girard like you always had the high ground. Who’s next?
They have to stay outta the box !!!! Bolts are way to good on the PP . Sammy G🙏
Love ya, Sammy G. Love the intensity on the ice. It's clear you know what to do off the ice, too. Thanks for talking about a difficult topic – that's the key to it right there. My best to you, brother.
Respect guys, 💯 agree about everything with the Sammy G stuff, imagine working hard all your life and bag your dream job only to have people dump on you all the time (it’s not everyone I know but there’s a vocal minority (like with Georgie now)) it’s going to make you feel rubbish no matter how thick skinned you are. I have no idea if Sammy would ever read these comments but if he does. Then we’re all proud of you and your amazing, person and hockey player. Hope you get the help you deserve. You reaching out publicly will no doubt help at least someone and that’s awesome
Guys as you mention, having constructive criticism of a play etc fine but then leave it as you say, it’s a valuable lesson for people to know that hockey players, athletes and everyone are humans with feelings and emotions, support for Sammy
Keep up the good work gents, now let’s catch some lighting in a bottle
Sammy has always been my 2nd favorite player on the avs, after Landy. Hes an amazing player/top tier skater, and has a personality I can relate with. Like Landy I admire the person not just the player.
Its one thing to critize a players play, but its another thing to criticize or demeen the person behind the jersey, especially someone like Sammy. As someone who has had lifelong struggles with depression/anxiety my heart goes out. Its not an easy thing for most of us, let alone someone in the public eye, to admit they need help.
Sammy you are a loved and valued member of this team. Get well and put yourself first✌️
It's easy to see the impact of Sammy G. NOT being on the ice … so there's that. I think he's improved his game a lot the past couple seasons … I wish him the best and a speedy recovery! I've been critical of him in the past and always thought our D size in general was a challenge … then we won a cup … sadly, Sam was injured in the St. Louis series and was unable to play in the final round vs. TB …
Proud of Sammy for getting help. As a person with Bipolar and a former substance abuse issue, I know how hard it is to finally reach out for help and I hope he gets into recovery/meds/therapy etc. successfully. Rooting hard for Sammy G.
I have been a fan of Sam Girard since he became an Av. I know he is the easiest to blame by fans but I don't understand why he gets so much of it. He is one of the best puck moving defensemen I've ever seen. Hope he makes it back soon.
one good thing sammy can do it delete all his social media , dont need that toxic crap in ur life .
Nate just isn't a very nice person I don't think. Great hockey player, not great person.
So easy to be a keyboard bully these days. Great point to remind us all that these athletes are humans with all the human emotions that come with it. Praying Sammy G gets better and I’m really glad he is taking action and getting a handle on his personal stuff. That’s really tough to admit as men. Go Avs!
Respect when a man knows his limits and isn't afraid to ask for help.
Thanks for taking the time to discuss Sammy G’s situation. I’ve been a fan of his for years and mesmerized by his skating. It kills me to see such hated directed towards him. Many fans have gone above and beyond with their abuse of him. Joe and C Mac want him on the team for a reason, he fits in well, has speed, great hockey IQ and is an elite skater. Here’s something though, any coach will tell you that constant criticism will not bring out the best in a player. So why do the armchair critics not understand that?
I really hope Sammy gets the help he needs to come back better and stronger that ever. I also hope he feels the love out there but I really don’t think he’ll be going anywhere near social media.
Thank you for addressing the Sammy punching bag stuff. I feel he's constantly received the short end of the stick and while he's not always the best player on the ice he's got immense heart and now with his statement, courage. All the best to him and hope he gets back when he's ready.
All of Avalanche Country supports Sammy G and his battle against anxiety and depression. It's something I've personally battled for several years now. My previous criticism this season has been of the Girard/Byram pairing, which didn't seem to work for whatever reason. They are both good young puck-moving defensemen, but the combination struggled. Coach Bednar split them up during the Dallas game when the Avs got behind by three goals, and it seemed to make a huge difference. It seems like Byram is more comfortable with Manson. Maybe because Manson is more of a physical, stay-at-home defenseman.