Brent Burns, Devon Toews, and the Importance of the Avalanche Defense | GS Off Ice

The Colorado Avalanche wrapped up their road trip with a big win over the Seattle Kraken, but the bigger conversation on today’s Guerilla Sports Off Ice centers around the Avs’ blue line heading into the postseason.

Jesse Montano and Megan Angley break down the current state of Colorado’s defense corps, including recent play from Cale Makar and Devon Toews, the value of Josh Manson, the concerns around Brent Burns, and the continued rise of Sam Malinski. They also discuss what Brett Kulak has brought since arriving in Colorado and give their first impressions of new Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg.

Before diving into the defense, the show also unpacks the controversy surrounding Nathan MacKinnon’s ejection for goalie interference against the Oilers, the NHL’s decision to rescind the major and game misconduct, and what the league’s handling of the situation says about consistency and protecting goaltenders.

If you’re looking for Colorado Avalanche analysis, NHL trade deadline reaction, playoff outlook discussion, and in-depth Avs defense talk, this episode has you covered.

Chapters:
0:00 Welcome in / Friday edition of Guerilla Sports Off Ice
1:14 Furniture Row sponsor read
2:19 RefiJet sponsor read
3:17 Jesse and Megan open the show
4:20 Avs vs Kraken thoughts and Scott Wedgewood praise
7:21 Nathan MacKinnon goalie interference controversy begins
11:05 Breaking down the Darnell Nurse contact
18:11 NHL review, precedent, and officiating inconsistency
26:43 Comparing league discipline and dangerous plays
29:46 MacKinnon, Martin Necas, and growing chemistry
33:07 Colorado Avalanche defense corps discussion begins
34:09 Cale Makar and Devon Toews evaluation
47:17 Brent Burns and Josh Manson pairing concerns
59:20 Brett Kulak’s impact on the Avs blue line
1:02:10 Sam Malinski’s continued growth
1:07:03 First impressions of Nick Blankenburg
1:13:33 Final thoughts, Colorado wind/fire safety reminder, and weekend sign-off

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