Year In Review: Season Grades
May 2, 2003 - By David Smith

"It hurts," as Peter Forsberg sat by his lockerroom stall; like many teammates dejected following the 3-2 overtime loss. "A lot," summing up the feelings of nearly every teammate and fans alike.

No kidding, Peter.

Right now, the elimination of the Colorado Avalanche by the Minnesota Wild last week just stinks, period. It leaves the final three rounds of the playoffs left to be played, and for the first time since 1998 without our beloved Avalanche. But they have no one to blame but themselves for their first round collapse.

The boys in burgundy and blue were in complete control of the series following a 3-1 victory in game four, heading back to Denver with a chance to finish off the Wild and get some rest before round two even begun. But the lack of a killer instinct killed them again; as it has in past years, they let the Wild back into the series, and it cost them. Some fans can point to the questionable calls in game seven, but lets be real here, they're right where they belong. . .at home, watching the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Being as optimistic as possible, perhaps Avalanche fans and players alike will come to a better appreciation for the run this team has had since moving to Denver. Expectations for this team are amazingly high, as they should be, but lets not lose sight of the fact that this team has made it to the conference finals nearly every year since 1995, that's a pretty amazing accomplishment.

That said, it is going to be a real long summer isn't it? While the players and coaches gather up their gear and head for their summer vacation, we took the time to sit down and give our season report cards:

Forwards

Peter Forsberg: A+
It would be almost impossible to have a better season than the one Peter Forsberg put together this year. Heading into the 2002-03 campaign everyone knew that Forsberg could put up the MVP kind of season he had. For the first time in a few seasons, the spectacular Swede was able to stay relatively healthy, missing just seven games. He led the league in points, and assists with 106, and 77 respectively. Once captain Joe Sakic went down in January, Forsberg put the team on his back and carried them to a ninth straight division title. He took care of his own end as well, putting up an astronomical +52. Heading into the NHL Awards, Forsberg has to be considered the favorite for the Hart and Pearson trophies.

Milan Hejduk: A+
I'd say Milan Hejduk had a pretty good year for a non all-star! The Czech Republic native had a season to remember, scoring 50 goals for the first time in his career, on his way to leading the NHL in goal scoring. Some people still will share the opinion that his success is a product of playing with Sakic and Forsberg, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Hejduk does need a playmaker to be succesful, but playmakers need people to finish, and no one finishes better than 'Duke'. Hejduk's hands; the best in the league and his ability to pick the corners from seemingly impossible angles make him the great goal scorer that he is.

Alex Tanguay: B+
It was an up and down season for the fourth year pro, he started out the season just abysmal, looking more like the player of last year. He couldn't find the back of the net if his life depended on it, but he erupted the second half of the season. That was largely due to the emergence of the AMP line, some will suggest that Tanguay has to be around great players for him to succeed, and that may be partly true, but Tanguay can do plenty on his own. His biggest asset will always be his speed, needs to improve on strength, gets knocked off the puck too easily at times, to say the future looks promising is an understatement.

Joe Sakic: B
Avalanche captain Joe Sakic would be the first to admit that 2002-2003 wasn't a highlight year for #19. He started out the season like a house on fire, scoring a lot, including his 500th career goal, a milestone for any hockey player. But after that, he missed extensive time due to two separate injuries. But he still managed to register 58 points, averaging a point per game, no cup of tea in today's NHL. Struggled down the stretch of the regular season but was the teams best player in the playoffs. Sakic may have had trouble with injuries, but don't mistake that as a sign his skills are diminishing, his trademark wrist shot is still tops in the league.

Steven Reinprecht: B-
The ongoing development of “Rhino” took another step forward in 2002-2003, while he didn’t put up eye popping offensive numbers, the Wisconson graduate made great strides in his overall game. Reinprecht; like most Avalanche players, got off to a slow start to begin the year, but really seemed to pick up his game after the coaching change. When Joe Sakic went down with an injury Reinprecht did a terrific job in his place. His hustle, and hard work make him one of the teams best penalty killers, and he’s always a threat shorthanded with his raw talent. Like most young players, Reinprecht struggles with his consistency but the tools are all there.

Serge Aubin: B-
When general manager Pierre Lacroix re-signed the former Avalanche player last summer, the general reaction by most was one of surprise and disbelief. But the hard working forward was easily one of the most pleasant surprises of the hockey season. Aubin is one of those players whose contributions never show up on the scoresheet, but he works hard along the boards, plays physical, and most importantly is good defensively. He filled his role to a T, he won his fair share of faceoffs and did a decent job against the opponents top line. If Aubin duplicates the season he had next year I'm sure Avalanche brass would be very happy.

Riku Hahl: C+
The second year checking center spent a good portion of the season at the teams AHL affiliate in Hershey, in order to give Jeff Shantz a regular spot, how much sense does that make? Hahl has all the abilities to become a Jere Lehtinen type, a great defensive forward with some offensive ability. But he's got to continue to work hard to just vie for one of the six spots on the bottom two lines; a crowded group of players. He played very well once he was given a regular chance to play down the stretch of the regular season, just makes you wonder why he wasn't in there to begin with?

Bates Battaglia: C
Lots of fans seemed disappointed with the performance of the trade deadline acquisition. Battaglia did struggle finding the net, scoring only 1 goal, but that's not the reason the team acquired him, he did plenty of other good things that didn't show up in the box score. The Chicago native worked extremely hard; battling for the puck along the walls, positioning himself in front of the net, and playing decent defense. He's not going to score a lot, but he does the dirty work very well, and he was a decent player down the stretch.

Dan Hinote: C
There are few players in the league who are better at irritating the opponent than Hinote is, he can get under his opponents skin like it is nothing. But with the style of play he plays, the Minnesota native always runs into injury problems, and this year was no different as he missed 22 games. Hinote strongest asset is his energy and ability to always finish his checks, just don't expect him to put the puck in the net. Like most energy forwards Hinote works extremely hard, is a good penalty killer and is a great in the room. Hinote was one of the teams better players in the postseason.

Scott Parker: C
It took some time but maybe the Avalanche enforcer has finally found the right balance between playing physical hockey, and fighting when needed. 2002-2003 was definitely his best season yet, he was another player who was helped greatly by the promotion of Granato. Under Hartley, everything Parker did was under a microscope and the former coach didn't have much confidence in him. But Granato seemed to like him, giving him more playing time, and even throwing him on the PP occasionally. Must continue to work hard to improve his skills and his defensive game, if he makes significant improvements in those areas he could be a force someday.

Eric Messier: C-
No player was hurt by the coaching change more than left wing Eric Messier. Under Hartley Messier always played a fair amount; generally on the third line. But once Granato was promoted he saw his ice time reduced greatly and late in the year found himself sitting in the press box more often than not. Clearly, Messier's best days are not in front of him, but he is still a decent player to have around, the one thing that makes him valuable is his penalty killing ability. He never hesitates to give up his body for the good of the team, and is easily the teams best shot blocker. But saying his days in Denver might be limited would be fair.

Brian Wilsie: C-
Fringe forward Brian Wilsie was a victim of the numbers game again this season, he has enough offensive talent to be a regular on the bottom two lines, but his inconsistencies in other aspects of his game prevent him from overtaking veterans Keane and Messier regularly. Wilsie sometimes has a tendency to not work as hard as he needs to, and doesn't always play the body as much as he should. Should he enter training camp with a good attitude and work as hard as he did in the playoffs he could find himself playing a lot more.

Mike Keane: D
Lets face it, Keane is at the end of his road, he's just not the player he was three years ago, his legs aren't there anymore, and he doesn't have the offensive skills to put home those clutch goals he's famous for. That said, the Winnipeg native is still a valuable guy to have around the team, his experience; three Stanley Cups, and leadership cannot be considered a down factor. Keane is still a good penalty killer, and if used sparingly can still contribute by doing the little things. Keane found himself a healthy scratch more often than not under Granato, and I wouldn't expect that to change next season.

Jeff Shantz: F
Without a doubt, Shantz is the worst player to ever wear a Colorado Avalanche uniform. I still haven't quite figured out how this guy netted 13 goals in 1999-2000, he's got hands of stone. He's only decent defensively, is just an adequate penalty killer, and takes way too many penalties for a fringe forward. Plus-minus is generally a tricky stat, but consider this; during a season in which Peter Forsberg, and Milan Hejduk were a +52, Shantz, supposedly one of the teams better defensive players was a -12! What a waste of a roster spot, I won't miss him next season, that's for sure.

Defensemen

Adam Foote: A
Far and away his best all-around season as a pro, Foote came with his usual nasty defensive style, but really upped his offensive ability, reaching career highs in goals, points, and +/-. Avoided the injury bug most of the season, but was hampered by a broken foot in the playoffs, the fact he even played in game seven is a credit to his courage and commitment to his teammates. It wouldn't be a very far stretch to argue that he deserved some consideration as the third candidate for the Norris trophy, but with the way that award is judged these days, I'm not surprised it didn't happen.

Derek Morris: B+
Morris had some tough shoes to fill for the departing, and very popular Chris Drury. But the young defenseman exceeded all expectations with the breakout season many have been waiting him to have. The Edmonton native instantly added an asset that the Avalanche have missed since Ray Bourque retired; someone who can make the long tape-to-tape outlet passes. Morris registered a career high 11 goals, and 48 points; just five less than Drury's 53, in five less games. Morris was very consistent, needs to keep improving defensive skills, but he was as advertised, and will be a mainstay on defense for years to come.

Rob Blake: B
It was an un-Rob Blake kind of start, the Simcoe, Ontario native really struggled out of the gate, but so did the rest of the team for that matter. Not a Norris trophy caliber season, but after his initial slow start Blake was as solid as can be expected the rest of the way. Really heated up offensively down the stretch of the regular season, still managed to score 17 goals. Blake was easily one of the teams better players in the round one loss to Minnesota.

Greg de Vries: B-
It was another unspectacular, yet very solid season for the veteran blueliner. de Vries was very solid defensively; as always, and scored 12 more points than his previous career high. "Devo" was like an overtime special, at one point scoring game winners in back-to-back road games. One area de Vries struggled with at times was pinching at the wrong time, creating odd man breaks for the opposition, he also committed his fair share of stupid penalties. Overall, another good season, but he wasn't one of the best players in the playoffs, a definite downside heading into his pending free agency.

Bryan Marchment: C+
Acquired at the trading deadline, the very controversial defenseman entered the Avalanche dressing room amongst plenty of questions and innuendo regarding his history of 'dirty' play. But after the initial reaction passed, most who saw him play realized that it was better to have 'Mush' on the team, than not. He kept it clean, didn't stand out by making any outrageous hits and was a fine addition. All that said, it seems unlikely given his salary that he'll be back next season.

Martin Skoula: C-
Skoula had another inconsistent season and hasn't shown signs of becoming the player everyone expects him to be. One minute, he can look like a very good #3/4 defenseman with a promising future, the next he can look like a lock to be riding the pine as a #7. The tools are there, he's big, and strong, has good speed, and is a good stickhandler, but Skoula lacks confidence in his own abilities, he rarely puts good use to the aforementioned assets. His knack for untimely turnovers, and inability to elevate his game in the playoffs could find him wearing a different sweater next season.

D.J. Smith: D
As expected, the career minor leaguer didn't see much of the ice, even though he spent the entire season in Denver. Appearing in only 34 games, Smith did play decent as the #6 defenseman when he did get in, but he only saw about 5 minutes per game. His only real asset is that he can play physical, and drop the gloves when needed. In all reality, the organization should be giving one of its younger defensemen the role Smith currently holds, it would give them a chance to learn and improve, something Smith isn't going to do.

Chris McAllister: INC
All we heard before actually seeing the huge defenseman play was that he was a big oaf who committed stupid penalties. That reputation was a bit misleading, while McAllister didn't make a major impact he was decent in the little time he saw. He added strong physical play, toughness, and didn't take very many ill-advised penalties. A broken foot shortly after being acquired limited the amount of games he could play; that, combined with the acquisition of Bryan Marchment left McAllister without a regular spot. Because of this, we couldn't give him a fair grade.

Goaltenders

Patrick Roy: B+
The future hall of fame inductee had a pretty good year, just not spectacular, as everyone has come to expect. Roy started off the season just brutal; at least by his high standars, but picked it up during the teams magical second half run. Took a lot of heat for his play in the playoffs; probably unfairly so. Roy wasn't the Patrick Roy of '93 or '01 but he played well enough to not be the goat. The Quebec native has a decision to make regarding next season, as reports swirl about his future.

David Aebischer: C
Backup goaltender David Aebischer didn't have the season that was expected, especially following his brilliant 2001-2002 campaign. Aebischer still posted a respectable .916 save percentage, but his habit of allowing goals very early in games didn't help his cause any. That said, judging a goaltender when he only plays about one game every two weeks is difficult, a lot of goaltenders don't really succeed until they're given a chance to play on a regular basic. I haven't totally given up on him yet, but he should have some stiff competition next year from rookie Phillipe Sauve.

Disgusting, sickening, awful sums up the finish to the 2002-2003 season for the Colorado Avalanche. We're left to watch the Ducks and Stars duke it out in one conference semi-final while those who can bear, watch the Canucks and Wild play what has to be considered one of the dullest series in recent memory. It may not be what we envisioned; in fact I know it isn't, but it's better than no hockey isn't it?

I'll be back just before summer vacation to give you my picks for the NHL Awards, in the meantime I'm going to relax, spend some more time with the girlfriend, and enjoy some playoff hockey without having an emotional investment in the results, I would hope you do the same!
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David Smith is the publisher of Avalanche Zone, and can be reached at da.smith@attbi.com.