Parker Kelly Trying Not to Think About Repeating His 21-Goal Season
· Yahoo Sports
Parker Kelly has tried to put last year’s 21-goal season out of his mind. He doesn’t want to put too much pressure on himself to repeat it.
There’s only one problem.
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He keeps getting asked about it.
“I know I’m not expected to put up 20, but I think I can replicate it. I believe in myself,” Kelly said following Colorado’s practice on Wednesday. “I know I’m going to bring a lot more than just offensive production, and I know my role.
“But the more I keep getting asked about it, the more it’s harder to not think about it. I want to try to do the best I can again and have another good year.”
His role extends well beyond his ability to score.
Kelly is an effective fourth-line winger who seemingly gels with any linemates. He kills penalties, plays with a spark and, obviously, chips in offensively.
But there’s more value he brings to the Avalanche.
“My role is, first and foremost, come to the rink, make guys laugh, have a good time, and bring good vibes,” he said. “Then I’m going to try to do great work on the kill, and then we’re probably going to get D-zone starts. So be really good on the defensive side of the puck, and then the rest is all just icing on the cake.”
Over the last two practices, Kelly has centered the fourth line with usual linemate Logan O’Connor and newcomer Zachary L’Heureux.
Head coach Jared Bednar hasn’t yet determined who will play center on opening night. But with Nazem Kadri currently on the wing in the top six, Kelly has shifted to center to allow Nic Roy to remain on the right side.
Kelly has played both positions during his two years in Colorado, although he spent most of last season on the wing.
“Center is just different. You got to get used to it again. I mean,” Kelly said. “Being back at center, you want to be good on draws, you want to help the D. You’re coming into the play a little bit later instead of being F1, F2 on the forecheck. As a wing, you’re normally slashing off the breakout, and you’re hunting the puck right away. Whereas as a centerman, you’re kind of working goal line to goal line.”
Power Play Change-Up
The Avalanche tried something different on the power play Wednesday.
After opening Tuesday’s first special teams practice with Nazem Kadri on the top unit, Colorado had Nic Roy join the first group instead.
Roy took the bumper spot, allowing Gabe Landeskog to remain in front of the net. Martin Necas was along the left wall, Nathan MacKinnon was on the right and Cale Makar was at the point.
Kadri joined the second power-play unit, which remained the same otherwise. Brock Nelson, Artturi Lehkonen, Jaden Schwartz and Devon Toews rounded out the group.
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