Many wonder how two new players have been notably productive in just three games with the Avalanche. It is a bit dumbfounding but the answer is simple.
“They do have a different system, but they’re both in tune with playing the way that we play. There’s a lot of similarities to it as well,” head coach Jared Bednar said. “Offensively, it’s just a little bit different style. It fits Marty (Necas) really well. The identity of the line that Drury’s playing on is very similar to the line that he played on there. They don’t have a lot of questions, and they played really well in those games. So both helping us on the offensive side of things and on the defensive side.”
Neither forward got a point in their first game (about 15 hours after the trade), a 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. Necas registered two points and Drury scored a goal in each of the New York matchups — the win over the Rangers and the loss to the Islanders. Their new teammates helped make the quick transition comfortable which factored into their success on the ice
“First game I wasn’t great. And then got a little rest. It’s easy to play with guys like that. I haven’t played with many righties before, and it’s always something I wanted to do, and it’s just been fun,” Necas said. “Lots of O-zone time. Just get a little more in the net, get a little more grind there and I’m sure more goals will come.
“I always knew this is a puck position team, definitely little different than Carolina, and I always been that kind of player so hopefully I can fit right in and everything will be good.”
Drury’s integration has been fairly seamless with linemates that have a similar style of play as the ones he played with in Carolina.
“I’ve been playing some good hockey before the trade … but came in here and playing with fantastic players, that’s a huge part of it,” Drury said. “Colts (Ross Colton) is unbelievable, obviously, Stanley Cup winner too. Great speed. And then Woody ( Miles Wood), same thing, can fly around the ice, is physical. Then the whole D-core can skate. It makes it really easy as the new guy when you’re surrounded by good players.”
Importance of Avs Leadership During Trade Transition
Mikko Rantanen was a significant part of the Avs leadership group. His voice and leadership style can’t be replaced but others play a part in the group
“We got a room full of leaders. There’s lots of guys that could be wearing a letter for us. You remove one guy, and just naturally more guys step up,” Bednar said. “But we have a pretty balanced — lots of guys have voices in our room, and they’re leaders, like on our penalty kill, power play, etc.”
The super fast turnaround for Necas and Drury was made a bit less stressful with support from three team leaders. They connected with the new forwards to help ease the move.
“They’ve been so welcoming. The leadership group, Nate (MacKinnon) and Cale (Makar) were texting me and Nechy right away, which was really nice of them and makes you feel welcomed,” Drury said. “And I’ve been talking to Landy (Gabriel Landeskog). He’s thought of so highly around the league, and he lives up to that. He’s been super nice. It’s a really professional locker room. Right away you notice how focused everyone is, and that’s exactly what you want. I think me and Nechy will be a great fit here.”
Landeskog’s absence on the ice has had a huge impact on the team but he remains an exceptional leader off the ice. And with a major shift in personnel, the captain is more important than ever.
“If you’re talking about removing one guy from our room that has made a dent in the leadership, it’s Landy, and we’ve missed him for a long time,” Bednar said. “We’ve adjusted and adapted from there but you can tell just when he’s around — the voice and respect that he has, it would be a nice addition to come back in there.”
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