Val Nichushkin Suspended For 6 Months. Avs Go On To Lose Game 4. Is Their Season Over?
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- The Colorado Avalanche learned shortly before puck drop that Val Nichushkin, their best player in these playoffs, was suspended for six months due to going back into the players assistance program for a third time. What the future holds for Nichushkin off the ice is obviously not known right now. But on the ice, it is a massive loss.
It showed in Game 4 with the Dallas Stars, who now hold a 3-1 series lead after their 5-1 victory.
Not only were the Avs down Nichushkin, they were also down Devon Toews. A late scratch due to an illness, we will have to wait and see if Toews can return for Game 5.
A difficult day all around that started with so much promise with the return of Jonathan Drouin. We break it all down. Tune in, subscribe and enjoy.
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Stars fan here. The Nichushkin news is saddening. He was a lot of fun in his time here and many of us were glad that he took off in Colorado. Hoping for the best for him and his family.
Amazing some of the most kind words on here today are from a fan of the opposing team. Appreciate your thoughts.
That Christmas video - "I am Val Nichushkin"
Rough day for Avs players and fans alike. He needs help, but he's paid millions of dollars and has infinite resources to utilize, and he failed his teammates for the third time in a year, and in a massive way for the second time. Didnt expect anything good out of tonights game after hearing the news. I do appreciate how understanding stars fans have been. Rough day for everyone in the series who was here for good hockey
Stars fan here, wanted to stop by to see how you guys cover the Val Nichushkin story.
I don't think a lot of people remember that the Stars are the team that drafted Val back in the day. It was an extremely controversial pic, basically every team decided to pass on him because of the trouble that continued to follow him back in Russia. As a Dallas fan, I can tell you it's been incredibly frustrating watching Val achieve the success with the Avalanche that the Stars hoped would come while he was with them. It's a sad story, he is clearly a phenomenal talent but seems to struggle getting his life in order. The Stars gave up on him after I think it was his second season when he disappeared, similar to how he has disappeared for Colorado several times. Honestly, his actions should not be a surprise to anyone as he is extremely consistent in letting the people around him down. Best of luck to you guys, and especially best of luck to Val.
Stars fan here. Head up, boys. We all know that the Avs are a better team than the effort tonight. You're absolutely right, of course, that the media can be merciless (and some fans). Prayers for Val and his family. Stars need to make sure they have their big boy pants on for game 5...we know the Avs will be coming!
Hey look at the other side. The average person gets fired from their job if they dealing with the same thing as Nychuskin and these guys are complaining that he’s not getting paid for 6 months lol.
These guys pretending the world should care so much about drug addicts.
@@Doppps this guy has a career and he’s had many opportunities including this one. The average person would get fired and that would be it. This guys makes millions. He can retire given how much he’s made so far If he was wise with his money.
Yea the no pay comment is actually really stupid. Are you kidding me? When you jepordize everything around you, AND have the support already in place... you go mess upo and expect to get paid... after the SECOND time. Yea idk these dudes annoy me its just not much content
@@feinded well if he was suspended with pay it wouldn’t really be a punishment more so a vacation.
Well boys and girls, it was a good season. With the way the Avs played these last 3 games, no way do they win 3 straight for the WCF. There doesn't seem to be any fight left and it shows.
With regards to Chu, I cannot see him back in an Avs sweater. That's twice in 2 years he leaves his team hung out to dry in the Playoffs and 3rd overall. Talented as he is, #13 is a liability at this point. I hope he really gets the help he needs, but the Avs can't put up with this anymore IMO.
As a Dallas stars fan I never want a player to be going thru this regardless what team you’re on. I really hope this time he can get the help he needs. Dude is a phenomenal player and that’s super sad he’s gonna miss out on the rest of the playoffs
As a Stars fan, I feel for the Avs and their fans right now. As someone who was an alcoholic, I feel for Val. Certainly sending prayers for him and his family.
Val has to leave for personal reasons unfortunately.
Me: "ive seen this storyline before. Lets get ready for next season!"
But silver lining it wasn't goal tending that took us out. Georgiev was actually pretty good for most of it. He's regained my trust. Keep him.
But yeah i knew that game was over after the 1st period.
last time it was a russian woman. this time it was a russian man..
It's time for the Avalanche to send Nichushkin packing.
Yea I get hes a human, and there is that factor. But honestly F Val. Its selfish and he clearly only thought about himself. Look I get it, I was a drunk been in a 3 month program myself. Struggled for years. My drinking took a toll on everyone around me... I had to realize that myself as part of the pieces to motivate me to quit. I also, didn't make millions a year, play a sport I love, and have every professional doc available to me. So again I'm sorry val I hope the best for you buy good bye good riddance. This is actually totally unacceptable as a professional. Its not that he slipped up and is taking care of himself... No no no... he decides to do this twice right at the same time. How do you think his teammates feel? Val is selfish as I once was. He needs to live in solitude and misery until he either overdoses or quits. Avs if they even can get rid of him will be doing everyone a favor. Val should step away from the game for a couple years honestly. I just cant feel sorry forsomeone who effected so many other people. I idnt even mention myself and the fans. Giving Val the pity card pass this time isn't gonna fly for me. Sorry.
Sports is the winning business. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice go get F’d bud. Imagine going your career and never sniffing an opportunity at a cup, Val screwed the Avs twice.
@@CA-sl2xw more damage than good. Probably for himself too.
In the real world you lose your job permanently. SMH!
Not really. Depends on your connections.
@@HurricaneTBag or if you have a strong union. At my last job we had a guy fail his UA for crack like 3 times and pretty sure he still works there lol
If you abuse hard enough you will eventually lose it all. I did so will he.
I totally expected Colorado to go all out Alamo and fight to the death in Game Four. Instead, they shit the bed. When your local sports guys are talking about music, you know your team got their asses whipped.
There's always time for talking music
They give a song for every episode bub
First of all profs to you Chris for working with those in need. I disagree a bit with the "money part" of the suspension. If this is stage 3 suspension then I think there needs to be an additional penalty and / or minimally a potential deterrent for others too. I know addiction is a disease but people do make choices in life that potentially could have been avoided if they truly took advantage of the Stage 1 and Stage 2 help opportunities provided. For the normal population of folks working out there, most times you just get "fired" w/o any help our support from your Employer. In this case the NHL and Players Association gave him two solid opportunities to hopefully recover. I wish him the best in his recovery and life!
They showed the Jets that they weren't the same team they were in the regular season. Unfortunately, they did the same with the Stars. I don't see the Avs making it out of this series. I hope Val, the person, gets help.
Stars led the conference, sure they gave up leads to the avs. But that was more about who the avs were than who the stars were
Growing up moment!? A growing up moment would be realising you need to get your shit together to support the men standing next to you!!!!!
Chris and Kyle, you both are class acts❤ Thank you for your perspective and your consistently honest and fair coverage, sprinkled with your sparkling personalities😁. Love this part of my day!! Go AVS Go!
When real life problems take precedence over a game. My prayers go out to Val. I truly hope he can turn things around and come to grips with his demons! 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️ from A stars fan.
(I debated sharing this story but after reading some of these comments, I feel it is needed. I had an uncle that could not come to grips. Couldn’t overcome the hurdle of addiction and became a migrant. Hitchhiked across the country until he landed in Indianapolis. He called 911 and told the operator that he needed a cigarette because he was about to kill himself. When the police arrived as they got out of the car, he shouted “Did you bring my cigarette?” , raised a gun to his head, and shot himself directly in front of the police. Addiction is sad. It is real! It is INCREDIBLY difficult to overcome and no matter how many times it takes, help should continue to be offered. There are success stories out there and it can be done..🙏🏼🙏🏼)
My heart goes out to people in need, people trying to overcome addiction…but at the same time, they HAVE to be held accountable for their actions and not treated with kid gloves.
It feels very invalidating of you to shame all the fans and media who are upset that one of their star players has let them down ONCE AGAIN due to selfish decisions that ARE within their control and IS a choice. People are justified in these feelings and for you to wag your finger at them and claim they are insensitive, is disingenuous.
This isn’t Val’s first offense. It’s not even his second. It’s the THIRD time. And that’s just what’s on record, how many times do you think his selfish actions have let others down outside of these three official offenses?
I wish him the best, as a human I hope this is a wake up call and he can be the dad, husband and teammate he needs to be. But he doesn’t get a free pass from criticism just because he’s an addict.
I'm a Jets fan, and the Avs kicked us, but I like these guys. Good show.
Stars fan here. There are so many call outs, but one I comment I see a lot is the way the Avs handled the Jets, and I think that may be on contributing factor (mentally at least). I think Winnipeg was a paper tiger regarding how good they were at Defense. If you look at the schedule starting January to playoffs, the jets were getting most of their wins from sub 500 teams. In January alone, they went 8 for 12… but only 2 of those wins were against teams with a winning record (and those were against the Islanders and Lightening, not powerhouse teams). February looked pretty identical as well.
Point is, I think the Avs gained a lot of confidence for beating a "defensive" team handedly (as they should have). Problem is, if the Jets were really only good on paper, when facing mush stiffer competition that can play actaul shut down D, that can mess with the psychy a bit. I know they came back game one a two, but you can see the frustration more and more through the playoffs once Dallas started to change the way they played D against the them (forcing the Avs to shoot from point, disrupting the neatural zone passes and taking away the middle of the ice).
There are a whole number of other call outs, but this one, no one has talked about bc I don't think anyone really took a deep look at the Jets wins. just my 2 cents.
Yeah, I love Bones as a person, but as a head coach, he doesn’t have that winning pedigree. He only made it to the finals with us in the bubble because he was still using Monty’s system, he didn’t have time to implement his own mid-season.
There’s a reason we missed the playoffs entirely the next year.
He makes poor teams average but also makes good teams average. He’s a middle of the roach HC, and his teams reflect that.
I can't speak for the players ofc, but we can re-watch this very podcast and look at fan comments. Their heads were waaaaayyyyyy overinflated after the Jets series. And that was only multiplied when they parlayed that with Dallas fighting through a 7-game grinder.
I'm sorry he has an addiction, but this is the second year in a row that he has screwed the Avs over during the playoffs! The Avs have some of the best players in the league and it is not fair to them!!! I mean if we fail a drug test do we get to keep our job? Nope! "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
Stop coddling the guy and get rid of him
You can't get rid of him,the avs are stuck with that HUGE contract that no one is going to want for an unreliable player. That contract is going to hurt the Avs for a long time
@@texasblessed8270contracts could have clauses that allow them to dump him if he not holding his end of the deal or violates league terms. We don’t know the contract word for word so it’ll be interesting to see what Avs do. They don’t necessarily need to trade him to get rid of him. I think it’s what’s best or both parties as Nuke will need to focus on his personal life rather than hockey.
@@texasblessed8270 I would imagine this warrants a breach of that contract.
@@user-np3xr4bl8u not according to the union.
One thought that is being missed is that AG has played some pretty good hockey this series despite the shambles in front of him. Gives something to work with next year.
All the best to Val, tough situation.
Overriding feeling is sadness that off ice stuff has derailed the year.
Just wanted to say thanks to the LOAP team, I enjoy listening to you guys whether there is much news or not. Always a pleasure, cheers.
They were defeated before they hit the ice . Funny how the one guy who was suspect to begin the playoffs, GEORGIE, was the one guy who showed up. Long off season coming to figure things out. Hope Toews is ok.
I watched the last two games thinking, man, why were Avs fans worried about Georgiev? He's playing better than anybody else on the team? Dude's defense has let him down.
@@TJ_Loves2fish In fairness Avs fans had a lot to be concerned about coming into the Playoffs about Georgiev. His numbers were brutal down the regular season stretch. That being said he is playing some of the best hockey of his career this playoffs. Never seemed like a skill thin with him but was a headspace thing.
Wasn’t saying that it wasn’t warranted said so myself and thought he may get yanked for game two of the first series if and would’ve been healthy. Yeah he was brutal down the stretch no doubt about it.
AD is such a piece of shit, I'm not sure but pretty sure that's who you're talking about, dude cares more about getting stories out faster than actually being right. I hope Val is able get the help he needs and get his life back in order. On a different note, this sucks, I expected it would be a difficult game but its super concerning that in back to back biggest games of the year, the Avs come out flat and can't seem to string 2 passes together. This Avs team is better than this, I hope they don't continue to go out with this whimper, they're making this such an easy series for Dallas. Power Play is -2 the last 2 games and Dallas is just dominating them in basically every facet of the game. This biggest concern for me is the effort, I didn't think once in that 3rd period that the Avs were even trying to begin to come back. Its also super concerning that the Avs just had no response whatsoever the last 2 games really. I hope they find a way work through all of this, and also, they cannot keep playing Caleb Jones, dude was Dallas' best player last night. Hopefully they can pull this out and just keep focusing on the next game. Play like there is no tomorrow.
I feel bad for the avs, nobody wants to lose a player for any reason. The jamie hit was not dirty he hit his collar bone, the fall he had is what might have hurt him more period.
I thought the Stars let Valerie go because he sucked,but they apparently made the best decision. Why does he need his pay if he's going in to a treatment facility and why reward him for his bad behavior?
Stars fan here. My take on the Benn hit on Toews. It was a legal hit with the exception of Benn launching and his skates leaving the ice to make the hit. There should have been a two minute penalty for sure in my opinion. He hit the shoulder and then yes with Toews head down the hit rode up to the head. I think the bigger impact was with the second Dallas Stars player that Toews head hit as well. Last year, Dumba from the Wild launched himself and leveled Joe Pavelski. Major hit to the shoulder and head and the puck was well gone. Dumba got two minutes and Pavelski missed the next five playoff games with a concussion. Very similar situation in my opinion. Two minute penalty should have been called but I don't think the intention was a head hit.
Much respect for the comment. Stars are a good team this year. They may have another shot this year if they win next game.
You’re surprised at the “inhumane” reaction by the press regarding this news ? Your “hottest” player gets suspended for 6 months an hour before the most important game of the season ? Of course that’s going to be the focus over “Oh, this poor, dear man struggling with addictions !”
You’re a god damn HOCKEY podcast, NOT Dr. Phil !
If this was the only time this happened... Well crap ok we deal... but twice man... I don't feel sorry either. He has everything he needs all the support systems and he failed not only himself but the team and his family. Like I said up top might be best he put up the skates for a couple years at least if not forever. I don't know a team that would pick him up as is. Guess its gonna get worse before it gets better.
Legit, I had to stop listening.
“… That cocaine is a helluva drug..!”
- Rick James
This 👏
Valerie Nichushkin has less business being on a professional team than I do. Screwed his team over more in the playoffs than even Kadri was known for.
God, I’m just so sad. Disappointed and sad.
For being an Avalanche channel, your criticism of people being mad at Val is totally off base. We, as fans, put a lot of energy, time, and emotion into this team. Val screwed us two years in a row.
I get people's anger, I was really ticked off when I heard the news. But addiction is an awful thing to fight, this really brings out the nasty side of some folks. Had such high hopes for the team, really stinks to go out this way
Sad to see this team go out with a whimper - imagine how Parise feels. Hope Val is ok
He’s going to be a pro about it, but he’s pissed!
I think we forget that this sport is still a business.
...no shit - want to give any more additional useless facts?
I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but what was your point? It's a business, which means...?
Stars Fan here interested in listening. Why did we talk about Nichu being a human for 20m? He let his team down and wasted the time and money of countless people around him, including his teammates. In a world where no one takes responsibility, this was absolutely his own decision.
Although you’re being criticized for it, I for one appreciate the humanity in this podcast. At the end of the day, these guys get paid to play a sport to entertain their fans and when the broadcast is over, they go live their lives the same as everyone else. From someone who’s been exposed to addiction, getting clean is the easy part. Going to the dark places to address the root cause of the issue is the difficult part and it’s the primary reason people relapse. Whether the guy ever plays hockey again or not, I hope he’s able to recover for himself and especially for his family 🙏
lets be real, this season is practically over. even if we somehow win the next game, there is zero chance we beat the stars three straight
sad to think that nichushkin was so good in the playoffs, and is the main thing to break this team overall.
sad
Twice...
I feel the worst for Parise. Obviously sad for Val. I’ve never dealt with addiction personally, don’t understand it, but you got to put your big boy pants on for your team. Lean on them instead of your substance of choice. Knowing this is Parise’s last season is a bummer for sure, I thought they would get him that elusive cup. But just too much to overcome in this series. You know the whole team was deflated because of the Val situation. It was incredibly visible on the ice. Easily the worst game the Avs have played this year. Who would have thought that georgiev would be their best player this playoffs! Very proud of him. I don’t see the Avs digging out of this one boys…
#13 needs help. Hope he gets it. As for the Avs, I hope they never bring him back. He was the center piece to our offense for the last 3 years. Every time he was out the Avs where not the same team and the numbers backs that up. Two playoff runs he is gone and leaves the team out to dry. I didnt like the way that last year was handled and all the secrecy. Looking back if this was the same issue as now, the Avs failed him and the team by sweeping it under a rug. He should have gone to stage 1 a year ago and maybe he would have been better off.
Why would his employer keep paying him if he cant live up to his end of the contract due to his own choice, especially after his third suspension? And were not talking about chump change either.
We need to fundamentally change how we approach the PP. Our entry attempts are blaringly predictable, and we don't skate and cycle in the zone. Cale does the most skating but very few others actually are. We have to get them to start chasing and skating and losing track of us. Because we stand still more they close distance fast and take away the entire PP.
What do you mean he didn’t choose to do this?
Lol, y’all are crazy..
Thought same thing he made a choice absolutely!!
An addict has a problem with making decisions. It's not a cut and dried choice.
Because he works with drunks i guess... Like I get it... I was that guy been in rehab for several months. I chose to do it. I knew what I was doing and I didn't care how it effected others. So to locked on boys... its nice to have sympathy but let me tell you from experience... when someone keeps burning you for the same thing there is no help you or anyone can give them that will help aside from tough love. So until some time has passes and Val has had time, years probably to sort his shit out I don't even care to hear his name again. Hes in the past, apparently his name tag is gone in the locker room. Now we can sign Druin maybe things work out
Does anyone know what substance val is using?
Didn’t even bother watching the game once I heard the news of Val and saw Toews wasn’t on the ice either.
I mean, would you bother trying to make a puzzle if you knew 2 pieces were already missing from the start?! 🤔
Let the planning for next year begin, this one’s a wrap!
The players, through collective bargaining and their union, decided this is the way. What don't you get? Many people aren't discussing the way he's affected his teammates. Many folks that experience this must hit rock bottom before they turn it around. He is far from rock bottom.
With all due respect, it's not up to u to determine what someone's rock bottom is
@@LockedOnAvalanche respectfully disagree with you regarding this. I could argue its not up to this podcast to complain about someone not receiving a paycheck during phase 3 even though the players agreed to this when ratifying the latest contract, but it doesnt sound like your hosts care that its a contract thing. I dont want Val to fail, far from it, but given the last year and the things we are aware of, there may be more, I stand by my educated guess and life experience that he's not close to a bottom yet.
Don't see the Avs coming back personally. What I'm saying is I don't see them winning 3 games in a row, let alone against Dallas.
It's a herculean task that's ahead of them
Guys, the fact is and you have both said it multiple times: We are in the business of WINNING. Business and winning. Val made his choices. I’m sure he will get the support he needs but having also worked around addicts, at some point your empathy is gone. The focal point is WTH do the Avs do now? Where is #29? Moose clearly playing hurt? Toews in concussion protocol?
The Stars had problems with him and bought him out and got rid of him even after drafting him. I think his best option is send him back to Russia
i didnt think the boys could give any more of a pi ss poor effort as they did in game 3 , welp they proved me wrong im beyond words for this sh it , Georgie stood on his head again and he gets that effort 3 games in a row from the team ,and VAL so long 2 years in a row u pull this sh it he cant stay off the coke welp we dont need that wee need the players on the damm ice ,hes played his last game in an avs sweater or in the nhl .sure i hope he gets better but jesus years in a row and ur a new dad like come on
As an AVS fan, GUT PUNCH & couldn't believe what I heard. As an addict, sobriety ain't easy & the 1st year kinda felt like free solo climbing while balancing life on your face. I feel for him & hope he gets all the help he needs from the AVS.
Jets fan here. It's not the same but we did lose Brenden Dillon & Vlad Namestnikov to scary injuries in our series. It's totally deflating. Hope you guys can still make a series out of this.
Quick trivia for Avs fans…. Who was the Stars first round pick, 10th overall in 2013, nine picks after Colorado selected MacKinnon? Hint: He’s currently suspended. We know how big of a knucklehead he can be and I wish his actions hadn’t affected the series that should have been one of the best in 2024.
I have a 40 year old stepson who goes through addiction cycles and it is heartbreaking every time he falls. I know we have people upset over the playoffs, but it’s not like he woke up one day and said, “I think I want to put myself, family, teammates, and fans through hell today.” He’s a fallible human battling demons I don’t wish on my worst enemy. I hope he gets the help he needs to get the upper hand and support structure to keep it because it’s easy to fall again without it. Prayers big guy, we will all back check for you.
I'm a Stars fan, but I grew up in Texas and Colorado, so Avs are sort of a second team for me (although my Avs fandom is centered primarily on the Roy-Sakic-Forsberg era) It was great to see Nichushkin start to get things turned around in Denver. I hope he can come back from this, but it feels like 6 months might as well be a year. He's going to have a hard time getting into hockey condition once his suspension is up.
The way Wyatt Johnston pickpocketed MacK was damn near illegal for a player of MacKs caliber. Was it carelessness or just unbelievable play by Johnston?
Just going off the game rn, this feels like seasons over i dont see them coming back from 3-1
Players only get paid during the regular season, not the playoffs. Val's health and well being are the priority.
When you said that you hate Disturbed I threw off my work gloves from digging trenches in the back yard and ran over to my phone to give you a ❤❤❤❤❤❤😂
last time ive heard stage 3 was when my father came home with his cancer diagnose. it wasnt good...
It really seems this series is written in the Stars, literally. ⭐ ✨I wonder if Nichushkin will have the ability to perform as he did sans substances.
Stars fan here again... All crap talk aside. Hope Val and his family make it through the next chapter they are in. Prayers for a good journey to getting better for them. Former stars players are still very loved by the stars fanbase. Serious stuff aside...
Dallas very well suffocated the avs in game 4. Getting uno mas closer to my insane prediction of Stars in 5. I cant see a way the avs bounce back, what do you guys think of the possibility of them doing something drastic to bounce back into this series? Is there anything the big 3 names can do? Would calling up from a ahl be a possibility? Do the avs have any other possibile line mix up/call ups/ adding to stop Dallas from stepping on avs neck?
I'm not sure we watched the same game 3, especially period 1
The really strange paradox here is that despite all of his struggles OFF the ice, he's been an unstoppable machine ON the ice in every conceivable way. You would never watch a single second of his game and think anything was going on behind the scenes. That's just so rare and perplexing in such a high octane environment. LOTS of people with their assumptions, but it just doesn't add up. Nothing ever seemed off at any point this season when he was in the lineup. I'm curious what the actual culprit was that did him in.
im pretty sure theo fleury is the only one to make it to stage 3 and welll he made it all the way to 6 and that was the end of his days in the nhl stage 6 is the final stage of the PAP
Lmao you guys do a long sanctimonious lecture about feeling sympathy for addiction, and then plug Sportsbook. Classy stuff guys.
Sometimes the ad reads can be done on autopilot. I brought this up to management and they approved not doing any FanDuel reads for us this week. Thank you for mentioning this.
Also, one for you Shaggy - Val is like Ash's Charizard in the Kanto League 😢
If you told me Georgie would be our best player 3 straight games, I'd have made some extremely irresponsible bets. Had to laugh when Duchey whiffed 1 on 1 with Georgie bc not even a former AV could get a sog🤣
Here’s why everyone should be holding out hope. I think the Avs season ends on Wednesday BUT, I’m almost always wrong when it comes to sports predictions. I was sure the Nuggets were cooked, I thought the Avs would lose to the Jets before the series started and I sure as sh*t thought Georgiev may have played his last game in burgundy after round one/game one. I also thought the Avs would win this series handily just over a week ago. I rarely bet on sports but if I did, I’d be wise to bet against whatever I’m expecting to happen as I’d likely be retired by the end of 2024 if I did 😂
It's highly unlikely that he wasn't aware of the repercussions of his actions should he relapse after his mid-size exit. I have 0 question that the league, the team, the NHLPA and his lawyers and agent didn't make him aware. It's highly unfortunate that he is going through what he is.
aves lost because Jamie benn hit tazer real hard and it hurt
Avs
There's an idea. Putting Malinski out in the playoffs...no way. I'm so not looking forward to how small this Avs team is about to get. Losing Nichushkin the one power forward is a huge hit for future. Adding small Malinski, Behrens to already small ass Girard and avg sized Toews Makar...Josh Manson is going to die trying to defend for this team. MacFarland has gone overboard on speed and Dallas/DoBoer are exposing the shit out of it again. I'm ready to Fire MacFarland! Bednar is only doing what he can with what he's given, and he's given a bunch of weaklings.
Chris, I like the WCHA era Pioneer jersey you are wearing.
If you look how Mac, Makar, and Miko were playing in the last three games, I think they knew it was coming, but just didn't know when. I've never seen Mac's give-a-shit meter be so low in the last 3 games. Leaving the ice in the middle of a powerplay, Just stands there when he loses the puck, etc.
I get it, he's obviously going through some stuff, but the fact of the matter is he let himself and the team down AGAIN. Being an addict does not absolve you from taking responsibility for your actions. He needs help, I hope he gets it, but he should not be part of this team anymore. It's sad but he's proven he can't be relied on.
Val needs to go. Jack Johnson’s comments showed me that the team is done with the shenanigans. His nameplate has already been removed. Does this mean that I hate Val, and don’t wish the best? Of course not. My grandmother dealt with alcohol issues. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until our family showed tough love that she sought help.
The series was already over after Jamie Benn took a shot at Toews and there was zero response. Last night, he took a shot at Georgiev because he knew that he could. MacKinnon has a habit of pouting and has already given up. That was obvious the other night when a few seconds into the power play at the start of the 2nd period on Saturday, I believe, he just quit and skated over to the bench. Mikko? I think he’s hurt. However, be careful on overpaying him. He has a habit of coasting and playing a lazy game.
The Avalanche lack LEADERSHIP and a calm, strong personality.
Maybe tell Manson not to push people into his goalie...
Crashing the net is now “ taking a shot at the goalie “. Geez you’re soft
I agree this team needs a captain it’s time to pass the C to a player that is actually on the bench. No disrespect to Landy but you can’t be a captain in the locker room.
@@trndkllcfh , no, not all. I am the opposite of soft. However, it was obvious Benn knew what he was doing. It was subtle. I wouldn’t have called anything necessarily, but it was sly and smart. I probably would have done the same if I knew I’d get away with it.
We are all responsible for our own actions. Val needs to own his. I wish him the best not for his sake but for his child’s.
I believe this is the reason val got let go here in Dallas.
Or that he just sucked when he was in Dallas
He had major maturity issues here in Dallas. But yes, I’m sure this addictive personality didn’t develop after Dallas, so I’m sure he was abusing substances while here in Dallas as well.
I hope he turns his life around, but that doesn’t excuse him from having to own up to all this, and account for all the people he has let down, both on and off the ice. I’m all about empathy, but it feels like Chris and Kyle want to give him a free pass because he’s an addict, and that feels very invalidating to everyone else’s very justified feelings toward this.
Hard to know, but it never came up…He was 18, didn’t speak English and just could’nt grasp our system or his role.
We couldn’t send him down due to his agreement with the KHL, so he went back to Russia for a while. Came back a yr later, played 56 or 57 games with the Stars and didn’t record a point or penalty minute. Huge and with speed, but just too young/immature for the NHL brand. Was really happy to see him flourishing with the Avs.
Had no idea he had substance abuse issues. Wish him the best, but I don’t see him playing for the Avs again.
@@daved1535🤣🤣🤣🤣 that too
Appreciate the podcast guys
Couldn’t have been an easy one given the news. Like you both, it’s about Val the human not Val the hockey player.
I’m a dad to young ones too and my thoughts are with Val and how difficult it must be for him right now.
Some of the convos about contract etc I don’t think are all wrong but time/place for it
What’s upsetting is a lack of empathy from some. I feel like a lot this wouldn’t happen if Val was just a “regular” guy, but because he’s a hockey player it seems to be different. It shouldn’t
Guess we got the stars right where we want them! 3 game win streak 👀 👀
We like going down 3 goals why not 3 games for a comeback?
Avs can’t impose their will because they are always playing from behind.
Sorry, third comment as I listen through.
Really agree with your take on Nuke, he's a person first. Thanks for having a holistic and human response to the situation. Another reason to listen to you guys, good life perspective on things.
Isn't it hilarious that now the guy who was crucified not only in this podcast (Kyle) Alexandar Georgiev was again the best player for the Avalanche? 😊
Addiction is not cancer, stop it on your high horse.
Didn't say it was. Listen again. The comparison was we all know someone, directly or indirectly, who's dealt with cancer. We all know someone, directly or indirectly, who's dealt with addiction.
Man what a refresh of a locked on podcast. I'm a blues fan and we have the most annoying host of all time. She doesn't know shit just repeats what the local radio station says.
Maybe avs win and show some heart in game 5 Tanev and hintz maybe out at least we can say they tried in the end.
Come Wed we are going to see what this team is really made of... Enough talk we need to do better. Just do.
Enough is enough - it is over. Get rid of him, asap! Bet he is back in Russia. At least he will not get paid! You are professional or not. Kyle, you do not know what he did how he did it, and why he did it. He failed the program a second time. Chris, I 100% agree, he could have done it privately and has enough money.
It’s unfair to expect this Crazy Russian to follow these silly western rules. Too bad, he was essential to the team and now he’s let us down twice.
So not really giving much credit to the Stars. At least these muppets didnt compare them to the "nothing special islanders" again
This is an Avs podcast, not sure why you expect the Stars to be a focus here.
The Stars proved they can play both styles, a defensive shut down game like in game 3 and a more high-powered offensive game in game 4
@@rhyta5042 Who said anything about "focusing on the Stars"? And lol @ the 6 geniuses who upvoted your comment.
Just wanted to see if any credit was given to them instead of a bunch of excuses.
I wouldn't want him bk i mean it's his 3rd room time testing positive
Val pissed hot.
Just because youre bald doesnt make you Dr Phil, this is a hockey podcast not a "Poor Junkie" Podcast
No, because I went to school, studied and have a degree in chemical dependency and social work and still work in the field of addiction makes me probably more qualified than Dr. Phil. So when what I studied comes into contact with my show about hockey, it's gonna get discussed. Deal with it.
I think he was forced to go through players program last year because of the hotel room. The media are leeches and not everyone understands addiction without Val putting his body on the line this team wouldn’t be in the second round.
This series is over
Also, if you all want to start a mental health channel, go ahead. We are here for the Avs.
Emotions aside, its time to "retool". Nichushkin cannot handle success, Gabe isnt coming back, and our goaltending is absolutely abysmal. Its time to quit wasting Makar and Mackinnon's primes
Goaltending is not abysmal. What have u been watching? smh. Makar, Nate, Mikko been absolute trash in this series. Coaching sucks. Are u guys watching the same games? smh.
Goaltending has been our only saving grace. I don't know if I disagree with a 'retool' and maybe some coach changes (though I don't know where to start with that). MacK and Moose have been invisible this round, we need to start shooting more and we need to play a similar style to Dallas to beat them. It's clear our passing style play is not working against this team.
If not for AG, this series would have some BRUTAL score lines….
So is it protocol to do last minute tests? Seems kinda strange to me, why not do it on a day off so if something happens like this, team doesn't get ambushed.
Honeslty I thought about this as well... It must be a league thing but still very odd. Maybe stars or jjets coach made a call cause he was scoring so much lol ..." Yea I think this guy is using some stuff in the parking lot" type call
Its likely frequent testing. You can't do random piss test unless you state it. So this is fairly new most likey.
@@Jul15227 Val may have agreed to something before considering what happened last time. I feel like last time the team gave him a break. This time I hope no. I love Val, I wish the best I feel like I have to say that. BUT I'm a fan of the avalanche the team. IM a fan of hockey. I don't watch this sport for the drama. With the Avs the last couple years its been rough. All I know is Sammy prolly had a test then too at some point. Sammy G is the man. Val needs to take a lesson maybe.
@@feinded it's just bad business keeping him. I can't imagine what the players at going through now. I do hope he gets the help he needs. Addiction mental health is serious.
Being he had 2 strikes, it's just possible he was required to test before every game. I imagine he tested right before or after morning skate, then the results came in and then the hammer.
Im sorry if i have no Empathy for a multimillionaire fucking up for at LEAST the third time
Because millionaire's are immune to becoming addicts? Let me guess, people who live in poverty who are addicts you don't have empathy for either because what good do they provide to society?
@@LockedOnAvalanche no, I'm saying he has ALL the resources anyone could ask for. You'd think after so many times of fucking up he'd get the point. Insanity is...
@@MichaelPressler970 he's not insane. He's an addict. And just because you have money doesn't mean you just willingly and easily open up to people about it and ask for the help even though you may have more resources. There's this thing called shame associated with it, and you're comments are exactly why people are fearful to come forward, especially for someone who already has and failed. They don't want to go back and say I still need help because there are people like you around to jump on them to call them weak and show zero sympathy or empathy. You think he's weak for messing up for the 3rd time? I've worked with people who have been to treatment 10 times before something clicks and they get it. And even then it's no cake walk. The fact that you think it's that simple just proves you know nothing about people dealing with an addiction. Money means nothing.
Ha! Nice try! I spent 3 months getting my shit straight so I could redeploy. Getting off booze and pills and handling PTSD was the only option so I could stand up next to my brother's. "Recovery" is the biggest bullshit I've ever seen. Someone paying for rehab TEN TIMES is just milking a dry tit. Quit using sick people to pay your bills
Ha! Nice try! I spent 3 months getting my shit together so I could redeploy. Getting off pills and booze and handling my PTSD was the only option so I could stand next to my brothers. "Recovery" is just an industry created by insurance companies. Making someone pay for rehab TEN TIMES is the biggest joke I've ever heard of. Quit milking sick people to pay your bills
bye bye, back to barbaria
This man is literally fighting for his life . We all love you and got your back Val!
Chris, I need to respectfully disagree with you about the Nuke situation: pulling him out of the playoffs for failing a sample puts him in the harshest of spotlights. Please consider, what does he looks like in the eyes of his teammates or any coach/GM right now? Forfeiting salary for a couple of months is nothing compared to that. I fully realise that battling addictions may be a fight for your life. Yet, following a simple logic and judging by Nichu's performance in the playoffs, we may assume that his situation was not life-threatening. In my opinion Player Assistance Program should help athletes within the context of their life/job/exposure to media scrutiny. If Nuke required constant oversight by a nurse, daily samples, everyday psychological help - just give it to him. If the situation is too dire for such measures, list him as "injured". I understand that sometimes you need a kick in the butt to get out of an addiction - but I believe that keeping it low-brow would be beneficial to both Nuke and the team. The way it looks right now - it is a death bullet for the Players Assistance Program. Besides, we don't even know when the sample was taken: was it the morning after the game 3 vs Dal, or a couple of weeks back... We could all be wrong in so many ways.
Anyway, in game 4, Dallas was playing on a frozen pond and the Avs on a frozen quagmire.