Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Avs defense ready for next tough test

Jim Benton, Rocky Mountain News

Published May 5, 2006 at midnight

Text size  

More Colorado Avalanche

More stories »

CENTENNIAL - Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brett Clark expects the Western Conference semifinals to be much harder.

The Avalanche, seeded seventh, eliminated No. 2 seed Dallas in the first round in five games and will now face the sixth-seeded Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinals beginning tonight.

"Every game gets a little harder to play," Clark said. "Teams are coming out a little harder at you."

Clark made his NHL playoff debut against the Stars and recorded two goals and an assist in the first three games.

He collected a game-tying short-handed goal with 2 minutes, 4 seconds left in regulation in Game 2 against the Stars, and Colorado went on to win 5-4 in overtime.

"I was a little nervous the first game but I just play every game like in the regular season," he said. "I just want to go out and play my hardest and go from there.

"When every game you can chip in, whether it's a goal or an assist, it's always fun, especially with the great players we have up front. I want to contribute whenever I can."

Clark was acquired from Atlanta in exchange for Frederic Cassivi on Jan. 24, 2004, and he has been a standout for the Avalanche this season.

He established career highs in games played (80), goals (nine), assists (27) and points (36) during the regular season. His previous high was four points in 61 games with -Montreal in 1998-99.

"I can't complain," Clark said. "It's been a good year and a great playoffs so far, but we've got to keep going."

Avalanche defensemen have chipped in five goals and 11 points in the first-round series.

Like Clark, Rob Blake also had two goals and an assist. John-Michael Liles had a goal and two assists while Patrick Brisebois and Karlis Skrastins each had an assist.

Colorado's defensemen tallied 52 goals during the regular season, which tied Detroit for the most in the NHL during the regular season.

"Coach (Joel Quenneville) has been telling the 'D' to jump into the play," Blake said. "He wants us to push the play as much as we can."

Colorado is gaining confidence heading into the semifinals.

"Every time you win a series you get a little more confidence," Clark said. "We've got to play with the same mentality, keep our same team game and go to the next round. Bounces are going to go one way or the other every game, so we have to keep working hard."