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Avalanche player review: Chris Stewart |
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Well it's been a long time coming but now the Hockeybuzz player reviews reaches the breakout player of the season, #25 Chris Stewart.
Season stats: 77 Games played, 28 goals, 36 assists, 64 points
Postseason stats: Six GP, three g, zero A, three points
Nicknames: Stewie, Scarecrow
Contract Status: RFA
If there was ever a plyer that had a breakout season last year for the Avs it was Chris Stewart. After getting 19 points in 53 games last year, Stewart accumulated 64 points.
When the Avs drafted him in the first round in 2006, they were looking for a power forward type in a desperate way. Back in 2006, Stewart was a little overweight and knocked for his lack of skating ability.
However since then, Stewart has gotten leaner, faster and stronger, making him a unique combination of size, toughness and speed.
When Stewart was on his game there were only two defensemen who could cover him, maybe three. Definitely Shea Weber and Duncan Keith.
To truly cover Stewart you have to be able to skate well enough that he wont gain the corner and tough enough to keep him from the front of the net. Not any easy feet for the best of defensemen.
As evidenced by his 28 goals, Stewart also has soft hands and good net presence and at 6'2 228, he's a full load to bear. Now if Ryan Stoa can use his size as well, the Avs will have a powerful line of playmaking Paul Stastny around sniping Ryan Stoa and power forward Stewart.
The only knock on Stewart is that he can lose focus at times. He can get too comfortable at times. Hopefully David Jones and Brandon Yip can push Stewart to be even better next year.
Highlight of the Year
Stewart scoring on the penalty shot to get his first career Hat Trick is the highlight of the year for Stewie.
2010-11 outlook
Hopefully last year was not a fluke and Stewart builds upon his season. However, with his size and his speed, he's a going to get a lot of scoring opportunities.
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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