Colorado Avalanche: Veterans Alex Tanguay, Jarome Iginla lead the way

When you think of the Colorado Avalanche, who are the first names that come to mind? Matt Duchene? Nathan MacKinnon? Gabriel Landeskog? Ryan O’Reilly? Two of those players (Duchene, Landeskog) are in the top-five in points for the Avalanche, sitting at three and four respectively. However, the number one and two players might come to a bit of a surprise. Crafty veterans Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla lead the way for the Avs.

Iginla, 37, signed a three-year deal with the Avalanche this offseason, looking to fill the void of free-agent Paul Stastny who signed with the St. Louis Blues. Iginla has done that and then some. After a slow start to the season in the goal department, the veteran winger has turned it on of late.

Iginla finished the month of October and November with two goals apiece, totaling four entering the month of December. Iggy turned on the jets, recording five goals in December followed by seven in January. Not bad for the old man, eh? Iginla currently leads the Avalanche in the goals department with 16. Not a bad pick-up by Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic I’d say.

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His teammate Alex Tanguay has been a force in the lineup since coming back from a season-ending injury during the 2013-14′ campaign. Colorado desperately missed Tangs’ playmaking ability down the stretch last season, including the playoffs. The 35-year-old winger played in the teams first 16 games, recording 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists).

This season has been no different in terms of production. Over 49 games played, Tanguay has recorded 34 points, including 13 goals and 21 assists. Tanguay’s 34 points leads the club while Jarome Iginla is right on his tail in second with 33.

Like last season, Colorado is balanced in the scoring department. Six players currently have 10+ goals while five have recorded 30+ points. Not the mention the stellar play from the goaltending position, whether you refer to Semyon Varlamov or Calvin Pickard.

Colorado will need their veterans and core of young players to play consistent hockey for the remainder of the season to notch a playoff spot in the tough Western Conference. Colorado finds themselves four points out of the eight seed entering Thursday night’s action against the Detroit Red Wings.