Avalanche Locker Room: Johansen Talks Bumper Position, Olausson Receives Glowing Report

The Colorado Avalanche are in the win column, as they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights by a score of 3-2 at home.

After the game, we talked to Ryan Johansen, who gave me a great answer on what it takes to be successful in the bumper spot on the powerplay. In addition, I got to speak to Oskar Olausson, who received glowing reports from Jared Bednar.

Give Johansen’s availability a watch, and read what Olausson and Bednar had to say.

Olausson on his game:

Of course, that’s huge for me. I thought I started pretty ‘eh’, then I got the goal at the end of the first and felt good.

Olausson on what he worked on over the summer:

I mean, just get stronger and faster. I want to win more battles and get stronger on the puck.

Olausson on adjustment to the AHL:

I played some pro in Sweden too, so I was kind of used to it. Obviously, it’s a big difference on the small ice, and the American League is pretty hard, so that was a big adjustment. I feel like I’m excited for this year.

Olausson on his goals for the year:

I feel like I kind of want to be more productive player in the AHL, and be more dominant ever game. Be consistent, and hopefully get some games up here too.

Bednar on the Johansen playing the bumper spot on the top unit for the Avalanche:

Yeah, possible. He’s patient with the puck. He seems to always know where he’s going to go with it before he gets it. That’s what he did for Nashville too, so he’s played in there, he’s got experience in there. Good draw guy, so he can help the powerplay start in the offensive zone.

Bednar on Drouin:

That’s the strength of his game. He’s a great passer, great playmaker, right? So, as the games go on, the pace is going to pick up, but he has the innate ability to pass the puck and make plays and create scoring chances.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar on Olausson’s Improvements:

I thought he was great tonight. The thing with Oskar, the first thing I noticed when we got into main camp was the explosiveness. He’s bigger, stronger, faster. He’s a smart hockey player, obviously has some offensive upside, still coming into his game, but his explosiveness and his skating this year is much improved. And I think the edge he’s playing with, he’s trying to be more physical, using his size and strength and those speed, quick bursts to create some offense, and I thought he was good on both sides of the puck tonight.

Bednar on what he wants from MacDermid:

Well, he’s got to make an impact in the game, and I thought he did that tonight. I thought he was great tonight. I don’t think the penalty was a penalty, personally, but I can see why they called it. I thought he had a great night. His puck touches were good.

Bednar on his standouts:

Oskar, for me. Liked him a lot. Jedlicka and Ivan. For my expectations, young kids coming in, I thought those guys were outstanding.

Cale Makar Update:

He skated yesterday, and I think he’s going to hit the ice tomorrow.