Story by
Beckman shining with opportunity for Eagles
- Story by
- Beckman shining with opportunity for Eagles
The Colorado Eagles are off to a great start with the help of Ilya Nabokov , Taylor Makar and… Adam Beckman ? We know the first two players, but few know Beckman. Injuries to captain Jayson Megna have given Beckman an opportunity, and he has run with it. Normally a winger, he has been getting ice time as a center on the first line between Tristen Nielsen , Makar and Vinnie Hinostroza .
Why Beckman is shining
With the departure of Alex Barre-Boulet , the Colorado Avalanche and Eagles needed a player that was going to fill the gap. Barre-Boulet had 70 points for the Eagles last season and could have been a good call-up if it weren't for a slow start to the season. Beckman had 51 points for the Bridgeport Islanders (NYI), but can bring a little more speed to the game. The Avs signed Beckman to a two-year, two-way deal on July 1st , knowing that the San Jose Sharks had already signed Barre-Boulet.
After six games, Beckman has three goals, which is tied for the team lead with Makar. But the thing that stands out most: his shots on goal. Beckman has 24 shots on goal. The next closest on the team is Nielsen with 16. The Saskatoon native can find open spots on the ice and get the shots off fast. It is something that the Eagles are missing without Megna in the lineup while he recovers from facial surgery. Beckman is not only finding the open spots, but his also doing it low in the zone, becoming a consistent threat on the ice.
The 25-year-old has only 23 games of NHL experience, all with the Minnesota Wild. He has tallied three assists while in "The Show," but his efforts may give him another opportunity in Colorado. If he continues at this pace, and adds to his forward game with center, the Avs may not have a choice but to give him a chance. Injuries are bound to happen. I hate to say that, but with the Avs, it is the truth. So we could see Beckman in Denver later this year.
