Colorado's new second-line center is impressed by his teammates and is excited to show off the Avalanche's depth to start the season.
New Colorado Avalanche forward Ryan Johansen said the team starting on the road for the first week is like "going to war" — being together day in and day out. But he said he likes it and feels there's a positive aspect to team bonding.
"I think we're all in a good spot and feel comfortable with everything," Johansen said after practice Tuesday. "It's about going and getting reps now and playing, and get that swagger early here — get off to a good start."
Johansen is impressed with his new team and said it's important to have the depth it has. He is excited to show that off on Wednesday night in Los Angeles against the Kings.
The second-line center is particularly impressed with his new netminder, Alexandar Georgiev, referring to him as a "stud." He said his first day on the ice he "couldn't score a goal for like an hour and a half."
As this is the 31-year-old center's 14th season in the league, he's started on the road before and doesn't do anything differently if it's the opposing team's home opener.
"It's just awesome. More intense, fun environment — those games are what you dream of playing," Johansen said. "Starting the season off in a sold-out building, fans excited for their team to get going for the year. We'll try to silence them as best we can."
Starting the season against a strong team like the Kings could be intimidating right out of the gate, but not for Johansen.
"We're excited to go out there and do what we do," he told reporters Tuesday. "We're not really gonna worry about what other teams are doing all yearlong. But we feel like we're doing everything in this room at an elite level. We'll be successful most nights."
Johansen's elevated faceoff win percentage along with his size and playmaking skills fill some of the numerous holes Avalanche management addressed in the offseason. How those moves paid off — will be seen for the first time on Wednesday night and are part of the keys to the Avs' success this season.
Projected lines:
Jonathan Drouin - Nathan MacKinnon - Mikko Rantanen
Artturi Lehkonen - Ryan Johansen - Valeri Nichushkin
Miles Wood - Ross Colton - Tomas Tatar
Kurtis MacDermid - Fredrik Olofsson - Logan O'Connor
Defensive pairs:
Devon Toews - Cale Makar
Bowen Byram - Josh Manson
Samuel Girard - Jack Johnson
Goaltending:
Alexandar Georgiev
Justus Annunen
Andrew Cogliano is out as he continues to recover from an end-of-season neck injury.