Avalanche Powerplay Struggling without John-Michael Liles

The resurgent Colorado Avalanche found themselves at a surprising 4-1-1 record, with the powerplay atop the league at a 38.4 percent success rate (10/26).

Then John-Michael Liles got hurt.

In the three games since Liles shoulder injury, suffered against Toronto on October 13, the Avalanche power play has gone 0/9.

Even when he's not scoring, the speed and puck moving ability Liles brings to the table help's Colorado control the flow of play, specifically on the power play.

Liles role on the team has often been questioned. He's not strong defensively, and his offensive numbers have dipped recently; after having back-to-back 14 goal, 44+ point seasons in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007, Liles hasn't hit the 40 point plateau since.

But like every Avalanche defenseman, the loss of long time defensive coach Jacques Cloutier has been addition by subtraction for Liles.

Cloutier, a former Nordiques goalie, was infamously known for "softening" any defensemen who came into the Avalanche's system. To the surprise and delight of Avalanche fans, he was let go during the mass firings that took place last summer.

When Colorado acquired two defensemen-Kyle Quincey and Tom Preissing-in the Ryan Smyth trade, many speculated Liles and his $4.2 million salary were on his way out. But Liles stuck with the team and has been a major offensive contributor, scoring five points in six games.

Even through his hot start, many fans speculated that Liles would be dealt at some point because of Kyle Quincey's prolific start. It's ironic that it took an injury for Liles to show was a key part of the team he is.

Regardless, trade rumors continue to emerge . Considering his ability and the fact that management might not want to pay the rest of his heft contract, Liles is a prime candidate to be involved in rumors.

But he won't be going anywhere. Salei, Clark, and Foote (a cumulative $9.525 million in salary this year) are all set to become free agents this summer, and aside from Foote aren't likely to be offered a new contract.

Three Stars of the Week

Ryan O'Reilly

After starting the season on the fourth line, O'Reilly has worked his way up the depth chart and now centers Darcy Tucker and Cody McLeod on Colorado's most productive line. Over the past four games, O'Reilly scored a goal and four assists, coupled with a plus-six rating and continues to lead the Avalanche in face off percentages (53.5 percent).

Craig Anderson

Before the road trip, Joe Sacco said he would give Budaj a start. Anderson's superb play didn't make that possible. Anderson posted a 3-0-1 record over the past four games, and was awarded NHL.com's second star of the week.

Cody McLeod

If the first nine games of the season are any indication, McLeod's 15 goal season last year was no fluke. He's been one of the hardest working players on the team, and even set up a Kyle Quincey goal after taking a high stick to the eye. Over the past four games, McLeod scored two goals and two assists with a plus-six rating and nine penalty minutes.

Dud of the Week

Marek Svatos

After a strong start to the season, Svatos has backtracked to the one-dimensional player we know and love. Over the past four games, Svatos had no goals, one assist, a neutral plus/minus rating and eights shots on goal. Svatos is a minus-five on the season, which is worst on the Avalanche.