Skrastins Hopeful For Post Season

 

Stephine Chavez (HV)

 

This season Skrastins has recorded only 5 assists; no gaols. When asked if this is on his mind Skrastins replied, "I try (to score) of course but I don't worry about it because my main job is to play good defense and good PK. (Penalty Killing) We have a lot of guys who can score goals." We all know Skrastins is the "Ironman" of the NHL having played in 480 consecutive games sometimes with injury. Skrastins says he is currently injury-free stating, "No, no injuries. I feel good. If I am ready to play, I play. Almost everybody has some small injuries and we just have to get through them. " I asked Skrastins if he is happy with his own play right now. He simply says that "it is about the team game and if the team wins then I am satisifed and if we don't win I am not." Like every season, rumors fly. There have been several rumors involving Skrastins so when asked about them he (Skrastins) stated, "There will always be rumors. I don't focus on them. I just do my job the best I can." Skrastins will break Tim Horton's record of playing 486 consecutive games on Feb. 8th, 2007 when the Avalanche host the Atlanta Thrashers. Skrastins' streak is the longest by an NHL player since Rod Brind A'mour played 484-in-a-row from 1992-93 throught the end of the 1998-99 campaign.

 

Skrastins has skated in all 82 games for the fifth consecutive season in 2005-06 and hasn't missed a game since Feb. 18th, 2000. His streak began on Feb. 21, 2000 against Dallas. Skrastins was asked if he is thinking about this record and he modestly says, "It's in my mind but I try not to think about it. I take it one game at a time." The Northwest Division is very close in points right now with Colorado in fourth place with 51 points. Edmonton has 50 and Calgary is in the number one spot with 56. It will contiue to be a close rest of the season so it is up to each team to play solid and get as many points as possible to clinch a playoff spot. "I definitely think we have a chance." Skrastins says after I ask him if he thinks the team (Avs) have a chance to clinch a playoff spot this season. "We need to stay out of the penalty box, skate well and work hard to win," says Skrastins on upcoming games after the all-star break. He added, "We have to be ready for all 60 minutes of each game."

"He is a big loss as he is our number one power-play player on the D-Side. He also helps the offense a lot and we are hoping he will come back as soon as possible." Karlis Skrastins speaking on the loss of John-Michael Liles who broke his left foot on Saturday, January 6th at Minnesota. Liles is expected to be out up to a month. When I asked Skrastins if the young rookie, Kyle Cumiskey, has been a help to the defensive side Skrastins replied, "He's a good skater and passes well. He has a future for sure." Cumiskey was recalled by the Avalanche from the Albany River Rats (AHL) on Dec. 28, 2006. The 20-year old leads all River Rats defensemen in scoring this season with 16 points (4g/12a) in 28 games.

Photo: Karlis Skrastins © Stephine Chavez (HV)