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Mr. Versatility Messier's abilities helping Avs cope without Bourque
Posted: Monday May 08, 2000 01:08 PM
DENVER (AP) - Eric Messier is a natural defenseman, but he scored his first NHL playoff point as a forward. He played much of the regular season as forward or defense, but most of his playing time in seven playoff games this year has been at wing. I have to be ready all the time; you never know what will happen, Messier said. When Ray (Bourque) got hurt in Detroit, I played four or five shifts on defense in the third period. Even at practice, I practice both forward and defense. I never know where Ill be sometimes. Messier, 26, said he does not mind the uncertainty that can come with versatility. I don't care where I'm playing. I can play both sides, he said. I've played maybe 40 games at forward and 20 games on defense. During the Avalanche's 4-2 victory over Detroit on Friday, Messier looked comfortable at forward during the third period, when he jumped off the bench and outraced Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom to the puck to prevent an icing call against Colorado. He got the puck to Serge Aubin, who fired a shot. Shjon Podein got the rebound and scored, wrapping up a 4-1 series victory against the Red Wings in the Western Conference semifinals. I feel more comfortable at forward. I know what to do. It's a different view for me, seeing the other side of the ice, Messier said. I know the job as a forward (is) to be the first guy on the puck, especially our line, the fourth line. Avalanche coach Bob Hartley discovered Messier playing professional roller hockey in Montreal before the 1995-96 season and asked if he wanted to try playing on the ice. That season, Messier played for the Avalanche's American Hockey League affiliate. He played for that team one season and has played for the Avalanche the past three years, except for a six-game conditioning stay with the Hershey (Pa.) Bears two seasons ago. Messier played in 61 games for the Avalanche this season, collecting three goals and six assists.
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