(Denver, Colorado) — They are in mid-stretch in the race for a playoff spot… and the Avs are plummeting to the basement of the Western Conference – laboring night in and night out since the month of December in which they had their best run of the season winning six games in nine days.

After leading the league in offense for much of the first part of the season, the Avs have  trended backward in this area… and to make matters worse the defense continues to struggle, even though the team has played a much more conservative style since the New Year.

Could it be that Coach Joe Sacco’s defensive play mantra has wrecked something good? After all, this team was winning games by outskating and outscoring the opposition – in spite of a plethora of injuries to key players like Adam Foote and Chris Stewart.

Could it be that this team is finally playing the way many anticipated it would play after the master plan for a five-year re building program was put in place two years ago? After a surprising run in the 2009-2010 season and some progress in the playoffs, the Colorado Avalanche had many of its fans forgetting about the rebuilding plan. And who could blame them? This young team looked like it had indeed put the pieces together – four years ahead of schedule. And the start of this season did nothing to thwart the lofty expectations of the fans, as the Avs sat atop the Northwest Division back in mid December.

Without a doubt, many knew that this team had holes; but these holes became more innocuous when the Avs were winning by scoring in waves. The Avalanche had the right mind set and skill set to win games by averaging four or more goals a game. They had the heart to know that they would not trail in any game for too long. They had the attitude of a confident hockey team. But now all that is gone. The Avs have not adapted to the two-way style Sacco has implored them to play all season long.  Just when you thought this team would make the timely adjustment to shut down opposition as they drove for the home stretch in the playoff race, they lost their offensive touch. The Avs have now lost nine games in a row and have struggled to score goals in those games.

Go figure.

They tried to bring in a savior from the past – Peter Forsberg.  And that didn’t last long. After two games the future Hall of Famer smartly hung up his skates, preserving the dignity with which he left the game last year. The hockey gods are not frowning at the Avalanche collapse. They expected it. They gave this young team a chance to taste the nectar of winning.  Now, as reality truly sinks in the Avs must endure the bitter taste of losing and the growing pains that come with rebuilding.  The hockey gods have realigned the stars to ensure proper balance between order and chaos. To win during a rebuilding phase defies the creed of the hockey gods. The Avs must undergo a complete catharsis in order to be the best team they can be.  They must lose, lose, and lose some more in order to become a very good team – a true contender. With losing they will get draft picks. With losing, the character of this young team will mount. And with losing, the existing players will become hungry. They will not take the game for granted. They will play a balanced game and savor the fruits that come with maturity.

Cheer up Avalanche fans. All is truly not lost. The success experienced during the first third of the season is a harbinger of the future. Three more years to go in the rebuilding plan – not an inordinately long time before this team will win once more and become legitimate contenders.

New York, NY – Shad Ireland, dialysis patient, Ironman triathlete and passionate advocate for the prevention of kidney disease through exercise and healthy living, will “Take on the Tour” in 2011, launching a 24-month athletic endeavor to conquer the sport of cycling.  Starting this year with the Amgen Tour of California, Shad will ride multiple stages in some of the world’s toughest cycling races to raise awareness of the over 27 million Americans suffering from kidney disease.

In an effort to reach as many individuals as possible, Ireland has teamed up with the United Athletes Foundation (UAF), a non-profit organization focused on collaboration between professional athletes to maximize philanthropic impact. With a coalition of over 90 top athletes spanning the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA and more, this is a first of its kind effort on behalf of kidney disease prevention.

“The United Athletes Foundation provides the resources and the fundamentals to create ambassadors for philanthropic success,” says former Carolina Panther Reggie Howard, UAF President.   “There is power in numbers. We are over 90 strong in our support for Shad and together we can make a significant impact on the prevention of kidney disease.”

On the heels of an epic 4,000 mile ride across the U.S to bring attention to those with kidney failure, the unstoppable Ireland is currently training for the grueling multi-stage cycling races as well as the Lanai Hawaii Triathlon, the Orange County Triathlon and the New York City Marathon, in an effort to spread the message of healthcare and prevention.

A dialysis patient since the age of 10 and living without any kidneys, Ireland is the first and only kidney dialysis patient in the world to successfully complete multiple Ironman triathlons, His mission is to educate and inspire others to exercise as a way to prevent kidney disease as well as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, which are the leading causes of the disease.

As part of the initiative, professional athletes and their foundations will focus on preventive awareness and will target underserved communities across the United States.    Together, they hope to inspire and engage Americans to exercise and provide tools to help people stay healthy.

Through “Take on the Tour”, UAF and Shad Ireland will place a special focus on underserved communities and communities of color, specifically African Americans and Latinos, who are four times more likely to develop a renal diagnosis and nine times less likely to catch the disease at an early enough point where intervention would have an impact.   Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease and prevention is especially important as approximately 75 percent of all health care costs in America are directly attributed to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, which are the leading causes of the disease.  Statistics regarding causes of the disease are daunting:

In the U.S. over 133 million Americans are considered obese or overweight… and 54 million are predisposed to developing type 2 diabetes. Overall, 27 million Americans have CKD (chronic kidney disease). Outside of that, an additional 21 million are unaware that they have this disease.

To increase awareness and prevention efforts, the Shad Ireland Foundation and UAF have also partnered with One Economy, a non-profit organization created to expand access to technology and information across the globe.  This unique partnership will afford the public unprecedented digital access to athletes and their philanthropic efforts and provide them with proven technologies, tools and resources for improving their lives and communities.   The marriage of inspiration and tools for action will be available at the newly created UAF Channel on Pic.TV – the Public Internet Channel at www.pic.tv/uaf.

“With a purposeful use of technology we can bring people together to make a difference. In this case the interests of athletes, communities, and organizations converge in new results driven ways,” said Rey Ramsey, Chairman, One Economy Corporation.

Through Pic.TV, Ireland will document his experiences, challenges and victories. There, fans can watch as he battles the California terrain during the Amgen Tour of California, which takes place May 15-22, 2011. Later this year from August 22-28, Ireland will also participate in the first-ever Tour of Colorado, which will take him through intensely rugged and mountainous terrain.   For more information about “Take On the Tour”, or to donate to the Shad Ireland Foundation please visit www.takeonthetour.com.  Proceeds raised by the “Take on The Tour” initiative will go directly to support kidney disease screenings in underserved communities and to provide care for those suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease.

With the All-Star break in full swing, and with the second half of the season right around the corner, I thought it fitting to grade the Avalanche for what they did prior to the All-Star break.  Clearly, the young Colorado team raised many eye brows with their cardiac style and high-powered offense for much of the first 30 games of the season which saw them play above .500 hockey and lead the league in goals per game average. The last twenty games, however, have brought them struggles and put their playoffs chances in jeopardy as they have played subpar hockey. Without a doubt, the Avs’ brightest stretch during the first half of the season occurred when they won six games in a row over a two-week period in December.

This team presented a roller coaster ride for its fans throughout the first half of the season – playing like divisional champs and then cellar dwellers on occasion. Just a few short weeks ago, the Avs led the Northwest Division, as vision of making the playoffs danced in their heads.  Now… things are different. If the post season were today the Avs would not be invited to Lord Stanley’s ball.

It takes a team effort to play good hockey and get to the playoffs… and frankly… the Avs have spiraled in that area. True, injuries have played a key role in the team’s struggles to date and many will say it’s a miracle they are even in playoff contention. Having said that… the mid-season report grades the team in four categories:  Offense; Defense; Goaltending; Coaching.

Offense: This area was on fire for most of the first half of the season when the Avs led the league in goals scored. The Avs young legs pretty much out skated the opposition night in and night out with some dramatic victories in high scoring affairs.  The primary problem for the Avs on offense stemmed from the forwards’ inability to back check and help the defense consistently. The pond hockey mentality… while entertaining came with a price – lots of sloppy losses.  The bright spots for the Avs up front came in the form of: Matt Duchene who has not had the best sophomore year – given the pre-season expectations; but the just turned 20-year-old has played well enough to lead the team in scoring.  Other noteworthy players in the offensive category include Paul Stastny, Chris Stewart (pre-injury); Tomas Fleischmann (pre-injury); and Milan Hejduk. Brandon Yip gets the dull spot award given the fact that he had more points in 32 games last year than he has in 42 games to date. Nonetheless, even with its recent struggles… the offense still ranks among the top 5 teams in the NHL.  Overall Grade:  B-

Defense: The Avs rank dead last in this category. Night in and night out, the defense has faced constant pressure from opposing forwards who typically have a free pass to attack at will.  A young defense usually needs lots of support from back checking forwards – something the Avs don’t have at this juncture. What’s also intriguing about the Avs defense is the fact that its best player this season has been a defenseman, John-Michael Liles, who leads the team in assist and has a plus 5 rating.  Rookie defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has displayed flashes of brilliance throughout the first half; but he poses a serious liability at times with some bad decision making. There is no question that this first round draft pick will become an All-Star someday.  Adam Foote represents the biggest disappointment on defense to date, although the veteran missed a few games due to injury. Foote’s leadership just doesn’t seem to have the spark it once had. The player who gets my mid-year MVP award on defense – believe it or not – is Ryan O’Byrne who comes to defend every night. The strapping stay-at-home defender leads the offensive-minded Avs in the plus/minus category with a solid plus 11.  Overall Grade: D+

Goaltending: Craig Anderson and Peter Budja have played well this season – considering that they get bombarded on most nights. Anderson has clearly trended in the right direction with a 90 percent save percentage on a team that dwells at the bottom of the league on defense.  Put a cohesive defensive unit in front of these goalies and they would become world beaters. Overall Grade: B

Coaching: Coach Joe Sacco has watched his young team ebb and flow throughout the course of the first half, and he has committed to getting the Avs to play a more tight-checking game which they have done at times. The problem with his team is consistency.  Not sure if the Avs have fully bought into his system. Nonetheless, Sacco and the rest of the coaching staff get credit for molding this young team into an above .500 team with a chance for the playoffs.   Overall Grade:  B+/A-

(Denver, Colorado) — The Colorado Avalanche last night proved they are a playoff team with a hard fought 4-3 overtime victory against the mighty Vancouver Canucks at the Pepsi Center.

The Avs came out skating and hitting – conforming to the rugged style typically delivered by the Canucks. Through the first two periods, the Avalanche outhit Vancouver by an almost two to one margin.

This contest had shades of a playoff affair – fast-paced skating, pinpoint hitting, strong defensive plays, good scoring opportunities, and great goaltending. Vancouver got on the board first on a 50-foot slap shot by Alexander Elder; but near the end of the period the Avs returned the favor with a power play goal of their own when John-Michael Liles took a feed from Milan Hejduk to even the score, 1-1.

The Canucks ratcheted up the pressure in the second period – but Craig Anderson stood tall in goal, making 16 saves in that period alone and giving his team the confidence it needed. Vancouver regained the lead 2-1, at 10:55 when Ryan Kesler scored a tip-in power play goal. The suspense-filled game was once again tied less than three minutes later by the gritty Avs on David Jones’ wrist shot at 12:46. Both teams played as if they were afraid to lose this contest – playing a fast-paced, but controlled and calculating game. The risk taking became more minimal, with each team having to work doubly hard to generate scoring opportunities. Sparks flew near the end of the period as the teams traded goals with less than two minutes remaining.  A nifty backhand shot by Sergei Shirokov gave the resolute Canucks the lead once more; but a minute later, it was Hejduk’s power play goal that knotted the game for the Avs, 3-3.

The third period saw Colorado play a more prevent defensive style  – giving Vancouver just enough room to maneuver but not enough to execute.  The seesaw affair had the Pepsi Center buzzing, and  both team’s solid defensive play resulted in a scoreless third period… setting the stage for a dramatic finish to this contest – courtesy of the special team.  With just over two minutes remaining in overtime, David Jones connected on a well-executed power play goal to win the Avs most tantalizing game of the season.

Colorado’s effort tonight in goal, on defense, and up front  received high marks across the board and delivered an important message to the rest of the NHL –   that they are not about to pull up stakes and head to the golf course come April. The Avs’ effort tonight is an indicator that this team is solidly playoffs-bound.

(Denver, Colorado) — Look for the Colorado Avalanche to spring a surprise on the league number one rated team Tuesday night. The Avs have struggled of late—winning four of 12 games. But look at this team’s last game and their new style of play… and you will see that they have finally made the adjustment to a more balanced, two-way, team.  Coach Joe Sacco’s team is now trending in the right direction – as exemplified by their most solid two-way effort of the season… a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild Friday night. That it would take the Avalanche 10 to 12 games to adapt to the style Sacco has implored them to play all season long is just about right with less than half the season remaining.

The Canucks come into the Pepsi Center tonight loaded for bear after being shut out on Sunday by the same Minnesota team that the Avs defeated in their last game. Look for the terrific trio of Daniel Sedin, Henirk Sedin, and Ryan Kesler to lead the attack for this deep Vancouver team who will definitely have their hands full with the inspired Avs.

Don’t expect to see a 7-6 or a 6-5 game. This one will come with some playoff-type electricity. Sparks will fly at the Pepsi Center tonight as the top two teams in the Northwest Division square off. The Avs will prove tonight that they are a legitimate playoff team – and I will eat crow if they play poorly.

But really, I don’t see that happening.

The Avs have too much to prove to the naysayers who keep forecasting their collapse. This will not happen. Tonight look for Chris Stewart, Matt Duchene, and David Jones to have big games upfront for the Avs.

Goal Differential Consensus:  Colorado by 1

Final Score Consensus: 3-2

(St. Paul, Minnesota) — Some life was injected into the Colorado Avalanche on the road last night at the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota, as they defeated the Minnesota Wild, 4-1.

Lately, the Avs have struggled to display the high-powered offense that had them atop the Northwest Division some four weeks ago… but against the Wild they returned to form with goals from Kevin Porter, Milan Hejduk, Tom Fleischmann, and Ryan Wilson to earn their third victory in their last eight games.

The Avalanche played a complete game last night, executing the style Joe Sacco has been trying to get them to play with consistency this season – a solid two-way game.  A mid-range snapshot by Porter got the Avs off to the start they needed at 8:55 of the first period. Less than nine minutes later Hejduk gave them a 2-0 cushion with his 14^th goal of the season on the power play at 17:34.

The high Colorado rode at the beginning of the second period was quickly tempered when forward Ryan O’Reilly lost his balance and went crashing into the boards. The Avs’ best two way player to date was removed from the ice on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

“He was moving and it sounds like he’s OK,” Craig Anderson said. “You’ve got to find a way to pick him up. It was our job and our duty to win the game for him.”

The Avs did just that for their fallen teammate – extending the lead to 3-0 late in the period on Fleischmann’s 12^th goal of the season. A resurgent Anderson delivered one of his strongest games of the season – making 32 saves and capturing star of the game honors.

Frustrated Wild fans showered the home team with boos at the end of the second period. The once tough to beat at home Minnesota is now 3-6-1 in their last 10 home games.

Anderson lost his shutout in the third period when Andrew Brunette scored his 10^th goal of the season at 4:14. From that point on the Avs’ conforming to a new and improved defensive style of play was on display as they shut down the Wild; Wilson’s empty net goal at 19:10 sealed the victory for Colorado.

The Avs proved last night they can adjust and conquer adversity and a physical game.  The slumping Wild played a rugged game, out hitting the Avs but losing the battles in the corners.  The Avs next play at home Tuesday night against the red hot Vancouver Canucks who have won 14 of their last 17 games.

(Denver, Colorado) – These days, the high flying Colorado Avalanche have been flying at low altitudes and this time it was the Phoenix Coyotes  who benefited – shutting down the Avs 2 -0 at the Pepsi Center last night. It was the fifth time in the last eight games that the NHL’s early season offensive juggernaut scored two or fewer goals in a game.

Coyotes’ backup goaltender Jason LaBarbera was hot in goal tonight, making 34 saves to record his second shutout of the season. Taylor Pyatt starred offensively for Phoenix – scoring a goal in the first period and an empty netter in the third to ice the victory for his team.

After getting off to a flying start this season — averaging 4 goals a game – the Avs now struggle offensively. The paradox of this struggle is further highlighted by the fact that the Avs have been playing better defensively – as the team gears up for the second half of the season and the drive to post season play.

The good news for the Colorado tonight was that goaltender Craig Anderson delivered a strong game and appears to be hitting his best form at the right time of the season. The bad news – the offense seems to be on sabbatical.

Tonight’s contest was not the most electrifying game of the season, as there was very little hitting or exciting puck movement.  Both teams came out flat… and it was the least flat that won the game. Without a doubt, it was the goalies who stole the show … as LaBarbera and Anderson earned star of the game honors.

As the Avs look ahead, there is optimism on the horizon with forward Chris Stewart’s return imminent.  Stewart, who was the Avs best forward before he broke his left hand on Nov. 27 during a fight with Minnesota’s Kyle Brodziak, skated with his teammates during the Thursday morning practice session. In addition to Stewart, the team announced that defenseman Kyle Cumiskey, who has been out since late October with a concussion, is also rounding into good health and could return to the lineup any day now. The Avs next play the New York Islanders at the Pepsi Center on Saturday

(Denver, Colorado) — Scoring all their  goals on the power play, the Detroit Red Wings and Chris Osgood stopped the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center last night, 4-3 in overtime.

It was all Colorado for most of the game. They outshot the Red Wings 49-30 … but caught a tiger by the tail in Chris Osgood who burned brightly all night long with spectacular save after spectacular save. The special teams didn’t click for the Avs last night, as they continue to be woeful when shorthanded. The power play was also anemic — going 1 for 7.

The Avs got off to a flying start in this game on a wrist shot by Matt Duchene from in close at 3:29 of the first period; but Jiri Hudler soon tied the score  1-1 on a power play goal just over two minutes later. As they have done all season long Colorado struck right back – getting the go ahead goal on a 50-foot blast by T.J. Galiardi; but the opportunistic Red Wings evened the score 2-2 with their second power play goal of the period –courtesy of Johan Franzen.

It was all Colorado in the second period, as they dominated play and outshot the Red Wings 23-9. Chris Osgood was the story in this period, stopping all 23 shots that came his way and keeping the period scoreless.

Detroit became more resilient as the game wore on, sticking with the Avs before going ahead on its third power play goal of the night, a shot just inside the point by cagey defenseman Nicklas Lindstrom. The Avs’ special team finally did something in the game when Duchene, their best player on the ice tonight, tied the score 3-3 on a power play goal with less than three minutes remaining in regulation.

The Red Wings captured the play in overtime, shutting down the Avs’ attack and forcing them deep inside their own zone. Detroit’s dominance led to an Avalanche penalty and the winning goal, a slap shot from Niklas Knonwall at 3:42. It was the Avs third loss in a row, as they now pack their bags for a two-game road trip to Western Canada beginning with Edmonton on Thursday and Calgary on New Year’s Eve.

Game Notes: Chris Osgood won the 400^th game of his career. Milan Hejduk scored an assist in his first game back after a seven-game absence due to a groin injury.

With this the season to be jolly, I thought I would put together something to make Avs’ fans smile even more; players too.  So, after some serious brainstorming… I was able to come up with a 12 Days of Christmas wish list for the Avs who thus far this season have exceeded expectations  with some exciting and winning hockey.  Here goes. Think of the 12 Days of Christmas song, as you read the wish list.

On the First Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

A back checker who can score goals

On the Second Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Third Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Fourth Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Fifth Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Five-year winning plan…

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Sixth Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Six forwards flying

Five-year winning plan…

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Seventh Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Seven super draft picks

Six forwards flying

Five -year winning plan…

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Eight Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Eight players singing

Seven super draft picks

Six forwards flying

Five -year winning plan…

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Ninth Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Nine forwards clicking

Eight players singing

Seven super draft picks

Six forwards flying

Five -year winning plan…

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Tenth Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Ten years of winning

Nine forwards clicking

Eight players singing

Seven super draft picks

Six forwards flying

Five -year winning plan…

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs:

Eleven players smiling

Ten years of winning

Nine forwards clicking

Eight players singing

Seven super draft picks

Six forwards flying

Five -year winning plan…

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas Santa Sent the Avs

Twelve contract signings

Eleven players smiling

Ten years of winning

Nine forwards clicking

Eight players singing

Seven super draft picks

Six forwards flying

Five -year winning plan…

Four thirty goalers

Three Stanley Cups

Two Matt Duchenes

And a back checker who can score goals.

By Donovan Wilson

This week’s In The Broadcast Booth features former National Hockey League player Matthew Barnaby. The Sports Commentary had the pleasure of speaking with the popular hockey tough guy who was dubbed “the agitator” during his playing days by many players from around the league – for his uncanny ability to stir things up while on the ice and get his team going. Now in his third year with ESPN as a color analyst for NHL games — alongside Barry Melrose – Barnaby played for 14 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the Buffalo Sabres. Hear him talk about his transition from the ice to the television studio… and why he is enjoying himself as much as he did when he was a player.

TSC: You’ve worked three seasons with ESPN now… what’s the best part of your job as a hockey analyst?

MB: Being involved in hockey after playing 14 seasons brings a lot of joy to me. I really enjoy commenting on the games night in and night out, and I consider myself fortunate to have received this opportunity with ESPN. Really, I don’t believe I would have been involved with the game –in any aspect – if I did not get this chance with ESPN.

TSC: How did you prepare for the shift from hockey player to hockey analyst?

MB: Near the end of my career, I bounced around with a few teams. One of those teams was the Chicago Blackhawks. My second year with Chicago we did not make the playoffs… so I had some time after the regular season ended; and this is when an opportunity to do commentary for Score Television Network in Toronto, Ontario presented itself. They brought me on as a guest commentator to do some of the NHL’s playoff games that year (2006). I didn’t do any formal training for my new profession. One of the things that drew Score to me was the fact that I was always perceived by the media as a good interview when I was a player. I didn’t really think about a career in the broadcast booth after I retired in 2007. It just happened. After I officially retired from playing hockey, Score Network once again reached out to me, and I accepted their offer to do pre- and post-game commentary. I also got a call from the NHL on The Sports Network (TSN) in Toronto to do some work for them… and my career started to blossom. This was when ESPN gave me a call and interviewed me for the hockey analyst position that I now have. Without a doubt, I have had my bumps and bruises along the way as a hockey analyst; but I have learned and grown from the challenges that came my way.

TSC: When you’re in the analyst’s chair, you have to see the game very differently from the way you see it as a player. Talk about what it takes to make that shift and develop an analytical mindset?

MB: As a hockey analyst I have to be willing to criticize everyone, and praise anyone. I have to be willing to comment critically on the play of friends… and that is the hardest thing for me to do as an analyst. I must also understand what makes a team good and what makes a team bad and then inject my point of view. I also have to go the extra mile to watch for trends that are occurring within the game and within teams and translate that for the average viewer to understand. I cannot translate the game as if I am dealing with one of the players. I must impart my hockey knowledge in a most clear and concise manner.

TSC: You’re so adept at analyzing the game, and making it look easy; is what you do difficult… and does it take a lot a preparation – given your knowledge of the game?

It takes tons of preparation. I have to do a lot of reading and be up on what’s going on in the game and around the league. For me, the most difficult part of what I do is being brief – summarizing what I have to say in 45 seconds or less. I also have to mingle with players and be able to connect with them far and wide.

TSC: If we watch an old clip from your first season in the analyst chair and compare that to what we see today… has anything changed?

MB: The way I analyze the game has remained the same; but the way I bring the game to the viewer has changed. Today, I am much more concise and have a lot more confidence in my ability to perform in front of the camera.

TSC: You spent most of your career with the Buffalo Sabres… is it difficult to be objective when analyzing a game that involves your former team?

MB: It’s not difficult for me to cover the Sabres or any of my former teams for that matter. I am not being paid by them… I am being paid by ESPN for my expertise. I have certainly taken heat from teams and fans whenever I say something critical about the team; but it’s a part of the job. And really, I don’t worry about what people are saying about me. I never have and never will.

TSC: For athletes thinking of going into broadcasting post-career, what advice would you have for them based on your own experience?

MB: They have to be honest and professional in doing the job… and most important they have to be comfortable in front of the camera. I see myself as a work in progress. I am open to constructive feedback. In the broadcast booth, you have to really speak what you believe… and be honest in relaying information. It’s critical that you be knowledgeable about your sport. What I mean is… everyone can know the game; but it takes skill to relay the game to people across the board. Whether they are hard core fans or causal fans… you must bring the information to them in such a way that they all understand what’s being said.

For more on Matthew, visit his website or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.