Parker Kelly started the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the second line and finished the series on the fourth. Although he was held scoreless in the Round 1 sweep, his play and versatility were important factors for the team’s success.
“I thought Nelly (Brock Nelson), Val (Nichushkin) and I did a good job defending …” Kelly said. “Jack (Drury), OC (Logan O’Connor) and I found the chemistry that we had last year. We haven’t really played that much together this year as a group, so it was just kind of getting a feel for each other again, waiting to see where guys go.”
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Time is limited in the playoffs, which makes it crucial for new linemates to quickly establish chemistry.
“I didn’t play with Val and Nelly all year. I thought the second game was already better than the first. Then you go back with OC and Jack for Game 3, it’s an ok game. Game 4 felt great with them. The process is accelerated in playoffs, than it would normally be in the regular season …,” the 26-year-old forward said. “We all have another level. We want to be better. You’re never going to get complacent. We’re going to look to try to be more of an impact line next series.”
Avalanche balance time off between Stanley Cup Playoff rounds
With nearly a week off before the next round starts, the team is taking the time to rest and recover. It is also staying sharp with practice, while waiting to find out who the next opponent will be.
“Everyone’s just trying to heal, feel as good as possible … Right now, enjoying the time off, trying to get better every day here on the ice with practice, and then once you find out, your mindset switches,” Kelly said. “You’re starting to look at weaknesses. You’re starting to look at areas to exploit. How can us as a line do? What’s it going to take for us to create success, all that type of stuff. So a lot of time for your brain to think in the next coming days. Right now, it’s nice just to have the brain turned off and watch hockey, enjoy the sun.”
The Camrose, Alberta native unwinds by watching shows and reading books. He is enjoying the new season of “Survivor” and recently completed reading the entire Harry Potter series, and re-watching the movies. But when it is go time, he will flip that switch and be ready for action — no matter where he plays in the lineup.