T.J. Galiardi is finally feeling like himself again. I say that because Galiardi went on an intense summer diet where he ate eight meals a day and gained 20 poinfs of muscle of muscle. He exercised like crazy and put in a ton off-season work. Unfortunately for the 23 year old, the new body was not paying off earlier in the season, but he is not one of the teams hardest working forwards.
Galiardi was a phenomenon at the end of his rookie season. He hustled all the time, made big hits and had 39 points. He was exactly what a team that lacked intensity in 2009-2010 needed, but was hurt in the playoffs. His exit had something to do with the Avalanche’s six game first round loss to the San Jose Sharks.
Last year, Galiardi had a definite sophomore slump. The native of Calgary struggled with injuries and spent time in the infamous “Joe Sacco’s Dog House.” He just could not find a place on a team that needed more offensive contributions, with only 15 points. He was definitely a player the Avalanche Organization was counting on when solidifying the teams Forwards last year and was a disappointment.
Obviously, no one took the season harder than Galiardi. He went on the new routine to redeem himself and prove that he should be in the plans for this organization going forward. Unfortunately, things did not work out that way for Galiardi early in the season and he was just another underperforming forward.
This changed in late November, when Galiardi was more noticeable on the ice. Then he started scoring and contributing on the penalty kill again. Since then he has spent time as a center and a top for winger. He had a great goal against Minnesota and was the Avs best forward, playing second line center. He was third on the team in Ice time. Denver Nugget Danilo Gallinari better watch out, there could be another “Gallo” in town.
Buy Colorado Avalanche Tickets | Buy Colorado Avalanche Apparel
