Parker Kelly thrives in third-line center role with new team

In a season full of changes for the Avalanche, one consistent play has been the team’s third line centered by Parker Kelly. In his first year with the Avalanche after signing a two-year deal with the club this summer, Kelly has posted 11 points (5g/6a) in 48 games.

Centering Joel Kiviranta and Logan O’Connor on the third line is a massive role Kelly has taken on this season.

“(Kiviranta) and (O’Connor) are very linear guys,” Kelly said. “They’re tough up front. So I think my role has just been to be on the breakouts, be in good spots, try to support them, give them opportunities, get the puck back to them and kind of let them skate .

“As a center, you’re kind of last in the o-zone, I’d say, so you’re a good F3 and just let them do their job. And then just always try to be (defensively) responsible first and kind of go from there .”

When Kelly talks about being F3, he describes his role when the team predicts. In this system, the first forward (F1) enters the zone to either get the puck or force the defender in a certain direction. Next, the other forward (F2) enters the zone to either a spot to receive a pass from F1 or to where F1 forced the defender with the puck. Finally, the F3 is the third attacker in the zone and will act as a line of defense if the opposing team has the puck, or they will jump up into the play if their team has possession. When F3 enters, it completes a triangle between the front ones.

Kelly credited his linemates for their success this season, saying their line is both simple and detail-oriented.

“We always want to play the right way,” Kelly said. “So those two guys are always in the right places and doing the right thing. So it makes my job a lot easier, for sure.”

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Kelly has been solid in his role, highlighting the line’s success in suppressing shots and chances this season.

“I’m pretty happy with that line now that they’ve stayed together because they’ve done a lot of heavy lifting,” Bednar said.

Some of the heavy lifting includes going up against the opposing team’s top lane on any given night. While that role may not be the most glamorous, Kelly said he and his linemates take great pride in it and make it fun.

“Just having the confidence from (Bednar) to go out there and do that obviously makes our line feel good,” Kelly said. “And I think we’ve done a great job lately and we haven’t really given up much in the (defensive) zone.”

Kelly said his first season with the Avs has been great and he’s been welcomed with open arms.

“I’m really grateful for that,” Kelly said. “And there’s just such a good culture here.”