CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Tensions were high on the last day of training camp for the Colorado Avalanche. As expected, Captain Gabriel Landeskog was taking the day off to prepare for the preseason game on Sunday. Nathan MacKinnon had a little spat with Jack Drury after some rough drills in the corner. But that was just two competitive players playing hockey. A lot of the fourth-line players were playing some rough hockey, trying to secure their place on the roster. It always makes for an entertaining camp when players are playing their hardest to make it out of the bubble. Here are some standouts from day three of training camp.

Behrens makes a case for himself

Former University of Denver Pioneer Sean Behrens has been making a case for himself over the last month or so. Behrens missed last season with a knee injury and has been fighting his way back through development camp and the Rookie Showcase. The collegiate national champion told Hockey Mountain High in August:

“It was a really tough year,” Behrens said of the rehab. “Obviously, really unfortunate, but I thought for what it was, being able to stay in Loveland, be a part of that team, do my rehab there. It was awesome. I love it up there, and I just can’t wait to get back and play hockey again, just get back to doing what I love.”

He has been doing a great job with everyone, especially Brent Burns, regardless of his partner. Fans will see him play on Sunday in the preseason game, and the Avalanche might call him up after he plays a few games with the Colorado Eagles.

Bardakov pushes for the fourth-line

The Avalanche may have gotten a good return from trading Kurtis MacDermid to the New Jersey Devils. In return, the Avalanche received Zakhar Bardakov, who will play his first season in North America this year. He has impressive vision, making no-look passes during drills on Saturday. Bardakov will fight for the fourth-line center spot with Ivan Ivan through camp. His speed and shooting capabilities may win him the job come opening night.

Necas showing improvement

Martin Necas had an extremely rough day one at camp, flying into the boards after tripping on his stick. Since then, Necas has only been improving with time. He has not dragged the contract talks onto the ice with him, pushing himself harder. In one drill, Necas cut to the middle and showed why the Avalanche picked him up. If he can continue to improve throughout the season, fans may see a Martin Necas they have never seen before.

What is next?

The weekend will wrap up with two games on Sunday, both against the Utah Mammoth. One game will be at 2:30 p.m. at the University of Denver and the other will be at 6:30 p.m. at Ball Arena. Players like MacKinnon, Brent Burns, Ross Colton, Cooper Gay, Joel Kiviranta, and Scott Wedgewood will not play. Only the radio will broadcast both games. Fans can probably expect a list of cuts on Monday morning that will send players to the Eagles.