Zakhar Bardakov has a lot to learn in a short amount of time, but like anyone else moving to Denver, one part of the process was unique.

Bardakov, a 24-year-old rookie with the Colorado Avalanche, is trying to adjust to playing hockey in North America. But he had to adjust to the altitude first.

“I can tell you it was quite an easy transition,” Bardakov said through a translator. “The only thing is that I was worried about my wife and my kid: ‘How are they going to settle here?’ It was a little breathing problem at the beginning. It’s much higher above sea level. But then I don’t have any problems right now, and I feel very good.”

For many Russian players, the switch from the KHL to the NHL is hard. The playing surface is smaller, and the style of play is faster and more direct. It’s al

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