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Game 5: Blue Jackets At Avalanche, Preview And Open Thread

After losing badly to the St. Louis Blues last night, the Avalanche seek to score revenge on the Central Division by continuing their long dominance over Columbus.  The Avs are 21-1-1 all-time against the Blue Jackets.  

The Jackets are playing well, having won two of their first three games.  Pascal Leclaire, their young goalie, has been strong in net this season, and will look to shut down an Avalanche offense that has scored 11 goals in two home games already this year.  Good luck to him.

Paul Stastny continues his offensive miracle work for Colorado, having scored 9 points (5 goals) in four games.  He had the lone goal against the Blues last night.  

Hopefully the Avalanche defense will remember which team they're playing for and let's hope Coach Q is done trying to defibrillate Jose Theodore's goaltending career.  If Peter Budaj doesn't start tonight's game, I will likely not watch at all.

And when is Joe Sakic's line (any incarnation of it) going to score a goal at even strength?  What the hell?

Hope to see everyone here tonight as I live blog the game.  Join in on the fun!

ESPN preview.

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I wish

I wish the Avalanche would play at more decent hours for me to be able to see them more. 7 hours of difference between Denver and Portugal kind of sucks.

Here's hoping that the NHL gets a more balanced schedule next season, which (among many other good reasons) would mean more trips to the east and more games starting at decent hours for me. 7pm ET is good enough for me.

Good luck Avs, it's time to start making a difference when comparing this season to the last.

Almost 5,000 miles away... It's the Portuguese Avs Fan!

by LuisAvs on Oct 13, 2007 4:09 PM MDT reply actions  

Re: I wish

Your dedication is impressive!  

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 6:25 PM MDT up reply actions  

On TV

The game is blacked out on Center Ice Online for me since I live in the Fox Sports Net Ohio region (also in the FSN South region, too, but I digress).  The game is on TV here so I won't be able to live blog as easily---the computer is another room than the TV.

But I'll still be around.  Post away!

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 6:27 PM MDT reply actions  

Budaj in net

Thank god Budaj is in net.

And Clark blew it on the first play, almost gave a goal to Steve Nash.  Lame.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:10 PM MDT reply actions  

Leclaire

Pascal Leclaire is looking scary good so far tonight.

And the Avs couldn't convert on a freakin' 5-on-3.  Crap.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:18 PM MDT reply actions  

Sakic line scores!

Finally, the Joe Sakic line scored at even strength!!

Avs 1-0.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:20 PM MDT reply actions  

The lines...

appear to be what was used late in the St. Louis game, with Wolski up with Joe and Brunette.

At least Brunette is crashing the net...

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:23 PM MDT reply actions  

Re: The lines

Ha!  I just posted about that but you beat me to it!

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:28 PM MDT up reply actions  

New top line

Seems Coach Q is running Wolski with Brunette and Sakic on the top line tonight.  So far a good choice.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:28 PM MDT reply actions  

Why???

Is Hlinka down with Arnason?  WTF??

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:28 PM MDT reply actions  

Re: Why?

Where else would you put him?  Stastny-Smyth-Hejduk are the second line.  There's no where else to go but Wolski's old spot with Arnason and Svatos.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:29 PM MDT up reply actions  

I know...

Just seems like a waste of his talent.  Why not Hlinka, Wolski, Sakic?

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:30 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Hlinka

Well, Hlinka hasn't gotten anything done with Sakic so far this year, so it's worth a shot trying him somewhere else.  Besides, Svatos could use a strong playmaker, since he works best when fed the puck.  It could work out pretty well.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:51 PM MDT up reply actions  

Wolski

At least Wolly is getting a shot with some playmakers now.  He wasn't going to have that good of a season if he spent it with Arny and Svatos...

Has the Washington-Buffalo game gotten into triple digits yet?

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:52 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Nah

No, just double digits.  10 total goals.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:45 PM MDT up reply actions  

Jeff Finger

Finger's looking good again tonight.  Physical.

Put a great hit on a Jacket in the corner and then got in a scrum around the net.  That's my boy.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:32 PM MDT reply actions  

Finger

He just wrecked Jason Chimera AGAIN.  Nice.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:34 PM MDT up reply actions  

Finger

I'm leaning pretty pro-Finger.  Skratch must know his starts are numbered.  

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:36 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Finger

Coach Q says "we'll give 'em the Finger!"

Finger's been impressive in every game he's played this season, and with Leopold out again, he's got a permanent spot on the lineup every night---for now.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:49 PM MDT up reply actions  

Well..

with Leopold apparently made of glass candy, we better get used the givin' em da Finga!!

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:51 PM MDT up reply actions  

Nash

Nash if fully-growed.  Yikes!

Great save by Budaj, though.

Can somebody explain to my why we need Parker for this game?

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:45 PM MDT reply actions  

Re: Parker

Or EVER?  Why is he even on the team?

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:47 PM MDT up reply actions  

First period

Avs are 3-3 on the penalty kill.  Still losing every face-off, though.

Budaj got LUCKY on the Rick Nash shot---it bounced off the right post while Boots pulled a Hasek.

Overall, good effort by the Avs but Stastny doesn't seem to be doing much out there tonight.  Ryan Smyth and Wolski look strong---very active in the Jackets' zone at all times.

The Jackets' announcers have flubbed some names tonight.  Svatos got called "Svinkas" and Kurt Sauer got called "Sawyer".  Somebody get those announcers some programs!

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:47 PM MDT reply actions  

Altitude

Conversely, the Altitude crew have commented on how the zebras have called everything tonight while some stuff was let go against Saint Louey.

The mad scientist combos for the 1st and 3rd lines make me uneasy.  Parker continuing to draw a paycheck makes me queasy.

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:50 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Queasy

No kidding.  Parker seems just about useless.  I know Wyatt Smith is just filling in for Brad Richardson, but why isn't Parker in the AHL where he belongs?  I'd take Mark Rycroft over him.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 7:52 PM MDT up reply actions  

Whoa now!

That's crazy talk!!  Lay off the crack, Joe.  You're on the clock.

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:56 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Whoa now!

At least Rycroft can accept a pass.  Parker can't even keep the puck on his stick.

I'd prefer the Avs were sans-Sheriff.  

Get it?  A little font humor for ya.

Bear with me.  I got up at 5 this morning and spent half my day flying across the country.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:00 PM MDT up reply actions  

Luis...

You still with us?

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 7:57 PM MDT reply actions  

WOW!!!!

how in the hell did that go in?  I'm enjoying the conversation here...good job guys

David O. www.diebytheblade.com- SB nation Blog for Sabres fans

by David O on Oct 13, 2007 8:04 PM MDT reply actions  

It's the first chance...

I'm getting to watch the Avs this season and I wanted to see stastny play more than anything

David O. www.diebytheblade.com- SB nation Blog for Sabres fans

by David O on Oct 13, 2007 8:19 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Son of Stastny

Nobody believed Avalanche fans last season when we said he deserved the Calder.  He did, and he's even better this year.

Beware the Son Of Stastny!

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:44 PM MDT up reply actions  

Jackets goal

Budaj got beat by Sauer's skate on that shot by Klesla.  Bad deflection, not his fault.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:05 PM MDT reply actions  

Hejduk GOAL!!

Stastny and Smyth with the assists on that Hejduk power play goal.  Avs 2-1.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:08 PM MDT reply actions  

Buzzing now...

The Avs seem to be buzzing a little now.

Crazy deflection on Budaj.

The 'book' on Leclaire must have something about wraparounds cuz the Avs have tried that at least three times in the 2nd period.

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 8:13 PM MDT reply actions  

Goal!!

Stasny-Hejduk-Smyth strike again!

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 8:18 PM MDT reply actions  

The Duke For TWO!!

Hejduk scores another goal on a great wrist shot that caught the outside corner.

Nice work.  He's cruising this year.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:18 PM MDT reply actions  

Prediction

Still think my prediction of the Duke leading the team in points was off?

Don't want to jinx it though...

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 8:21 PM MDT up reply actions  

Smyth

Ryan Smyth awarded the goal for a redirection.  Hejduk with the assist.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:25 PM MDT up reply actions  

Budaj!

Huge series of saves by Budaj.  He's looking fantastic as usual tonight.

Why again does Coach Q even consider playing Theodore?

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:33 PM MDT reply actions  

Control of 2nd

For the most part, the Avs controlled the 2nd.  Columbus had some streaks, like the one in the last two or three minutes, but a good period overall, and not just cuz of the goals.

Faceoffs seem better.  At one point the Altitude broadcast showed a graphic and out of almost 20 FO's the Avs won over 15.  Not bad.

I like the forecheck of Hejduk's line.  Good aggressive and keeps the D honest.

Watching the replay of the last save sequence for LeClaire.... Wow.  Mad athleticism and skill.  Just... Wow.

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 8:41 PM MDT reply actions  

Re: Goalies

Both goalies are showing signs of greatness tonight.

Let's just hope Leclaire keeps showing a little less greatness than Budaj.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:43 PM MDT up reply actions  

Goalies

Budaj's BF slide in the 2nd to get back across to his right was a thing of beauty.  

He seems to be handling the puck extremely well tonight too.  That's helped the Av's prevent some dump-in opportunities too.

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 9:08 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Goalies

Absolutely.  Budaj was not only well-positioned but he was highly mobile.  And he was swallowing every puck that came his way.  Rebounds were NOT a problem tonight at all.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:42 PM MDT up reply actions  

Second Period

Avalanche looked better in the second period.  Jeff Finger is playing really well, along with Budaj, who's extremely strong in net.  He's keeping his rebounds under control and is perfectly positioned at all times.

Up front, the top two lines are playing well.  I wish they could find a good place for Hlinka to play---he's not clicking with Arnason and Svatos.

Wolski's playing his heart out as usual.

So far so good.

The bad news is the Avs just LOVE to blow two goal leads in the third period, so anything could happen.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:41 PM MDT reply actions  

Sakic Goal!
His release is ri-god-d@mn-diculous!!!
Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 8:59 PM MDT up reply actions  

SAKIC SCORES!

Beautiful wrist shot by Super Joe!  Ping!

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 8:58 PM MDT reply actions  

Blanked

Sorry, Rick Nash, but Budaj has your number tonight.  Another great save.

The Avs are looking great, killing every penalty.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:04 PM MDT reply actions  

Sakic

The Altitude crew is gushing about Sakic.  "Most Improved" player in the NHL, blah, blah.  We know he's great, you don't have to comment every time he makes a good defensive play.

I'm pretty sure they'll need to change shorts after the game.

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 9:09 PM MDT up reply actions  

Huh?

How is Sakic the most improved?  He's always a great player.  That doesn't make any sense to me at all.

I'm sure Haynes is crying every time Sakic even glances at the press booth.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:12 PM MDT up reply actions  

Scoring

Scoring so far tonight for the Avalanche:

Hejduk: 2 goals, 1 assist
Sakic: 2 goals
Stastny, Liles, Wolski, Brunette, Hannan and Smyth: 1 assist each

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:09 PM MDT reply actions  

Side note

Why does the Pepsi Center look deserted tonight?  Half the seats are empty.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:11 PM MDT up reply actions  

hangover

from the Rocks series?

Remember, it is Columbus.  Not exactly a marquee draw...

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 9:15 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Yeah

I don't live in Denver so I forget about the Rockies.  I'm a Cubs fan.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:37 PM MDT up reply actions  

HAT TRICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KEEP WOLSKI ON THE 1ST LINE.  BEAUTY GOAL BY SAKIC!

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 9:14 PM MDT reply actions  

Sakic HAT TRICK!!

Gorgeous pass from Wolski to Super Joe for the easy one-timer wrist shot.  Three goals tonight and 614 for his career!!

Avs 5-1.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:14 PM MDT reply actions  

Thought process...

Wolski's thought process on that last goal went something like this:

Turnover, Sakic's with me...
2-on-1...
Shoot?
Must pass or I'll be on 4th line with Captian Caveman Parker...
Make a good pass...
Make a good pass...
Whew! I keep my job!

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 9:23 PM MDT up reply actions  

Ugly end...

The Altitude Crew figures 30+ games for the guy that tried to decapitate Parker.

The shot of Parker in the box reminded me of a picture of Ozzy Osbourne after he bit the head off a bat.  Scary.

#55 for the BJ's get my vote for pussah of the game.

Big thanks to Mike Peca who felt the need to make three trips to the box tonight.  Thanks, Mike.

Mike @ BB&R

by Mike @ MHH on Oct 13, 2007 9:38 PM MDT reply actions  

Re: Parker

I guess the only thing Parker's good for is taking shots to the head.  At least he's good at something, Jose Theodore...

I kid them both, I kid.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:41 PM MDT up reply actions  

Wrap-up

Great game by the Avalanche.  They owned the puck all night.

Everybody, with the exception of Brett Clark and Scott Parker, played well.  

My new favorite player on the team is Jeff Finger.  From this point on, if he's in the game, the official Mile High Hockey chant is "Give 'em da Finga!!"

I'll do a full recap tomorrow.  Thanks everybody for reading along, and thanks to Mike as always for his great participation.

by Joe Dunman on Oct 13, 2007 9:40 PM MDT reply actions  

Played well

Everyone played well except Parker. Clark has picked up his game, as has Skrastins. I have had some tough words for Skrats lately also - great to see those two playing better. Liles also had his best game this year.

Never trust the lunch lady.

by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Oct 13, 2007 11:36 PM MDT up reply actions  

Re: Played well

I saw Clark bungle too many passes and fail to pick up his man too many times for me to consider the game a success for him.

Liles, however, did indeed have an excellent game.  He even had a couple of good hits!

by Joe Dunman on Oct 14, 2007 5:32 AM MDT up reply actions  

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