Game 33: Avalanche At Kings, Preview And Open Thread
by Joe Dunman on Dec 17, 2007 11:33 AM MST
in NHL News
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Let me start by apologizing for my recent absenteeism. Failing to post the game threads for the last two games is inexcusable, and purely a result of poor time management. I've been busy lately, no doubt, but I still had time to take care of the blog and didn't do so. Again, very sorry.
Now, as for the Avalanche, there's a lot going on.
They start another two-game road trip (last week was Columbus and Nashville) tonight against the Kings in Los Angeles and then head to Anaheim to face the Ducks on Wednesday before coming back to Denver for an extended home stand.
The Kings, as always, suck something awful. The Avalanche, on the other hand, have been playing pretty well, especially some guy named Peter Budaj, who had two superb games against Nashville on last Thursday and Saturday nights. He is expected to start again tonight in L.A.
As for the rest of the team, some injuries have healed while others are new. Ian Laperriere and Jordan Leopold are back in the lineup, even though I probably just jinxed Leoprone to another wrist injury just by mentioning his name. Not in the lineup will be Joe Sakic, whose Super Groin must really be damaged, considering that he's missed eight games. Also hurt, and worse than earlier reported, is Kurt Sauer, who is showing concussion symptoms despite the team claiming a "neck injury" for days. Brad Richardson is out with a sore shoulder. And, to the relief of some, Tyler Arnason will be out for four weeks after surgery on a Leoprone-esque fractured wrist. The full injury report is here.
Would-be power forward Cody McLeod has been called up from Lake Erie to fill the open spot on the offensive roster for the Avalanche, but no telling which line he'll end up on.
Roster topics aside, the Avalanche now have their second two-game winning streak in the past five games, and will look to extend it against two weaker Pacific Division teams in the Kings and Ducks. But, both games are on the road, and lord knows the Avs suck horribly on the road.
Maybe they'll turn it around? Who knows?
No promises on me showing up for the game thread, but it's not like I'm really needed anymore. Thanks again to all the participants who have kept the past few threads going in my absence. It's hugely appreciated!
The game starts tonight at 8:30 PM Mountain time, 10:30 PM Eastern.
ESPN preview.
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he's alive!
worth mentioning: Crawford and the Kings are out to get Smyth tonight: http://www.insidesocal.com/kings/200...
Hopefully Parker, Lappy, McCormick and McLeod all dress and come ready to fight. recalling the last time Crawford talked about an Avs player this way, this could get nasty to say the least.
crawford
can suck the big one. I can't believe I thought he was cool coach as a teenager watching the Avs.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Dec 17, 2007 1:56 PM MST up reply actions
Re: he's alive
What the hell? Did the Kings not bother to actually view the replay of the play? Smyth fell down and his stick fell under him, hitting the goalie in the ribs. It wasn't even close to intentional, it was a freak accident that only happened because Smyth was playing in front of the crease (where he ALWAYS plays) and a Kings player knocked him down.
Looks like Crawford is up to his old tricks.
The good news is, with Arny and Richardson out, there's definitely room for Parker to play tonight, not that Lappy couldn't handle it on his own. And McCormick will be there, too, so there's not much to worry about.
There's one thing I've always noticed.
Over the years, I've discovered that the Avs suck BALLS when they play in California. I think it might have something to do with the high altitude here (1 mile, 5280 ft.) and the ridiculously low altitude there (like 100ft. max). Maybe they just don't get acclimated enough. They really do suck in Cali.
Budaj better be in net tonight.
btw, was anyone else worried when Leopold started giving high fives after he scored his goal? I thought he was gonna sprain a wrist or something... lol
by Mike the Avs Fan on Dec 17, 2007 2:19 PM MST reply actions
Re: There's one thing...
I almost expected Coach Q to be swatting their arms out of the air so they couldn't touch Leoprone.
Then again, that would involve Q paying attention to what his players are doing. Not gonna happen.
Bubble wrap
I think we should encase Leo in bubble wrap. It would have the added benefit of sounding awsome when he gets forechecked. On a serious note, he looked really good against Nashville in the last game.
Re: Bubble wrap
Whatever his faults may be (he hasn't played enough for me to really know yet), Leoprone sure looks like he loves the game of hockey. He looks like he wants to be out there really bad.
That counts for something. We can't even get that much out of Tyler Arnason.
Re: Low Altitude
I suppose they are pretty used to managing the changes in atitude but I'd think it still affect them. I'm originally from L.A. When I first moved to CO. 7,000 feet was brutal; took me a good week to get used to the high altitude. The times I've been back to L.A. the lack of altitude has affected me the same way.
Just another reason so few big music acts come to Denver, it's difficult to sing with NO OXYGEN ha.
crow's an idiot
I think someone should exact revenge on his hair. I have always believed that he, Burke and May were all highly culpable in what happened to Moore. And don't even get me started on what a crock it was that the Avs signed May after that incident.
Given how awful the Kings are, maybe it would be a decent opportunity to dress Parker along with McCormick and Lappy to make sure things don't get out of hand.
One other Avservation from the last few games, it is refreshing to not see this number 39 character coughing the puck up all over the rink.
Let the Revenge Begin!
I can't wait to see Jack MF Johnson lay a crushing hit on Ryan, smack the "Y" out of his last name, send him through the glass and back up to Alberta!
by DodgerBlueBalls on Dec 17, 2007 8:43 PM MST up reply actions
What else could I say...
...after my Kings get B-slapped in the 1st so bad.
I'm not here to "troll." I actually like the Avs, when they're not playing the Kings. I was a huge Nordiques fan while growing up, and thus, Barnaby Joe is one of my favorite players to watch. I think it's REALLY cool how Paul Stastny plays for the same "franchise" that his Dad & Uncles used to play for.
However, the Kings are my favorites, and if you all don't like chatting about hockey with fans from other teams, I respect that & will split...
by DodgerBlueBalls on Dec 17, 2007 9:35 PM MST up reply actions
Re: What else...
You're welcome if you can refrain from wishing bodily harm on Ryan Smyth. Hoping that any player gets injured is not going to fly around here.
Other than that, feel free to comment away. Just know that you're in "enemy territory," so to speak.
Thanks Joe!
My remarks about Ryan were exaggerated, and I certainly don't hope uneccesary harm ever falls on any player (well, maybe except for any Red Wing or Duck). I actually appreciate Smyth's hard nosed style, and back in the day, would always root for Edmonton over Calgary in the "Battle of Alberta."
Like I said, I do enjoy the Avs, just not when they're playing the Kings. Hopefully, I can come back and talk about some good Avalanche hockey with you all when they're playing a different team. Like the Ducks, for example? :-)
by DodgerBlueBalls on Dec 17, 2007 9:49 PM MST up reply actions
Well
I'd say that was a pretty good first period. 3-0 on the scoreboard, 16-4 in shots on goal, and just one penalty for too many men.
Let's hope it continues.
Pressure
The Avs have really kept up the pressure, and continue to out-shoot the Kings in the second period.
Uh, what the hell
How did Jeff Finger get called for a penalty? He got smashed by Dustin Brown.
Oh, holding after the hit. Oops.
Nervous
The Kings put some serious pressure on the Avs during that last PP. But the Avs had some good clears and some great saves.
Forechecking
Hensiiick looked good on that shift. He was all over the Kings behind their net. He looks more confident with every game he plays.
Man
LaBarbera has really stepped up in this period. The score should be 5-0 or worse right now, but he's been solid.
Second period
The period ends with half a Kings' PP remaining, and they look more dangerous with every passing shift. The Kings have gotten some really great shots on goal.
I won't mention the Avalanche goalie's name for fear of jinxing him, but there have been some huge saves made in the second.
It's now after midnight where I'm at, and I have work tomorrow, so I'm calling it a night.
Go Avs! Keep up the rout!
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