Game 47: Blackhawks 2, Avalanche 1 (SO)

by Joe Dunman on Jan 19, 2008 4:51 AM MST in NHL News

Now that Sakic, Smyth and Stastny are all out with injuries, I'm almost willing to accept the fact that the Avalanche aren't going to win many more games for a while. The offense, though deep on paper, is now largely composed of young, inexperienced players who can't be expected to carry an NHL team by themselves.

Considering the odds against them, the Avalanche did pretty well against the Chicago Blackhawks, despite losing the game in a shootout, 2-1. Chicago never had more than eight shots on goal in any period, and Jose Theodore had another strong game, stopping 22 of 23 on the night. The only goal he allowed during regulation was scored by Calder Trophy favorite Patrick Kane at the 2:31 mark in the first period. Less than six minutes later, Andrew Brunette evened it up.

The rest of the game was a relatively evenly-matched standoff.

Unfortunately for the Avs, Theodore, who normally excels in shootouts, didn't quite have it against the 'Hawks, allowing Kane and Robert Lang to score while only Milan Hejduk was able to net one for Colorado. No hard feelings, though.

At this point, considering the injuries and the coaching ineptitude the Avalanche have to contend with this season, I'm pretty much content with any game that results in at least a point in the standings. Colorado is still right in the thick of things in the Northwest, and the season is still just over half over. Sakic, Smyth and Stastny will return, so not all is lost---yet. Let's all hope for the best.

Stars of the Game:

Robert Lang (0g, 0a)

Andrew Brunette (1g, 0a)

Patrick Kane (1g, 0a)

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Comments

I'll take the point

but i have to admit when i saw the game went into a shootout i thought we had the win since it seems to be Theo's saving grace as a goalie, he's probably one of the best shootout goalies currently in the NHL but alas it was not to be, at least the oilers and wild lost as well but the flames destroyed LA 6-1 which wasn't suprising but bad for us.

by Savage33 on Jan 19, 2008 6:23 AM MST reply actions

We still in 8th place?

I'll take the point, we played pretty well. I'd like wo see Wolski score a bit more.

by James @ Mile High Hockey on Jan 19, 2008 8:00 AM MST reply actions

In order to score...

Wolski has to start taking shots. Again last night he passed up too many shooting opportunities trying to set up someone else. He needs to be a little more selfish and shoot first and let his wingman pick up any rebounds.

I understand it's going to be harder to find goals, but we still should score more than one a night. But I will take a 1-1 regulation game right now. Just one more OT game last season and we'd have made the playoffs. Yes I would love to see us win more, but if we can at least gets points out of most of our games we might be able to stay in this thing until the "S" squad returns.

On the injury note, Cuminsky is also currently out with a groin injury...hope it's not a "sakic" style groin injury.

by Americanario on Jan 19, 2008 8:20 AM MST up reply actions

A glimmer of good news

if you want to consider it that. The Denver Post said yesterday that Sauer could return...before the season is over. However, they also said that he should start practices again soon. Apparently he had whiplash, not a concussion. Smyth's recovery is on-time.

by Rather Dashing on Jan 19, 2008 9:27 AM MST reply actions

I'd read the opposite

on Sauer. That it was a concussion that was initially diagnosed as a neck injury. They said he tried to skate a week or so ago and left the ice with dizzyness. Can whiplash do that?

Mike @ MHH

by Mike @ MHH on Jan 19, 2008 11:05 AM MST up reply actions

I don't know...

but that's what The Denver Post said. He is supposed to practice again on Monday.

by Rather Dashing on Jan 19, 2008 11:54 AM MST up reply actions

Cool.

I think we've missed him on the blueline.

Mike @ MHH

by Mike @ MHH on Jan 19, 2008 12:08 PM MST up reply actions

Nurse Ratchet says....

Whiplash can absolutely cause dizziness. Vertigo is also common. Of course there's different degrees of whiplash but post-injury symptoms like muscle spasms, inflamation, nerve irritation can cause all sorts of central nervous system problems.

Unfortunately, some whiplash injuries can also precipitate further cervical problems down the road. On the otherhand, there can also be complete recovery from a whiplash injury. Hopefully the latter will be true for Sauer.

by Rookie14 on Jan 19, 2008 11:29 PM MST up reply actions