Game 72: Oilers At Avalanche, Preview And Open Thread
by Joe Dunman on Mar 13, 2008 11:24 AM MDT
in NHL News
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The Avs are in good shape right now. Calgary lost last night, and so did Vancouver, which leaves Colorado in a tie for the top spot in the Northwest Division going into tonight's game against surprisingly resilient Edmonton. The Oilers have been pretty hot lately, and a win against the Avs would compliment their continued good fortunes. Luckily for the Avs, though, the Oilers seem to only win in overtime, which means a point in the standings for our boys and that would still help.
As far as injuries go, Ryan Smyth and Ruslan Salei both participated in a "scaled-down practice" on Wednesday and appear to be ready and/or just about ready to return. Salei's eye is improving and Smyth's concussion symptoms are gone.
Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg remain mysteries, though, since neither skated on Wednesday and the team has played its usual hall of mirrors injury report routine. Coach Q seemed optimistic about Foppa coming back, but his status has still not been confirmed as of this posting. Foote's condition is also unknown.
Definitely not returning soon is Jordan Leopold, who I actually feel really sorry for. The guy's been injured more than Matt Hoffman. He might be made out of glass, but he's not a bad defenseman (usually) and a pretty nice guy (always), from what I've heard. Hopefully next season he can finally toss aside his Leoprone nickname.
Finally, since the game tonight is against the Oilers, Tyler Arnason has no excuse not to score four goals and lead his team to a brilliant, dominating victory. Arnason, the offensive machine that he is, has 2 points in his last 15 games, which totally explains why Wojtek Wolski (9 points in his last 15) and Jaroslav Hlinka (8 points in his last 15) have been healthy scratches while Arny's spot on the ice has never been at risk. I guess Coach Q was just warming him up for the predictable Oilers-killing onslaught that he's so well-known for.
The game starts at 7:30 PM Mountain time, 9:30 PM Eastern. If you're not at the game you had better be here. And even if you're at the game, take a laptop---it's just not the same here without you.
ESPN preview.
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How uncool would that be
Dallas has ice girls and eye candy in the stands (that is what the announcers called it, not the honey cam, iirc), the Avs will have geeks with laptops.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 13, 2008 11:38 AM MDT reply actions
No Forsberg tonight, or Foote, or Smyth
Just listened to the pre-game press conference, Forsberg isn't practicing and will not be playing tonight. Nor will Smyth. Salei is a game time decision and Foote is more than likely not playing either. And I got tix for the game, damn.
by Fletch @ Mile High Hockey on Mar 13, 2008 1:27 PM MDT reply actions
Re: No Forsberg
Thanks for the update. If Foote, Forsberg and Smyth need to sit out another game to be 100% later on, well, that's okay with me.
The Avs can still beat Edmonton without them.
Is Wolski Playing?
What does that kid have to do to stay in the lineup? Hat tricks every other night? You can tell Q is riding his ass due to his play style and comments. Damn shame.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Mar 13, 2008 1:36 PM MDT reply actions
NW division news - Vancouver -
Ohlund is out for the season with knee surgery. Big blow to Vancouver's back end. Luango got yanked last night and it doesn't look like there's much help on the way for Vancouver on the blue line. They could nose-dive rather quickly.
you are the one who apparently needs
a net nanny. In a bad way. ;)
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 13, 2008 2:34 PM MDT up reply actions
Re:
There was nothing I could do to stop myself.
Coincidentally, that's what got Spitzer in trouble. Zing!
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 13, 2008 3:07 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: NW division news
Not to mention Pronger stomping on their players with his skate. What an Ass.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Mar 13, 2008 2:25 PM MDT up reply actions
I saw that
The Fanhouse has a post about it:
http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/...
That's some bullshit. Pronger and that whole team of his can suck it.
Re: I saw that
Off to the Game
Sorry guys, the laptop is at home and well, I don't look like that girl in the picture, so no big deal. Anyway, hope you all have a good game!
Go Avs!!!
Enough Alcohol
and even Joe might look like the girl above...
Ok maybe not.
by Americanario on Mar 13, 2008 7:32 PM MDT up reply actions
FYI-eye strain on NHL Network
NHL Network is showing the LE Monsters vs. Grand Rapids and the Monsters are wearing those abominations of tie-dye.
So, if anybody was needing a reason to get hammered, at least you'll have a reason...
Watched the first period of that game
we were getting killed, so I decided to watch some NCAA basketball. Bummed I won't be able to catch the game tonight. I'll be lurking around here some more, seeing if anything interesting goes on.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Mar 13, 2008 6:32 PM MDT up reply actions
Its over!!
Kovalchuk gets a hat trick as he ices it on the power play with 1 minute left. Calgary losses 4-6 since they douched themselves taking a late interfernce penalty. pumps fist
epic meltdown
lol flamers. The Douche must be mouthing off.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Mar 13, 2008 7:27 PM MDT up reply actions
Wow
the Steve Ott thread got to triple digits! btw, one of you has to have photoshop, you should make a "doucherade" that looks a little more realistic than mine. Maybe then Joe can use it in his recaps or something.
"In the first period, Todd Fedoruk took a run at Peter Forsberg, looks like Todd has been drinking a little too much doucherade lately"
Or something like that lmao
by Mike the Avs Fan on Mar 13, 2008 7:14 PM MDT reply actions
OH HELL F-ING YEAH!
WOOT! Atlanta up 6-4 in the third. Kovie has a hat trick AND he's on my fantasy team! I think I just might get past the 1st round now thanks to that hattie.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Mar 13, 2008 7:30 PM MDT reply actions
son of a bitch
dammit lose minny lose!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Mar 13, 2008 7:35 PM MDT up reply actions
New Jersey
Trying to screw the avs by giving Minny a power play with a minute left.
Nashville
They must really hate the remaining schedule. They are trying to catch a northwest team for the playoffs yet with all the northwest games, they will gain on one team but lose ground on another. Not to mention possible 3 point games.
And
The Wild are totally owning the Devils in OT so far. They're all over Brodeur, but no luck so far.
GOOOAAAALLL!!!
Hlinka makes an awesome steal, scores big time! Huge unassisted goal!
Now who's the Oilers killer?
Take that!
Suck it, Bob in Boulder, Hlinka is the man!
Seriously, though...how can you not see the guy's talent? Two excellent scoring chances in the 1st, a nice assist for Finger's goal, and now a laser for the 2nd. QUENNEVILLE, STOP MESSING AROUND AND KEEP THE GUY IN THE LINEUP!
(Oh, and Arnason just scored and the shootout in Minny went our way. And effing Dallas lost and all seems bright in the world.)
by Dan Winkler on Mar 13, 2008 8:41 PM MDT reply actions
Hlinka Hlovers Rejoice!
Yes, two huge plays by the Hlinkster. But, in those
Two excellent scoring chances in the 1st,
Why did you fail to mention that he missed the net on both?
Strange night indeed. Hlinka, Arny and Wolski. Maybe even Wyatt "make Dater set himself on fire" Smith would have scored last night?
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 14, 2008 12:57 PM MDT up reply actions
Any time
... Minnesota goes up 2-0 and walks away with a point, I'm happy.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Mar 13, 2008 8:45 PM MDT up reply actions
SONUVA BIOTCH
Arnason scored, now Q man crush will go off the charts again as we watch his terrible passing and low chance shooting.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Mar 13, 2008 8:47 PM MDT reply actions
Another goal because of Coach Q
Too many men on the ice = coaching error
Oilers score on the power play, score now 3-1
That
was a pretty lucky goal. Somehow it squeezed between Budaj's pad and glove.
I don't know if I'd call it luck
when Salei got pwned on the rush and neither Finger or Guite picked up the late man. At least they have an excuse with the man advantage.
Nucks hate offense
Yotes putting the canucks under siege. 1st period shots PHX 24, VAN 7. 0-0 score.
But love brawling
If the box score is anything to go by:
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Mar 13, 2008 8:58 PM MDT up reply actions
Davy Jones!
Davy Jones scores!!! GARRRRR! There's a pirate on our team?
I havet to think...
.. The puck went to Davy Jones locker
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 13, 2008 10:32 PM MDT up reply actions
SAVED! GOAL ON THE PP!
That's two kittens spared!
Jones with his second of the season. Arnason and Brunette with the helpers.
Wolski!
Great breakaway goal, pickup your jock Roloson
"Wolski doesn't play a lot ...
... but when he does, he scores a lot of goals." - The Edmonton announcers.
Stupid, stupid, stupid Q.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Mar 13, 2008 9:05 PM MDT up reply actions
GOOOOAALLLL!!
Wolski with a superb breakaway goal!
First place in the Northwest, third in the West, here they come!
5-1!!
Hemsky
he missed his breakaway but man he's fast, Cogliano too.... If Edmonton can manage to keep their young talent their going to be real good in a couple of years.
It's Misfit Night at the Can
Hlinka, Arny and Wolski (oh my!)
by Dan Winkler on Mar 13, 2008 9:13 PM MDT reply actions
Scary Speed
in this game tonight. Most of it from the Oil, but some of the Avs players (Wolski especially) must have drunk a Red Bull during the intermission.
Anybody know the shot count so far? Wait, I know, I know... Avs-25, Oil-12. That's what I'm talking about!
My only beef with that period (other than the PP goal against) was the Altiboobs going on about the offensive explosion in the last two games. It was the Thrashers and the Oilers fellas. Let's try to inject a LITTLE bit of level-headed observation into the discussion, 'kay?
amen
thought it's always a dogfight with the oilers.... and for whatever reason this game seems infinitely more entertaining than that Atlanta borefest the other night
Probably
cuz there's more than one line of talent on the Oil. If they had anything RESEMBLING a blueline, they'd be neck deep in the insane race in the NW, and have a legit shot at the Playoffs.
Atlanta, not so much.
BTW...
who are we supposed to pull for in the 'Nucks-'Yotes game tonight? I'm torn....
... like and old sweater!
Re: scoreboard
They are now third. They have a superior win percentage than Calgary now that the Flames have played the same number of games.
oh yeah
didn't you know who Salei was before he came to the Avs? Geez, what is wrong with you?!?! Arrrrggghh, I hate everything!!
Re: oh yeah
Yeah, I don't keep track of every single player on every single team all season long. Fucking sue me.
My favorite
was when he bashed Joe for that, saying that he should get Center Ice so that he'd be able to watch Florida games. Like anybody PAYS to watch Panthers games...
Re: My favorite
I have Center Ice so I can watch Avalanche games. All I get at home is Nashville, Columbus and whatever Eastern Conference matchup is on Versus each night.
hmmmm
that brandon17 guy should join him, he's seriously overdosing on the doucherade (brilliant new one btw, I wish I had photoshop lol)
by Mike the Avs Fan on Mar 13, 2008 10:16 PM MDT up reply actions
GMC commerical
If I have to hear Coach Q say "it's time for a line change" one more time, I might kill a kitten myself.
They've played that stupid commercial ALL SEASON LONG. What commercial runs for six straight months?
Thats it!!
Thats why Wolski keeps getting those healthy scratches. Its not Q's wife or anything. Its that Wolski refuses to drive a GMC vehicle. Q is contractually obligated to scratch him until he has to play him.
That's discrimination
I'm pretty sure there's no G in the Polish language. Wolly is at a disadvatage. He thinks the first part of GMC is some wierd sanskrit or something...
Quick
Post a picture feature some beautiful chick with some ridiculously overpriced computer equipment to wake everybody up!
True
I did. However, you HAVE set a rather high standard with the first pic in the thread, so you only have yourself to blame.
I don't see it
The computer equipment that is...
by Americanario on Mar 13, 2008 10:03 PM MDT up reply actions
No,
that small dial indicates the placement of the decimal. You're off by an order of magnitude.
(Oh god, I must be tired, I'm making engineering jokes now...)
dude
it's the top right of the pic, it's a floating computer screen or something lol
by Mike the Avs Fan on Mar 13, 2008 10:18 PM MDT up reply actions
Floating monitors
I just see her playing with a joy stick....
by Americanario on Mar 13, 2008 10:47 PM MDT up reply actions
All D all the time
The Avs have switched to no offense mode. Looks like they're content to just run out the clock.
I'm not so sure
I looks like Guite-Lappy-Wolski all look like they're still trying to score some more...
This game
was all 2nd period. Now its, let Budaj shake off the cobwebs mode.
The standouts
in the second period were Hlinka and Jones. The 3rd looks to belong to Guite and Lappy, for entirely different reasons.
Uhhh...
...this frivolity is all well and good, but should I be worried that Stastny hasn't taken a shift in awhile? And that the Altitude clowns haven't mentioned it?
by Dan Winkler on Mar 13, 2008 9:53 PM MDT reply actions
Altitude
They probably would have said something if he was injured. Everytime I look up at the tv McLeod is on the ice.
The two grinder lines
were getting double shifted a ton in the last 10 minutes of the third. Lots of Cody's and Lappy's lines.
Re: Uhhh
Well, the Avs are up 5-1 and Stastny isn't really needed too much. I assume Coach Q is resting him rather than punishing him. I don't think he's hurt---I thought I saw him on the bench.
Well...
...I sure didn't think it was punishment, just worried about an injury. Both Sakic and Hejduk have taken shifts when Stats hasn't...that worries me. Bob in Boulder called from the game to ask if Altitude had said anything about it, and to say that he didn't see Statsny on the bench. (He also called to apologize for his Hlinka criticisms, and apology I graciously accepted.)
But seriously, folks...where's #26?
by Dan Winkler on Mar 13, 2008 10:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Wait, WHAT???
Are you and Bob dating now? He has to call from a game to apologize? Somebody is whipped!
No, nothing
I'M certainly not going to call you a derogatory sexist name or tell you to carry a purse. You're not from Dallas, after all.
Re: Well...
Coach Q: "Paul, you've had a great game. Take the rest of the night off."
Stastny: "Thanks. I'm gonna go play Rock Band."
Hit king
David Jones leads the team in hits again tonight. Four so far.
The kid hits and scores. He's Ben Guite on crack.
Oh, and Salei in the box, Oilers get their fifth power play.
The only problem
is that #2 star to Arny means he'll be a starter in an Avs uni until the Mayan calander rolls over to Armageddon.
Great win
Dominant win, partly due to Tyler Arnason. I see he reads Mile High Hockey.
Avs move into a full two-point lead in the Northwest standings. Peter Budaj had a great game.
Three stars, selected by Dater:
- David Jones
- Tyler Arnason
- Jaroslav Hlinka
Ha, they can't interview Hlinka because he doesn't know English. They're interviewing Jones instead.
And Jones is complimenting his mentor Joe Sakic, the worst captain in the league and a terrible burden to his team.
Re: Great win
I'm pretty sure he mentioned how Sakic was in the 'steep decline' portion of his career too.
How dare he...
that does it he'll surely be sent back down so Q can bring Hensiiick back up. Oh wait, it might be Boychuk's turn.
by Americanario on Mar 13, 2008 10:07 PM MDT up reply actions
don't forget
I know Jillson is a D-man but he needs some ice time. Have him play center, screw it.
Cuminsky...
could share the trip back to Lake Erie to make room for Jillson. Or maybe Hlinka will go back to the press box and Jillson will play wing.
by Americanario on Mar 13, 2008 10:12 PM MDT up reply actions
No way
Coach Q would totally get a new contract with all of his abstract impressionist line combinations.
Thankfully
it doesn't really matter for me. My second place regular season finish netted me a first round bye this week... Still, it'll give my team (The Thundering Cameltoes) some confidence heading into round 2.
Re: Thankfully
"The Thundering Cameltoes," huh? Back in college, my dorm took write-in suggestions for a new mascot. I proposed "The Enormous Throbbing Sausages," but for some reason it wasn't on the final ballot.
It coulda been a contendah.
yeah
my team didn't make it that far, it got the #5 seed so I have to work to get in to the semis :P lol. Anyway, Kovalchuk and Spezza totally helped me out tonight 5 goals 1 assist between them, not bad, especially since I was tied in the goals cat.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Mar 13, 2008 10:22 PM MDT up reply actions
I won the regular season
also getting the first round bye. Good thing too, me team wouldn't be doing so hot this week.
by Americanario on Mar 13, 2008 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions
Stastny
Nothing said about Stastny during the post game. It shouldn't be a big deal.
So my internet went out
and I followed the game on my cell phone. Based on skimming some comments, I'd say we did pretty well tonight. Nothing really to add, just killing time skimming blogs and figured I'd drop in.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Mar 14, 2008 1:13 AM MDT reply actions
Game
Jillson (sp) was skating before the game in the warm up, so was Footer. Smyth was not (big deal).
Oiler killer anyone - SuperStar Arny!!!!
BTW - Theo was not looking so hot (he let in shot after shot after...)in the skate while Budaj was looking awesome.
Next game I predict Footer in, Smyth in, Forsberg (so much for the "Forse" being with the Avs) out.
wow
what are you guys doing up so late? i really need to go to sleep now........stupid english assignments...
by Mike the Avs Fan on Mar 14, 2008 1:31 AM MDT up reply actions
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