WCQ Game 1: Avalanche At Wild, Preview Omnibus And Open Thread
by Joe Dunman on Apr 9, 2008 7:38 AM MDT
in NHL News
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Let's get this going early, shall we? The game tonight doesn't start until 7:00 PM Mountain time, but the anticipation, anxiousness, and sheer joy of the postseason started a week ago, at least for me. It's time to get crazy.
Anything less than the Stanley Cup is a failure.
First of all, let me get this out of the way. The Wild are a boring team. They play a boring system of defense-first trapping. Sure, you could argue that the Avs play a similar style and scored a similar number of goals as the Wild this season, but I don't care. That doesn't make the Wild exciting. It makes the Avs boring, too.
I stand by what I wrote in my cameo appearance on The Pensblog yesterday:
Watching the Minnesota Wild play hockey is like watching the New Jersey Devils play hockey. Sleep-inducing. At least the Devils have some great history and three spots on the side of the Stanley Cup. The Wild, not so much. The Avalanche have history, too, but they had to dig it out of the graveyard just to make the playoffs. But even in zombie form, Peter Forsberg is still a better hockey player than Marian Gaborik. 14 points in 9 games, all played on a weak groin and a bionic ankle. Add to the mix Foppa's hall-mates at the nursing home, Adam Foote and Joe Sakic, and we're talking about a killer lineup---for 2001. If the granddads can keep their bodies in one piece, Paul Stastny survives the pressure of his first playoff series, and Jose Theodore's Pimp Cane remains strong, the Avs should beat the Wild in six games. From there it's anyone's guess.
If the Avs are going to win this series, they have to overcome the knee jerk tendency to sit back in their own zone and run out the clock. Coach Quenneville loves that crap but the players have to ignore him and play their fast, crash-the-net style of offense they know they're good at. As for things they're not good at, the power play needs to come alive like right now.
And Peter Forsberg needs to strap a couple more layers of duct tape around his foot and ankle. If the Avs are up 3 games to none on Tuesday, April 15th, only then can he take a game off. If the series is even somewhat close going into that game, he better be on the ice or in the hospital.
Sure, some people are predicting the Wild in six, but we all know better. We know the Wild are vulnerable, and weaker on defense with the loss of both Nick Schultz and Kurtis Foster. And we know they're mentally vulnerable, because Ian Laperriere made Marian Gaborik go freaking ballistic and the Minnesota media wet themselves. The Wild are fragile and self-conscious, and probably stupid enough to waste a lineup spot on Derek Boogaard. The Avs need to exploit that.
The Avs are stronger on defense than they've been most of the season. Everybody except Brett Clark is healthy, and Clark isn't being missed all that much. Jose Theodore's fighting for his very career in net, and he's been money for half the season, so I doubt we'll have to worry about him. Even if he falters, the Avs still have Peter Budaj, and he's no Curtis Sanford.
Up front, the offense has been firing pretty well, with Joe Sakic, Paul Stastny, Milan Hejduk and Forsberg all playing really well together. Wojtek Wolski's going to have to play like he's never played before, and both Tyler Arnason and Ryan Smyth are going to have to come out of hibernation. David Jones just needs to be happy he's still on the team. Ben Guite and Lappy need to be in full shut-down mode all series long---but seeing baby Gaborik freak out like he did the other night, that obviously won't be a problem.
Coach Q needs to turn over all coaching duties to Adam Foote and Super Joe immediately.
And Terry Frei needs to shut up and pick a better time to bring up this kind of crap. Seriously, that couldn't wait until after the playoffs? Terry, I dig most of your stuff, but right now you're being a jackass. As for Woody Paige, is he still in the fifth grade? Does he let his kids write his columns now? Go back to that Around The Horn sketch comedy show on ESPN and use those cheesy one liners on somebody who cares.
This is playoff time. No gimmicks, no cheese, no bullshit.
This guy is ready for the playoffs. He was born ready. Were you?
The game starts at 7:00 PM Mountain time, 9:00 PM Eastern. I want to see everyone and their mother participating in this game thread. Let's do this.
ESPN preview.
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Comments
Let's see
Linkage to several preview articles? CHECK
Call out Woody Paige? CHECK
Call out Terry Frei? CHECK
Throwing opposing team's media under the bus? CHECK
Playoff cliches abound? CHECK
Pointing out opposing teams flaws? CHECK
Demonstrate intensity with mildly creepy fan image? CHECK
Yes sir, the playoffs, they are HERE!!
PS. I tweaked your title. I felt it fitting for a preview thread with (3) images, (3) preview links, (2) examples of media crap links, about 2 dozen digs on Marion Gaborik and his teammates, and the coup de grace, a blockquote of your own work. Well done sir, well done.
Re: Let's see
I literally spent like six whole minutes writing it, too. That's got to be some kind of record.
More reading fodder
Here's an article ranking the playoff goalies. Backstrom and Theo come in 10th and 11th, respectively.
Toronto Sun Goalie Article
Even if you don't agree with the article, at least todays SUN girl is pretty easy on the eyes...
Price
Price is ranked above them even though he's a rookie. But he gets bonus points because he plays for the same team that Patrick Roy and Ken Dryden did 15 and 35 years ago.
I mean with pedigree like that I can't believe they didn't rank him #1. What were they thinking. I'm sure the ghost of Patrick Roy and Dryden are embedded inside Price.
Wait neither of those guys are dead yet? errr umm.
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 8:57 AM MDT up reply actions
Re: Price
And don't forget how high they ranked Kipper. The guy's been garbage off and on all season and has a dubious record in the playoffs. That definitely makes him one of the best!!
I forget the quote
but Woody trashed hockey on ATH on Monday. It's brutal to watch him, and even worse to read him. Can't we trade him to Calgary or something?
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 8:58 AM MDT reply actions
Calgary trade
Hopefully we can trade him for a columnist that is injured as often as leoprone
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 9:09 AM MDT up reply actions
Why I love my wife, part 2,059
I just went home on my lunch break and there's an Avalanche flag hanging off our front porch!
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 10:10 AM MDT reply actions
Impossible
I find it hard to believe there are 2,057 better reasons than nooners
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Well, that flag
had to lead to something, I suppose. So, when not in the mood does she hang up a Red Wing flag somewhere? Or a picture of Darren McCarty?
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 9, 2008 10:49 AM MDT up reply actions
heh
she's actually really sensitive to the superstitions, even if I am not (she said she'll take down the flag tomorrow if the Wild win tonight).
I, of course, am wearing one of my Avs jerseys today and she's wearing her Roy jersey. Our son would be wearing one as well, but it's too small so my daughter is wearing it instead. The only jersey he had that fits? A Wild jersey. Personally, I would have let him wear it, but my wife was like "no way". Instead, he's wearing this T-shirt with a random "06" on it, in honor of Jeff Finger, of course.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 11:34 AM MDT up reply actions
Wild jersey
Why does your son have a wild jersey? And it better be a good reason like "He's 5 and likes Christmas," "It was a present from his grandma so we couldn't throw it away," Or "He went to Boogard's fighting school last summer"
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 11:47 AM MDT up reply actions
honestly
I don't really remember getting it. I like the Wild's jerseys, so it's not all that crazy that I would have done that. I have a lot of non-Avalanche jersey myself (including a Canucks jersey AND an Oilers jersey). Now that I think of it, I have a North Stars jersey as well.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 12:25 PM MDT up reply actions
As long
as we're talking jersey purchases for purely aesthetic reasons, I have no problems with those you named.
Wait, Canucks??? Which flavor of horrible Canucks jersey do you own? Keep in mind your answer may have grave consequences for the entire New England region...
Canucks
I actually like the current Canucks jerseys, they were one of the few that were and upgrade
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 12:35 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't know
Changing color schemes and adding 'Vancouver' across the top of a logo doesn't seem like much of an upgrade to me. Still, when you'd hit rock bottom* with the rainbow orca crap they were wearing, you have nowhere to go but up..
*Yes, I consider the V jersey below to be better than the multi-hued orca jersey pre-lockout. It's all about context people. The V rocked in it's day and age. The orca? Never was in the same zip code as cool...
Re: I don't know
+1 for the color scheme of the "new" Vancouver jerseys, but -2 for keeping the orca and cluttering the front with "Vancouver."
They should have just gone back to the best they ever had:
Orca
I like the orca, better than the stick in rink
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Blasphemy
Better than the stick in the rink? How dare you, sir!
by Dan Winkler on Apr 9, 2008 2:20 PM MDT up reply actions
in general
I think the Canucks have consistently featured the worst jerseys in the NHL. Lots of clubs have had some bad ones (including the current Avtrocities). The Canucks seem to be the one franchise where ALL of their jerseys are bad.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 1:04 PM MDT up reply actions
speaking of jerseys, but changing gears
Is there a more cool nickname for a hockey team than the Avalanche? And a less cool nickname than the Wild? So we've got that going for us.
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 9, 2008 1:15 PM MDT up reply actions
one less cool
Ducks. lamest. hockey. name. EVER.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 1:23 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't know about EVER
Weren't the Stars the 'Lone Stars' for a few minutes?
To quote Airheads:
How do you pluralize Lone?
yep
that's it. love it in all its tacky glory! and the Oilers is the old 3rd jerseys that Todd MacFarlane designed.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: yep
This one?
You know, this one was voted as the best third jersey logo over at NHL Logos blog. I don't really understand why, but congratulations to it.
I wouldn't say best ever
but I do dig it.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions
I Dig it too
even though I'm not much of a McFarlane fan these days. I grew out of the artist phase and into a writer phase. Matt Fraction = badass.
I tried to get the Pylons into the Oilers 3rds, but our league has a plethora of dark blue jerseys. That's why I opted for the powder blue. Classy and Cool. Plus we were like 6 months ahead of the Winter Classic...
Re: Well, that flag
Just mentioning the name "Darren McCarty" in my house is the equivalent of 2000 cold showers.
General question for the group
Is home ice in the SCF based on seeding or points? For example, should the Avs make it to the SCF to face the Caps, would the Caps have home ice because they were a 3rd seed or would the Avs have home ice because they finished with more points?
home ice
determined by points. link (scroll all the way down)
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 11:30 AM MDT up reply actions
Gracias
So if I read things right, there are 4 teams in the East that the Avs would have home ice over in the SCF. I asked because we are conducting our Avs playoff ticket draft and I just chose the SCF home game 4. Very unlikely to happen, but if it does ...
Dan Winkler and I went to game 7 against the Devils in 2001. Needless to say, that was pretty fricken awesome.
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 9, 2008 11:37 AM MDT up reply actions
One of?
The only other one that comes close is Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals during the first Stanley Cup season. I was at that one, too. ;-)
by Dan Winkler on Apr 9, 2008 2:25 PM MDT up reply actions
yay!
That's awesome. That guy always screwed us over.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 12:31 PM MDT up reply actions
Fraser
That list makes me think of Haynes yelling.
KERRY FRASER YOU ARE AN IDIOT. God I love Haynes.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Apr 9, 2008 2:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Wooohoooooo!
Of course I was born ready! I'm an Avs fan, ALL of us should be born ready for this!
GO AVS!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 12:32 PM MDT reply actions
Actually
Anybody born read for an Avalanche playoff series would be, like, 12 years old now. I'm not sure they would bring much to the table on a site like this.
On second thought, that explains a ton of what's on the table on this site...
AHHH
I get home, and my DirecTV is down. If the repairman doesn't show up in time for playoffs, I will kill a man!
oh my
I don't even want to think about that possibility.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions
RATM
Here is something you cant understand,
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you cant understand,
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you cant understand,
How I could just kill a man
Here is something you cant understand
Well
You can always watch it using sopcast+vlc player. It's really simple. Or maybe they'll show it on hockeywebcasts.com, then you won't even have to download anything.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 1:59 PM MDT up reply actions
im shocked
by what uniform nerds you guys are. 50 posts mostly about that?!
back on topic, I predict a loss tonight. Obviously I hope the Avs win, but the Wild are gonna be super hyped with the home crowd and stuff.
Next game, that's the one we take.
Re: im shocked
I nearly deleted this comment simply because blasphemy shouldn't start the series. Let's wait to get cynical until at least game 3, okay?
HERETIC!!!
Ye shall burneth at the stake!!!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 2:27 PM MDT up reply actions
no u
While wearing fashionable clothing!
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Apr 9, 2008 2:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Let's get this freakin' show on the road!!!
I've been super hyper all day, as I walk around in my Sakic jersey. Two years is much too long to go without a playoff game. GO AVS!!!!!
T-minus 1 hour...
...Until Margarita time!
I am blowing off all my work tonight to watch these 4 games.
Hell yeah!
Same here! That's the playoff spirit!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions
Wow
The game is still more than 3 hours away and there's already 60 comments. I guess that means it's playoff time! Can't you just **feel** the electricity?
What's the record for most posts here anyway? I think it was when Foppa came back, around 200, I suppose?
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 3:30 PM MDT reply actions
Checking In
The playoff spirit is definitely catching! I wonder how I'll be able to convince Mike to switch back and forth between Preds and Avs.
I should know better than to even think that could happen... :-)
Go Preds! Go Avs!
Just noticed
Wow, what kind of fan am I? Just noticed the Preds don't play until tomorrow night, so no conflict of interest here!
Just post happy I guess...
May I suggest
hanging an Av banner on your porch?
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 9, 2008 4:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: May I suggest
"Hanging The Avs Banner" is hereby and forevermore a metaphor for consensual sexual intercourse during the mid-afternoon. Let it be written, let it be done.
Yep
Damn, I wish my future wife would agree to hang the Avs banner for me too....
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 4:48 PM MDT up reply actions
Re:
I'd let her...
Hang my Avs flag
(I like it!)
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 5:01 PM MDT up reply actions
I figured
I'd use a local girl (grew up in Boulder, even if she was born in Minnesota)
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 6:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: Methinks
I'll get to it as soon as I get done uploading Jessica Biel photos to my Flickr account.
New Poster
I lurk here quite a bit, but I was rather inspired by the "all hands on deck" call to participate in a game thread for the first time today. Let's go Avs!
by DenverSC on Apr 9, 2008 4:27 PM MDT reply actions
Welcome to the Show!
Please observe our site traditions:
1-goal deficit = 1 brewski
2 goal deficit = think 'pack' like 'six-pack'
3+ goal deficit = get hammered
Also, NO DISCUSSION OF JOE SAKIC RETIREMENT UNTIL THE PLAYOFFS ARE OVER!!!
Expect 2+ dead kitten sightings.
And before you ask, no, that wasn't a good coaching decision.
Thanks you and enjoy!
Great Rules
Ones that I already pretty much follow, in fact. WTF was Frei doing this morning with that article?! He can't save that **** for the offseason?
by DenverSC on Apr 9, 2008 4:50 PM MDT up reply actions
What about
DD's hetero life-partner Dario? Is he jumpin' in too? That would be wicked sweet. All hands indeed.
Commenter injury report
InYoFace: questionable (possilbe sportsbar requirement with friends).
Re: Commenter
Me + Laptop + Bar which girlfriend bartends at = Lame.
I have already had two friends drop out. I'm not going alone. I don't want to be "that guy".
Jibbles: Probably
Lower Body injury, I'll be visiting the Avs training Staff before gametime.
In all seriousness I think i'll be around tonight
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 4:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Question
What jersey do I wear tonight? Old Home (replica), Old Away (replica), our personalized 3rd (authentic)?
I'm leaning toward the 3rd, but we haven't fixed din-din yet, and if we have something sauce-based, that could spell disaster.
FUCK!
FUCK FUCK FUCK!
Now only half of my Directv channels are working properly, and wouldn't you know, the Center Ice Channels are the ones not working properly.
Oh well, at least I have Versus, but that doesn't help with the fucking Avs game.
Re: FUCK!
Call Direct TV RIGHT NOW and demand they fix that crap immediately. Seriously. You're paying for it.
Can't
Directv won't service us out here, we have a local company that does, and surprise, surprise, they close at five, what a bunch of fucktards
you can come to my house
if you REALLY hurry you can get from Indiana to NH tonight, right?
I'm around for pregame, but I'm a tivo guy so have to bolt as soon as 9pm hits. I don't want any spoilers.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 9, 2008 5:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Indiana
Where in IN are you located?
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Apr 9, 2008 5:48 PM MDT up reply actions
How bout that Pens game?
That has to be the loudest I've seen Mellon arena since Lemieux led them to ECF vs. the Devils in 2001. I don't think the old igloo can take much more of this! The foundation is about to blow it's so loud!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 5:38 PM MDT reply actions
Actually
The foundation would be the last thing to blow, and by the time the superstructure went, the energy would release and the foundation wouldn't feel any ill effects.
Unless you're talking about "rockin' the foundation!" in which case I totally nerded that up for ya...
Technically speaking...
Yes, of course the foundation would be ok. But I was just repeating what the commentator in that game said lol. He probably was thinking about "rockin' the foundation!" lol. I'm tired of the whole "the roof is gonna blow off!" cliche anyway...
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 5:56 PM MDT up reply actions
Hey Joe?
Will your blog handle all these comments? My little scrolling thingy on the right is already microscopic, and the game hasn't even started yet!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 6:05 PM MDT reply actions
Center ICE
For those of you who have Center ICe, what channel is the game on, I cannot find it on any channels?
Re 772
Is that NHL game 1, 2? It seems liek they have all been changed to MLB extra innings except two channels, neither of which show the game
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 6:16 PM MDT up reply actions
Nevermind...
Found it, the TiVo guide hadn't updated yet, so it was just TBD.
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 6:17 PM MDT up reply actions
Word
All hands on deck
Predicting huge game from Smyth tonight.. dude is going to earn some of that contract he signed this past summer during these playoffs
Hopefully
Smyth really needs to prove himself this series. As does Theodore, he is playing for his career pretty much. If he craps out now, I doubt anyone will look at what he did in the season and I definitely doubt the Avs will re-sign him then.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 6:21 PM MDT up reply actions
I Love
Watching east coast hockey. The ice is so open and play is up and down the ice with scoring chances. The Avs used to play like that. Here's hoping they find their east coast hearts for this Mild series.
My Gawd
20 minutes until game time. I have to say, this feels like a lifetime. I wish the game would start already. The suspense is killing me!
Woo hoo
Center Ice Online is running the Altitude feed, and it's on!
I can't believe we all had to wait two years for Avalanche playoff hockey.
AND
McNab is in postseason form.
"He may be, the best..." at least 2ce in the opening. MAn i love the playoffs.
I'm literaly giddy
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 7:05 PM MDT up reply actions
2 Years?
Y'all haven't made the playoffs for 2 years? Good to see I'm still paying lots of attention outside of my home state.
by HawkEye19 on Apr 9, 2008 7:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Puck drop
Game on!
Coach Q is going black grey and white with the tie tonight.
Forsberg starts the game on the ice.
Stastny takes the opening face off...and loses.
Lousy feed
I don't know about anybody else, but my online feed is blurry and choppy. Great.
The Wild are playing Boogaard but scratched Chris Simon. I guarantee Boogaard will not play more than one more game this series.
Unless I'm wrong.
Arnason down
It looked like Arnason got hurt on that hit. He tried to stand up and lost his balance. A hurt knee?
He's still on the bench, I think.
Thank you Avery
Avery makes it 3-1 Rangers. Avs feed should come on TSN/VS shortly...
by Shane @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 7:24 PM MDT reply actions
Ouch...
TSN just cut to the Avs game so I'm a happy man at least :)
by Shane @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 7:28 PM MDT up reply actions
TSN
TSN is carrying the game tonight. If you can lock in there you should be set.
by HawkEye19 on Apr 9, 2008 7:29 PM MDT up reply actions
Chances
The Avs just had some good chances, Sakic-Wolski-Hejduk were putting some serious pressure on Backstrom.
No dice.
GAAAH
wtf wtf wtf????? How is that boarding? That was as clean a check as I've ever seen!!!!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 7:26 PM MDT reply actions
What the fuck?
Brunette puts the same kind of hit on a Wild player that Minnesota has been putting on the Avs all night and Bruno gets called for boarding?!
I know it's lame to whine about the officials, but the no-call on Burn's abuse of Foppa and now this---it doesn't look good.
And...
No tripping call. Guite gets taken down and no whistle.
And now the Wild are failing miserably to score on the PP.
Whew
At least we killed that bs penalty off. I was so scared when Theodore looked behind him...thankfully he had it.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 7:32 PM MDT reply actions
:(
Stastny flips it out of play, another penalty.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 7:35 PM MDT reply actions
SoS
That play might have been the best of the first period. Unlucky the puck hit nothing and he took a delay of game penalty.
Damn
Stastny gets called for delay of game by accidentally clearing the puck over the glass. Great play, lame mistake.
And Kelly was either talking to his color guy or he accidentally called Son of Stastny by his dad's name.
Pens
And Gary Roberts has a goal tonight for the Pens. The Pensblog is going to go f'ing nuts.
Big win for the Pens if they finish out the shut-out.
lmao
Yeah, they worship that guy over there.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 7:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Refs?
Where the hell are the refs? A Wild player lays on top of Theodore for 30 seconds and no call for interference? He took forever to get up!
This is some bull.
Forced into Theodore
Koivu was checked in the Theodore, and it looked like they were both expecting to hear a whistle. Heck, I was expecting a whistle.
by HawkEye19 on Apr 9, 2008 7:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Careful Joe
Hawk's a Wild Fan...He's scouting us
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 7:49 PM MDT up reply actions
Thanks
Sheesh...Thanks jibble...trying to keep a low profile here ;)
by HawkEye19 on Apr 9, 2008 7:56 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: Thanks
Considering you signed up for an account today and have never posted before this game, I had a feeling you weren't "one of us." But like I said, if you play nice and can tolerate some partisan belly-aching, you're welcome to stay around.
PK
Another good kill by the Avs, even with Stastny in the box.
Now they need to tighten up at even strength.
First Period
Eleven shots by the Wild, eleven saves by Theodore.
Minnesota got way too many chances in that period, and the Avs far too few. But Colorado survived the first period without getting scored on, so things are good.
They play better in the second and third frames anyway.
1st period
The Wild probably deserve the lead. Hopefully, our 2nd period mastery continues.
Also, since when do Skoula and Hedjuk check? Not that I'm complaining.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 7:45 PM MDT reply actions
Agree
The Avs didn't look very sharp there. jitters?
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 7:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Smyth
He has looked pretty good. Taking into account that none of the Avs have looked too good offensively, he looks intense.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 7:47 PM MDT reply actions
One down
If the object was to just survive the 1st, they succeeded.
I have a question: There at the end of the first, Smyth chases a puck into the corner, Jones goes to a spot behind the net and Johnny-come-lately Arny coasts into the same corner as Smyth. I swear, if he wasn't wearing a white unipron, I would have thought he was a Wild player lining up Smyth for a cross-check. My question isn't about Arny's lazy play, but WHY WERE ALL THE FORWARDS BELOW THE GOALLINE WHEN SMYTH HAD CLEAR POSSESSION???? Ryan may grumble about his linemates, but that whole line operates like its entire purpose is to kill 45 seconds every third shift. WTF??
Re: One down
And at least twice Arny looked surprised when Smyth tried to pass to him. He looks like the last thing he wants to do is touch the puck.
1st Period
Not exactly what I was hoping for. Yeah, we survived the first period and it was, well, lackluster, except for Theo (I can't believe I just said that). I'm sure some Avs are in pain right now from being hit so much. We need to come out in the second period and make the Wild live up to their nickname.
Re: Clough
Did he blink during that whole piece? And when warned of the 10 second limit on his last answer, he actually slowed his speech down and then went all Sylvester the Cat to fit his schpeal in...
I really think...
...that we need a fight. I want to see Lappy or CodyMac throw down on someone. Maybe it'll deter the Wild's physical play a bit? Cause this is waaaay too physical for our guys imo.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 7:53 PM MDT reply actions
Re: I really think...
As long as it's McLeod that sits five minutes and not Lappy. Lappy is actually a decent forward.
Re: Mcleod
With one exception. Mcleod can sit the five minutes but he better actually win the fight if the team is to get pumped.
WOOHOOOOOOo
Sauer from Sakic!!!! yes!!!!!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 8:02 PM MDT reply actions
Matching penalties
Burns and Forsberg.
Not a terrible trade for the Avs, given the Wild's weakness on D.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 8:02 PM MDT reply actions
Me, a little bit
Not that I mentioned it, or anything, but killing off a 20 minute power play is a nice little momentum booster.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 8:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Of course
If it'd gone the other way, I would've said, "You had to expect it with the way Minnesota dominated the 1st period."
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 8:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Foppa sits
Foppa and Burns go to the box for hacking away at each other. Four-on-four for two minutes.
hockeystreams.tv
You could try hockeystreams.tv, the place texacogirl posted.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 8:06 PM MDT up reply actions
Yup,
Wayyy to hot here in indiana for 10:00pm at night, can't wait to move back to Colorado when I get done with this whole Ph.D. thingy.
Oh and more importantly, SCORE KURT SAUER! As consolation to the Minny fans here, at least he is from Minnesota.
Oh no,
Parish looks hurt. Oh my god, just saw a replay, that looks horrible.
His neck, dear god, I hope its not broken.
Re: Oh no
Well, he was moving around after the hit, and was able to roll over, so he's not paralyzed.
Parrish down
Parrish goes into the boards, then down to the ice.
Fedoruk goes after Salei and Foote but it looks like a loss of balance on a fast play more than an intentional hit.
Hope he's okay.
looks bad
I wish the best for him. Freak play, looks like his skate skipped or something.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Apr 9, 2008 8:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Salei hit on Parrish
Looked clean, one of those hits at a bad spot on the ice. Parrish couldn't recover and get in a position and went into the low wall.
Salei's Hit
Mostly clean. Only not quite clean part was the extra shove into the boards. Bad for my team, though.
by HawkEye19 on Apr 9, 2008 8:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, but
they were both like 5 feet away from the boards, moving parallel. It looked like Parrish's skate twisted a little and it torqued him down and into the board.
mostly clean?
And does your wife get mostly pregnant? It was more clean than most of the bs Burns pulls away from the puck, certainly. Will that ahole ever get called for his bs?
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 9, 2008 8:41 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: what a hit
It was. In fact, Salei didn't even finish it---he just shoved Parrish as he passed the puck and Parrish just ran out of room. Had it been higher, it would have looked a lot like the Smyth hit during the regular season.
ugly play
Oh man, Parrish goes head first into the board by the bench. I hope he's ok. It really wasn't a dirty hit by Salei though, wasn't even much of a hit at all, he just shoved him and Parrish ran out of room. Looks similar to the hit on Smyth earlier in the season. I hope Parrish's ok.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 8:09 PM MDT reply actions
Smyth
Is flying tonight.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Apr 9, 2008 8:10 PM MDT reply actions
Parish
Bangs stick on boards He's getting walked to the locker room. I hope he recovers.
Re: Apparently
Well, had Hannan not twisted around with the loose arm, it wouldn't have looked so sketchy.
Re: Seriously
No Parrish. Another warm body has to be on the ice, and he's going to be hard to move out from in front of the net.
by HawkEye19 on Apr 9, 2008 8:18 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: Seriously
Yeah, hard to move, but he's just one more body to block shots since he can't actually score.
#22 for Minny
Try's to put his elbow THROUGH Footer's head about 3 feet away from the ref: NO CALL...
Re: #22 for Minny
How are the Avs supposed to kill kittens when the refs won't make a single penalty call on the Wild?
What is this, an Anaheim game?
Re: So...
The jury is still out. He's been strong on the puck but not as ferocious on the attack as usual. Let's see how the rest of the game plays out.
Why the whistle?
I think the ref ANTICIPATED a turnover and blew the whistle on the penalty instead of actually waiting for Sakic and Co. to turn it over...
WOOOOOHOOOOO
I think Smytty tipped that in! Powerplay goal!!! A kitten lives to fight another day!
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 8:28 PM MDT reply actions
Smytty!
He is risen! Despite the best intentions of Q.
I like how we're 4/4 on the special teams, despite the regular season rankings.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 8:28 PM MDT reply actions
This is why we got him
Great pay by Smyth and Finger.
by James @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 8:29 PM MDT reply actions
Clagary vs San Jose
Man, as much as I'm enjoying Avs-Minn, I hate to say it but I'm flipping back to the HD Calgary/SJ game on Versus ALOT. This fuzzy Altitude feed from the '70's is pissing me off. Calgary/SJ are both flying and hitting, looking like a barn burner so far.
Don't sit on it
Let's just hope the Avs don't decide to sit on a meager two-goal lead. Don't pull the dagger out, twist it!
My favorite during the early 2nd period
"I think whoever wins the special teams battle will win this series."
That's prophetic AND deep...
Parrish
Head injury, not coming back.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 8:37 PM MDT reply actions
Bummer
I know injuries are part of it, but I hate seeing guys get hurt, especially like that
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 8:48 PM MDT up reply actions
Cheap
Nice knee to the head of Theodore like nobody saw that. They don't get much cheaper than that.
It's definitely the playoffs.
Kipper
Man, as cheap as that knee to Theo's head was... in the limited time I've watched Cal/SJ sofar, Kippers been absolutley steamrolled 3 different times.... Those two teams are going to kill each other before it's over.
We're not going
to mention goaltending during the intermission.
At all.
Period.
Seriously.
I mean it.
Second Period
The Avs have sucked the life right out of the Wild with another goal and some great goaltending.
Colorado looks ready to kill.
Re: Joseph
I'm looking down my nose a little at you, with a distrusting headmaster kind of air.
You, sir, are on NOTICE!
HA
Now, I know of a good pic for that. Pink Floyd The Wall. Headmaster spankin the wifey.
Wait, that would be an awesome PK mascot! Too bad I'm not techy enough to get the pic.
Burns interview
Burns being interviewed, and McNab plays it serious and doesn't ask him why he's a punk ass bitch.
I guess there's rules against that.
I'd have much more respect
for Burns if he'd manned up to Burns and asked WTF was up with the cheap shot to Forsberg's ankle in the first period. Alas, his testicles were in protective mode. That, and there probably ARE rules against that...
Dater would have asked though...
lol
Imagine McNab actually saying that: "We're here with Brent Burns now, so, Brent, why are you such a puck ass bitch?" rofl
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 8:47 PM MDT up reply actions
Save
He should save that question for Phaneuf.
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 8:49 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: Save
Save it? He ought to use it every time he interviews a player from the opposing team.
Burns, Phadouche, Steve Ott, Burrows in Vancouver, Pronger, etc.
Dion
He (McNab) did call him (Phaneuf) a pansy or a punk, repeatedly, the last time they played before breaking down and apologizing.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 8:57 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: lol
If the Altitude guys are going to be so partisan the rest of the time, they ought to be partisan during the opposition interviews.
I would have asked him that
but then again, here I sit, in my underwear, in my mom's basement, typing on a computer.
by Bob in Boulder on Apr 9, 2008 8:49 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: I would have asked him that
Well, Peter McNab's cookies don't compare to my mom's, so I'm not going anywhere.
New record
It's just now second intermission and we've surpassed 275 comments. This is quite the epic thread.
Oh man I can't stop...
can't stop laughing at the "That is 150% mother f*cker" lolololololol
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 8:50 PM MDT up reply actions
We are up 2-0
but is anyone else disturbed by the home cookin' referee'in going on? There is no reason in the world that the penalties should at least be even, other than gutless officiating, that is.
2nd period
In all honesty the Avs shouldn't have a 2-0 lead. They have played ok, but not their best. I'll take it though.
Theo, and Smyth have both looked fantastic tonight. But my favorite* moment of the evening was when John Kelley called Peter McNab "Bernie"
*Not actual favorite moment, but it was still funny
Good News Joe
Mrs @ MHH says you're girl (and everybody's girl who has ANY taste) Scarlett and her Dane Cooke wannabe boyfriend Ryan Reynolds are breakin' up.
Now, if you can get the restraining order lifted, you might have a shot!
RE: Good News Joe
I actually like Ryan Reynolds. But if it wasn't meant to be, I suppose I'll have to be there to comfort poor Scarlett.
ScarJo, call me.
Third Period
Game On!!
Avs win the face-off. Wild 4-22-3 when behind to start the third period. That's very good news.
Flashback
Seeing Smyth on the bench was a flashback for me to the Oiler's run a few years ago. Only, Smyth is in an Avs jersey. Erie.
Physical
Anyone else feel that the Wild are trying so hard to prove that their a physical team that they are making mistakes because of it?
Fuck
I'll just keep my big mouth shut from now on
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 9:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Suck time
The Wild are down by two so now they've decided to start pushing, shoving and cheap-shotting like crazy.
The same old story.
Jeez
Damnit Hannan, what a time for you to decide to elbow a guy in the face whose a good 6 inches taller than you.
Nice
Hannan totally washed Boogaard's face. He deserved the penalty, but it's good to see Booger get a glove to the grill.
Wow
The Xcel Energy Center is alive now. That crowd has been on their feet for three straight minutes.
No way
Did you watch the Pens/Sens game today? Mellon Arena was about 5 times as loud as what the xcel center is this game.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 9:22 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: No way
Well, you can't always tell when watching it on TV (mic placement varies) but I have no doubt the Pens fans would give the Wild fans a run for their money.
Pressure
The Avs are back in control, Avs owning the Wild zone.
Smyth got a huge slapper on net but Backstrom gloved it.
Well...
It's an interesting game, that's for sure.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 9:13 PM MDT reply actions
DAMN!
Now the Avs can't get any luck. Great chances, lots of pressure, but the puck won't cross the line.
Come on!!
Re: Hmm
That's bullshit. The goal went off Smyth's stick and Jones made no contact with Backstrom. That's a goal.
This is awful
This is getting nearly comical in how bad this officiating is, that was a goal. The wild skate knocked it in
My bad
After looking at the replay it was Jones skate that hit it, not a wild skate
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 9:23 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: Well
It got knocked to the ice by a high stick, but it was knocked into the goal by Smyth's stick or a Wild skate.
Looked like
Jones' skate dragged it in as he was getting back to his feet. Apparently, the refs were so intent on washing that out, that the vicious cross-check to Jones wasn't deemed a penalty.
Yeah
I slowed it down on Tivo, and it was jonses skate,
The non-crosscheck call was dubious though. I still stand by my assertion that the refs have been piss-poor
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 9:25 PM MDT up reply actions
It looked to me.
like Arnason tried to high stick it in, but missed, and that Jones knocked it in with his skate as he was getting up.
No...
That really looked like Arnie kicked it in with his left skate. :(
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 9:23 PM MDT reply actions
that clearly...
was not a goal guys and girls:(
by James @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 9:24 PM MDT reply actions
Can't prove it
no visual evidence. The ref was so quick to make the call he missed it.
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 9:31 PM MDT up reply actions
FUCK!!
Hejduk, get your eyes checked!!
He's missed an open goal, hit the side of the net and now the crossbar. Crap he's missed everything tonight!
And its
OVER TIME
I think its because I watched "Sudden Death" with Jean-Claude Van Damme the other night.
I can't take this shit...
The Avs are buzzing, but the fuckin' non-calls on the interference and BS in front of the net is getting old.
I'd also like to point out that net nanny MAY have, MAY HAVE jinxed this game in the 2nd period. Only time will tell...
Re: I can't take this shit
Don't even start with that shit.
You have to say the goalie's name to jinx him. Everybody knows that.
What if?
What if we hit 1000? :O
Joe, you'd better not go to sleep! I don't care how important your work is!!! lol
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 9:47 PM MDT up reply actions
OT...
Wow. What a fucking good hockey game. Now get the win boys.
by James @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 9:37 PM MDT reply actions
Minni Mild
With that hand over the goal line, I would say it should have been a goal. Why were we happy McGoooooo
retired? The refs have been just as bad. Dammit. Let's go Av-a-lanche- clap-clap-clap- clap clap!
Calgary
The Flame-Outs are pulling away from the Sharks now. Stephane Yelle has two goals and Calgary is up 3-1.
Cause
I wore my lucky Yelle Avs JErsey... whoops
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: Backstrom
He's the greatest goalie of all time in any sport, period.
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 9:48 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: Backstrom
Greatest Finn, and by extension, greatest person ever.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 PM MDT up reply actions
AHHHH
I'm late and I'm missing one hell of a game. C'mon Avs!!!
by tdo on Apr 9, 2008 9:56 PM MDT reply actions
JOE FUCKING SAKIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SAKIC!!!!!!!
WOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 10:07 PM MDT reply actions
Who else but Joe Sakic?
Even McNab's right once a day.
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 10:07 PM MDT reply actions
JOE SAKIC
WOW. Wolski was awesome¸there
by James @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 10:07 PM MDT reply actions
All night
He played awesome all night. He really controlled the puck along the boards and created a lot
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 10:09 PM MDT up reply actions
I've said it before
and I'll say it again,
If he's a burden to the team, then he's the BEST FUCKING BURDEN IN THE HISTORY OF TIME!!!!
Imagine
how good he'd be if he were a "good" captain ;)
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 9, 2008 10:10 PM MDT up reply actions
It's one game
3 more W's before we can put a fork in 'em. Lot's not get ahead of ourselves. (I'm trying to reverse jinx everybody tonight...)
Re: BTW
Well, the one Wild fan that was here for a while disappeared after the Avs went up 2-0. But he behaved himself and I'd be happy to have him back on Friday.
Re: BTW
by andrew @ Mile High Hockey on Apr 9, 2008 10:13 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: BTW
Just saying.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Apr 10, 2008 4:44 AM MDT up reply actions
Night Everybody
Thanks so much for a truly amazing game thread everybody! Full recap tomorrow morning, and we can continue the celebration there.
Huge win!!
I think we killed SBNation
My comments aren't loading for crap...
Good night all. See you at the recap in the morning.
EVERYBODY BETTER BE BACK HERE FRIDAY NIGHT!
lmao
Comments for me won't load either!!! This thread really was legendary, it deserves more recognition:
by Mike the Avs Fan on Apr 9, 2008 10:17 PM MDT up reply actions
Sorry I had to miss this...
Over 400 Comments??? WOW!
And Joe Sakic...what else needs to be said.
Defense-men counted in all three goals and Smyth has hopefully picked now to start becoming a factor. Is Wolski trying to tell Q something? Like don't bench me again (choose your expletive)!
Keep the Momentum up and lets bounce the Wild.
Unfortunately for me
Wow what a party
I knew it would be hoppin in here last night but I had previously promised 11yr old daughter I'd watch the game w/her upstairs (yes, I play on the internets in my underwear, in my basement Sandy).
Awesome win! Go Avs!
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