Game 6 Recap: Avalanche 4 Maple Leafs 1
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 14, 2009 8:32 AM MDT
in Game Recaps
68 comments
We're calm like a bomb
We're calm like a bomb
-Rage Against the Machine
It's a little too early to throw out the "I'm a believer" yet, but I sure do like what I'm seeing on the ice right now. The Avalanche easily dusted off the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 last night. The Avs improved to 4-1-1 on the season and moved back into first place in the Western Conference. Truth be told, that was clusterfuck of a team they faced last night; the Leafs put in about 10 minutes of effort and then mailed it in as soon as Colorado took the lead. For a while, it looked like Toronto would put some effort into at least being pests about losing, but they even abandonded that as the game went on.
The Avalanche powerplay continues to nearly kittenless. For those new to this site, that means it's really good. The Avs scored their 9th and 10th powerplay goals last night making them the only NHL team with 10 PPGs. Amazingly, they are a fifth of the way towards matching the 50 they scored last year. 10 players have scored at least a point on the powerplay and the only regular on the two units without a powerplay point is Kid Cumiskey who looks more and more comfortable each game, but is still double-pumping when he has a shot to take. With his 1st period PP goal, Brett Clark has already surpassed his 2008-2009 powerplay output. Amazing.
Also amazing: the Avalanche penalty kill. Although they allowed a goal last night, they sit 5th in the league in PK efficiency. So far, that's a slight improvement from 21st.
Defensively, I continue to be impressed with the whole group. Yes, Kyle Quincey and Scott Hannan are the best duo by far and yes, Brett Clark still is good for one giveaway in every game and yes, Adam Foote is looking slow. But you can't really argue with the results. We are seeing very few odd-man rushes and generally not a lot of extended play in our zone. Craig Anderson is seeing a lot of shots, but a large number of them are perimeter shots. This is a much better unit this year and I think Sylvain Lefebvre has a lot to do with it (ps Happy birthday, Sylvain).
And isn't it cool to have a goalie in there that you trust? I know it's only 6 games, but Craig Anderson just exudes confidence. We've seen good stretches from all of Patrick Roy's successors, but I don't think I've ever felt as comfortble with an Avalanche goalie since #33.
Having typed all of that, I have to remind everyone (including myself) that it's only 6 games. There is a lot of hockey to be played. The Avalanche wont be surprising any more teams and at some point we're going to run into a rough patch (especially if we start running into injuries, like losing Johnny Hot Pocket...whoops). But, I can't think of ANY 6 game stretch last year where they Avs played this well. I will certainly take it while I can get it.
I didn't bring my notebook, so I'm doing this from memory. Hopefully, I have it right.
- Wolski - Stastny - Hejduk
- Tucker - Duchene - Svatos
- McLeod - O'Reilly - Jones
- Koci - Galiardi - Hendricks
- Quincey - Hannan
- Foote - Liles
- Cumiskey - Clark
- Radar had a career-high 18:05 of TOI and is looking less and less likely to go back to the OHL.
- Kyle Quincey led the Avs with 5 hits. Galiardi had 4
- The Avs know have 5 goals from the defensemen
The Avalanche visit Montreal to play the Canadiens on Thursday.
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I like that Anderson didn’t have his usual “gaffe a game” playing the puck…but again, the Leafs were just bad bad bad!
I was trying to decide if they looked worse than we did towards the end of last season. In the end, I couldn’t go that far and they look like they’ve got talent. But other than Ian White and that Bozak fellow, not much to like from Toronto last night
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 14, 2009 8:41 AM MDT up reply actions
Ian White was the second best goalie in the game…
MHH: Like the Avs organization, we’ve now officially lost our minds.
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Oct 14, 2009 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm diggin' Anderson too
I loved how he shoved the guy out of his crease last night! Awesome! Really haven’t seen that kind of anger since Roy.
his takedown of Rosehill was extremely enjoyable. when Foote repeated it seconds later, I was LOLing
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 14, 2009 8:39 AM MDT up reply actions
It gives you that warm and fuzzy fealing of old, when we actually have some fight and attitude.
Craig Anderson - Mr. Anderson - THE MATRIX !!!
by slapshotr2007 on Oct 14, 2009 8:59 AM MDT up reply actions
2
That’s not an artifact from Youtube. That’s how many sizes larger that jersey needs to be.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 14, 2009 9:09 AM MDT up reply actions
That being said
I say we call him Bernie
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 14, 2009 9:10 AM MDT up reply actions
Tangible proof
That Gretzky is an Av’s fan…
The problem with the world is that everyone is a few drinks behind - Humphrey Bogart
We have been talking a lot about how the rookies are really working their butts off playing with a lot of passion and energy because they have to prove their spot in the NHL. Well, there is also one other guy who is having to do that too: Joe Sacco. More and more I am feeling like his desire to prove himself as an NHL coach is driving this team – in a positive direction. I don’t think he wants to go back to the minors any more than a lot of these players. So far, I am pretty impressed with the complete turnaround he has done with this team. Even though he was an in-house choice, he seems to be a good one for this rookie team.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
agree 100%. we don’t have this team this year without Sacco, imo.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: Anything is possible.
"To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you, ... I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles."
-Lance Armstrong
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 14, 2009 9:04 AM MDT up reply actions
The Avalanche powerplay continues to nearly kittenless. For those new to this site, that means it’s really good. The Avs scored their 9th and 10th powerplay goals last night making them the only NHL team with 10 PPGs. Amazingly, they are a fifth of the way towards matching the 50 they scored last year. 10 players have scored at least a point on the powerplay and the only regular on the two units without a powerplay point is Kid Cumiskey who looks more and more comfortable each game, but is still double-pumping when he has a shot to take. With his 1st period PP goal, Brett Clark has already surpassed his 2008-2009 powerplay output. Amazing.
Also amazing: the Avalanche penalty kill. Although they allowed a goal last night, they sit 5th in the league in PK efficiency. So far, that’s a slight improvement from 21st.
There’s a reason I changed my sig.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 14, 2009 9:10 AM MDT reply actions
Svatos had a petty good game last night, by far his best of the season IMO.
That said, he seems to be the odd man out. I’m going to agree with you, 4th line him and double-shift on the power play. We need to get Jones and Duchene on the same line.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 14, 2009 9:22 AM MDT up reply actions
He did make one great notable play on the Clark goal…and made a nice move that led to Tuckers goal. But yeah…Svatos seems out of place
We could have a Ryan Wilson sighting in the next game, though.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I dunno
Dater seems to think that Wilson will be scratched and Derek Peltier will be called up from LEM.
"You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." -- Coach Herb Brooks' pregame speech prior to the Miracle on Ice
Why have Wilson here if, he’s not going to get playing time?
How would you feel if you get called up as a reserve, a second guy gets injured and they call up someone else and play him over you.
MHH: Like the Avs organization, we’ve now officially lost our minds.
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Oct 14, 2009 12:43 PM MDT up reply actions
It would suck
I’m just repeating what was reported. It wouldn’t make any sense to me, but that’s what Dater had this morning.
"You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." -- Coach Herb Brooks' pregame speech prior to the Miracle on Ice
fwiw, I think Wilson will play
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 14, 2009 1:14 PM MDT up reply actions
In my opinion
It’s a matter of instinct, a matter of conditioning, and a matter of fact regarding b ryan wilson’s prospects
09
Another solid effort
I wonder what will happen if Stewart ever gets his act together. Does Svatos get traded? A 2nd line of Tucker/Duchene/Jones backed up by a 3rd line of McLeod/O’Reilly/Stewart would be good.
There’s absolutely no way that O’Reilly’s going back to junior. He looked great in the 1st game, and he looks even better now. Between Radar and Duchene, we have our Toews/Kane.
How long will it be before Ron Wilson is fired? The Leafs have some talent. Obviously, they need some offensive punch right now, but their top 4 defensemen rival any in the game. Brian Burke did fire Mike Babcock once if I’m not mistaken, so surely he would have the onions to fire a guy that actually deserves it.
"You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." -- Coach Herb Brooks' pregame speech prior to the Miracle on Ice
Leafs
I really didn’t see much talent out there last night. Plenty of goons, however. I was waiting to see Ogie Oglethorp.
Where will you be on October 1st, 2009 at 6:45 PM Mountain Time?
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 14, 2009 12:40 PM MDT up reply actions
They need a goaltender
In a bad, bad way. They kinda remind me of last year’s Avs. Two backup goalies playing and a coach that is way out of place.
"You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." -- Coach Herb Brooks' pregame speech prior to the Miracle on Ice
Except the Leafs traded their first pick away already. Even the Avs are smarter than that. :)
Colorado Avalanche: Preventing itchy playoff beards since '09
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Oct 14, 2009 5:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Excellent point
Kessel can play, but he wasn’t worth that.
"You were born to be a player. You were meant to be here. This moment is yours." -- Coach Herb Brooks' pregame speech prior to the Miracle on Ice
Remember how almost everyone on this blog was nuts about getting Gustavvson. He hasn’t done much apart from that one save against the Wings in pre season has he.
The Savage has spoken. Let it be done
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference"
R. Frost
He’s been hurt to be fair.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 15, 2009 7:08 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah i found that out after I posted. Still, It’s a good thing we went with Anderson instead of waiting around for Gustavvson to make up his mind.
The Savage has spoken. Let it be done
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference"
R. Frost
Is there any space on a higher line for Galiardi, or do you guys like him where he is? He seems to be playing great from what I’ve seen. Should he be moved up or not?
I’m of the, if it’s working, don’t fuck with it school of thought.
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 14, 2009 1:18 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't like
this “too early to be a believer” stuff. What’s behind all that? Is it superstition, people worrying that their hopes will ruin chances, or that the Avs players will read the blogs and get too cocky? I don’t get it. To me, that kind of talk is just pointless, because I’ve always been a believer. Maybe some consider a “believer” to be someone who thinks the Avs will win the Cup. I don’t know, but I don’t see the point of all the skepticism I’m seeing around here. I understand conversation on areas that need improvement, but not the point of skepticism…
no superstition at all. I just don’t think 6 games is enough to make me convinced that this club has completely turned the corner.
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 14, 2009 3:16 PM MDT up reply actions
Skepticism is a good thing. Despite the terrific start, 6 games is still a small sample size. The Avs had many good runs last season, and it was a disaster.
I’m encouraged, and I’m certainly on the bandwagon for this team, but I’m a ways away from thinking this team is ready to be among the best in the league.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 14, 2009 3:25 PM MDT up reply actions
it’s way too early to make any kind of assessment of where the team will be. it’s less skepticism than it is realism. we all want them to continue to play like this, but until we get more games in, it’s really hard to tell if they will. BUT… if you need to see hope, just look at my sig line, baby!
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: Anything is possible.
"To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you, ... I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles."
-Lance Armstrong
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 14, 2009 3:28 PM MDT up reply actions
There’s a fine line between skepticism and realism. Six games do not a season make. Is there a possibility that the Avs gelled quicker than some of their opponents? Probably. Is there a possibility that guys are fighting for roster spots and playing over their heads a little? Probably. Is there a chance that one or two injuries could easily derail the feel-good train? Likely.
Let’s put it this way: I think the Avs have as good a chance of making a deep playoff run as the Leafs have of losing EVERY game this season. In other words, slim. Does it mean I’m not enjoying the start to the season. Hell no. Does it mean that they won’t continue to improve and be a tough team to play against? Nope. Does it mean that I’ll be pissing and moaning once the regress back to the mean? Not if I can help it.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Whoops. I blame the fact that SB nation has been screwy all afternoon.
by Rather Dashing on Oct 14, 2009 3:51 PM MDT up reply actions
Maybe Versus
Shut it down for a while. Just because.
Where will you be on October 1st, 2009 at 6:45 PM Mountain Time?
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 14, 2009 3:56 PM MDT up reply actions
+1
excellent!
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: Anything is possible.
"To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you, ... I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles."
-Lance Armstrong
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 14, 2009 5:54 PM MDT up reply actions
Oh my
look what I’ve started! ;)
Where will you be on October 1st, 2009 at 6:45 PM Mountain Time?
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 14, 2009 6:28 PM MDT up reply actions
I'm not usually a fan
but I did appreciate how #16 slap-chopped his way into the ire of the TO fans
09
That's why I love this blog
There is calm and sensible debate, without flame wars or 12 year olds hopped up on preservatives and e-numbers l33t speaking.
The peeps from PPP that were over here the other night were remarkably well behaved and it is nice to go on the interweb without the usual crap starting.
FWIW, I am amazed at such a great start. I hope the injury bug won’t bite too hard, but I am mightily encouraged by the Avs so far.
I am loving Duchene, Quincey, O’Reilly, Wolski and Davy Jones. I also think Joe Sacco is doing a great job. I have often thought that all sports teams need discipline and he seems to bring it in spades. He has not been afraid of benching anyone who’s contributions are lacking. That is a great thing, IMHO.
Darcy Tucker is not even a synonym for crap any more… what is the world coming to?
It's hard to be a saint in this city
Darcy Tucker is not even a synonym for crap any more
The saddest part about that is this loses some of its hilarity:
Darcy Tucker Darcy Tucker Darcy Tucker
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: too naive to think they can lose.
"To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you, ... I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles."
-Lance Armstrong
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 15, 2009 11:03 AM MDT up reply actions
Yes it does, but it’s still hilarious….but now it might be more of an inside joke.
We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. - Jesse Owens -
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Oct 15, 2009 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions
is it just my imagination or do we really have no one who truly deserves to take darcy’s place in that little ditty?? those pigs must be having a fun time dive bombing the demons playing hockey.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: too naive to think they can lose.
"To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you, ... I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles."
-Lance Armstrong
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 15, 2009 1:44 PM MDT up reply actions
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