Game 12 Preview: Avalanche at Oilers
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 27, 2009 7:07 AM MDT
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| Colorado Avalanche |
7:30 MT / 9:30 ET |
Edmonton Oilers |
| 8-1-2 | October 27, 2009 | 6-4-1 |
| 18 pts |
Rexall Place |
13 pts |
| Numero Uno |
Edmonton, AB |
7th in West |
Hey, look! Another road trip!
A couple of weeks ago, that thought would have been a bit depressing, but these are the Avalanche 2.0. The Avalanche have one of the better road records in the league (4-1-2) and they'll play against the team with one of the better home records so far (5-1-1). That's interesting, but I think the more compelling story is that these are two of the more surprising teams in the Western Conference so far this year. Both teams have apparently responded to new coaches and new #1 goaltenders. I'm looking forward to the game, even if the Oilers play in a backwards rink that always confuses me.
The Avalanche, of course, are a wee bit banged up. Ha ha, that's a new one! So far, though, they haven't missed a beat and guys like Ryan Wilson and Chris Stewart have stepped into - or, in the case of Stewart back into - the lineup nicely. Peter Budaj (flu) did not make the trip to Edmonton. Craig Anderson is the confirmed starter; could Tyler Weiman start in Calgary on Wednesday? It looks like Joe Sacco is shuffling the lines again. Jones appears to be playing with O'Reilly and Stewart (dig), Galiardi is playing with Duchene and Svatos (dig) which, presumably, has Wolski back with Stastny and Hejduk (also dig).
The Oilers are led by Dustin Penner, a guy who is single-handedly keeping my fantasy team above water. Hopefully, though, he'll ease up on the torrid scoring pace (15 points in 11 games) this evening. I'm figuring Nikolai Khabibulin, who has been quite good despite his so-so stats, will get the start for the Oil. Check Left Wing Lock during the day for goalie updates.
ADDENDUM: Great quote from the game preview at ESPN:
"Everyone was saying we wouldn't do much this year, but everyone in here knew what we had," Galiardi said. "It's pretty special right now and we want to keep it going."
-Joe
Oilers Lines (via HockeyCentric)
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This is a big game. I’m excited.
A win tonight would be huge, and would really widen the gap in the Northwest. Even if the Avs lose tomorrow in Calgary, they’d only have one team (Calgary) nipping at their heels in the division. That said, a loss tonight and a win tomorrow would be OK, too.
Two wins would be freakin’ amazing.
Let’s do this.
The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.
Just considering the positive possibilities.
The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.
We could always lose both, go into a tailspin
and turn every game thread into a Ralphie Report-inspired suicide thread!
You know, kind of like all of last year. Yaaay.
Positivity!
I thought you knew that algebra was all razzamatazz. A Globetrotter always saves the good algebra for the final minutes.
by A.J. Haefele on Oct 27, 2009 7:39 AM MDT up reply actions
You know, kind of like all of last year. Yaaay.
Positivitybeer! Lots and lots of beer!
fiixed.
Beachie: Injuring hottie Avs players' almighty groins since 1996
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 27, 2009 1:31 PM MDT up reply actions
Based on last seasons standings...
We could go 37-34-0 the rest of the way and make the playoffs…take into account some of those wins and loses become OT losses so say 32-29-10 we’d still finish 40-30-12 and with 92 pts a good shot @ the 6-8 seed…so all the Avs have to do is stay competitive, win @ home, and they have a really good shot to make it the the playoffs.
"What do the Detroit Red Wings and the Titanic have in common?
They both look good until they hit the ice!"
Visit> avaholicsanonymousny.blogspot.com
by SportsDalaiLama on Oct 27, 2009 7:38 AM MDT reply actions
There just can’t be enough good things said about a very strong start. The longer this goes, the less amazing the Avs have to be the rest of the year.
The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.
Most Definitely...
and being a good home team helps take pressure off the long road stints…the 4-0-0 start has helped…gotta keep it going.
"What do the Detroit Red Wings and the Titanic have in common?
They both look good until they hit the ice!"
Visit> avaholicsanonymousny.blogspot.com
by SportsDalaiLama on Oct 27, 2009 7:48 AM MDT up reply actions
On the flip side, teams like Minnesota and Toronto will have to really fight to have a shot at the playoffs. Their weak starts have set them back tremendously, even after just 11 or so games.
The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.
Sacco
is riding Anderson to get every point he can get, because he knows this strong start will pay off later if the team falters a bit.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
Well, I think he intended to start Budaj and rest Anderson, but with Budaj sick, I’m sure Sacco figured “oh well, might as well keep going with Andy, it’s not like he’s falling apart.”
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
This.
I thought you knew that algebra was all razzamatazz. A Globetrotter always saves the good algebra for the final minutes.
by A.J. Haefele on Oct 27, 2009 8:37 AM MDT up reply actions
Western and Northwestern Division Games
I think Andy will get the bulk of those. This is why I am not sure we will see Weiman in the Calgary game.
Budaj was going to start the Carolina game. Eastern Conference team not playing well, minimal risk. I am thinking many of the games Budaj will play will either be Eastern conference teams (especially if there is a back-to-back game with a Western conference team), or a Western conference team low in the standings.
I think Sacco’s setting his sites high for this team: NW Division Champs at minimum.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
Budaj was going to start the Carolina game. Eastern Conference team not playing well, minimal risk. I am thinking many of the games Budaj will play will either be Eastern conference teams (especially if there is a back-to-back game with a Western conference team), or a Western conference team low in the standings.
That would be consistent with how backups are normally played. So yes, this.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Craig Anderson is the confirmed starter; could Tyler Weiman start in Calgary on Wednesday?
So, the answer is: no?
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
Considering that’s a game that could cost us if we lose…I’d say HELL NO.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Wouldn’t every game “cost us” if we lose? Yeah, I realize a division game is moer important, but still. A loss is always a bad thing.
by Rather Dashing on Oct 27, 2009 11:05 AM MDT up reply actions
Calgary and Vancouver…just the two teams we can’t afford to lose against under ANY circumstances.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
So much for that lottery pick.
Not that I mind, but I feel like I can use my time that was spent reading about draft picks for other stuff this year. Like reading the insanity you guys all post in GDTs. :)
Colorado Avalanche: Preventing itchy playoff beards since '09
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Oct 27, 2009 7:50 AM MDT up reply actions
Cam Fowler plz
plzplzplzplzplzpzlzplzplz
I thought you knew that algebra was all razzamatazz. A Globetrotter always saves the good algebra for the final minutes.
by A.J. Haefele on Oct 27, 2009 8:13 AM MDT up reply actions
As nice as another top 5 pick would be. I would much rather see this young crew make the playoffs and get that experience. Especially if they can win a series or two, or four.
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 27, 2009 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions
I don’t think any of us would complain
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 27, 2009 10:01 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, but I’m not sure Bettman would hand over the Cup during the ceremony.
“You guys have played great, but none of the big hockey writers predicted you would get here, so, uh, we’ve got to give the Cup to the Penguins again. Sorry.”
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
by Joe Dunman on Oct 27, 2009 10:05 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bettman
sleeps with that shirtless picture of Crosby under his pillow.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
He also dreams of Chicago, when he gets bored of the Penguins.
Avalanche 2009-2010: We fend off 7 man power plays? Do you?
Kane, Toews, and Sharp
three man rush dream.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
Kane, Toews, Crosby, Malkin
Bettman’s islamic heaven.
Avalanche 2009-2010: We fend off 7 man power plays? Do you?
Of course...
Kane KO’ed some cabby over 20 cents, could you imagine what he’ll do to Bettman if the Hawks don’t win the Cup?
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
at the end of the week the avs will have played more than a 1/4 (by a game) of their whole season’s road games and it will only be november. I like their odds…
This team will make the playoffs and upset the Sharks in the first round...it's our turn.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Oct 27, 2009 9:31 AM MDT up reply actions
Lines
Those lines aren’t close to accurate.
Editor of The Copper & Blue, and leader of The Cult Of Hartikainen.
Can you give us more accurate lines? Don’t just leave us hanging!
The Avs may (or may not) suck now, but they've still won a Cup more recently than 75% of the NHL.
I’m sure she’ll be glad to know that we all know that.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
I’ve found them to be really, really accurate so far. surprisingly so
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 27, 2009 10:52 AM MDT up reply actions
Really had to look to remember what we were actually talking about here. Didn’t think you were talking about chiavsfan’s wife!
yeah I probably put that in the wrong place
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 27, 2009 10:56 AM MDT up reply actions
I believe this will likely be a fast paced game with the Oilers’ amazingly fast forwards, but it seems to me, and i’ve only watched 2 Edmonton games on gamecenter, that the Edmonton defensemen can be skated around if we start cycling. They don’t have the fastest defense, hopefully Sacco will use that.
Avalanche 2009-2010: We fend off 7 man power plays? Do you?
Cumiskey and Duchene on that fast pond? I can’t wait to see this game.
by Dario on Oct 27, 2009 9:55 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
Unrelated… He-man award front runners for the year are:
1 Highlander taking a stick to the eye and still taking the puck in for a quality shot on goal.
2 Foote for taking a slapshot off the cheek and getting a nasty bruise buy staying in the game to lock up Holstrom through 8 PKs
3 Anderson toughing out a 11 in a row and standing on his head even after a cheap shot by Bertuzzi and 8 penalty kills. Playing goaltender is freeking exhausting. Doing it for 11 in a row when the puck is always in your zone is Herculean.
by Dario on Oct 27, 2009 10:03 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
Honorable mention: Darcy Tucker’s face for not completely exploding against the glass.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Luckily his head is mostly a large cushion of air to protect against situations like that.
Colorado Avalanche: Preventing itchy playoff beards since '09
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Oct 27, 2009 10:10 AM MDT up reply actions
You could hit him with this surgical 2 × 4 and he wouldn’t even feel it.
This team will make the playoffs and upset the Sharks in the first round...it's our turn.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Oct 27, 2009 10:29 AM MDT up reply actions
2 Foote for taking a slapshot off the cheek and getting a nasty bruise buy staying in the game to lock up Holstrom through 8 PKs
He did that in both Det-riot games. What is it with the DoucheWings and hitting the Avs players with pucks this season?
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 27, 2009 10:16 AM MDT up reply actions
Jibblescribbits
for taking an elbow to the face, and not leaving the soccer game. Then courageously blogging despite a swollen eye.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 27, 2009 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions
those 12 year olds can be vicious.
This team will make the playoffs and upset the Sharks in the first round...it's our turn.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Oct 27, 2009 12:46 PM MDT up reply actions
Cheryl
for blocking a slap shot off her inner thigh and staying on the ice to clear the zone despite what has turned into a contusion that would match up to footer’s cheek any day.
Beachie: Injuring hottie Avs players' almighty groins since 1996
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 27, 2009 1:49 PM MDT up reply actions
err...Beachie (for those of you who weren't cool enuf to be at Sakic's retirement ceremony pre-party)
for blocking a slap shot off her inner thigh and staying on the ice to clear the zone despite what has turned into a contusion that would match up to footer’s cheek any day.
Beachie: Injuring hottie Avs players' almighty groins since 1996
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 27, 2009 1:49 PM MDT up reply actions
Oh I'm Sure
that’s how you got that “inner thigh” injury, little Miss Messin with the Groins of Hot Rookies :-)
Um, massaging works wonders on contusions, if you can find a willing partner. Just sayin’
Seriously, that had to hurt like hell.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
Ice, ice, and ice….plus massaging it (even if you have to do it yourself) like hockeymom said.
And can you speed up Hotpocket’s recovery just a little bit?
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 27, 2009 2:33 PM MDT up reply actions
I’ve done tons of ice but massage?? Oh hell no. This shit hurts like a mofo. It’s swollen like a mofo too. And getting bigger by the day. Of course, maybe if I down some vicodin first…
Johnny’s on his way. I’ve finished his rehab, so he’ll be in the line up v. Calgary.
Beachie: Injuring hottie Avs players' almighty groins since 1996
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 27, 2009 3:26 PM MDT up reply actions
It hurts to massage it but it will help….
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 27, 2009 5:41 PM MDT up reply actions
Beachie!
her inner thighand staying on the ice to clear the zone despite what has turned into a contusionthat would match up to footer’s cheek any day
Didn’t have you figured for the older ones!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - See what can happen if you like, you know, try and stuff?
interesting numbers from mirtle here:
Avs are 4th in the league in average attendance differential from last year. Hockey in CO is dead, amirite? :p
coincides
with the differential in the way they are playing. Everyone around here has been saying that if the Avs give the fans a product to watch, they will come to the games.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
I know if we lived closer we’d definitely be going to all kinds of games. I’ve really got to turn off the Pepsi Center and Avalanche newsletters though, or we’ll end up making a second trip out this year!
I know exactly what you’re saying.
I was thinking of trying to find a way to go in November: I’m thinking of trying the following.
“Hey Mrs Canary, our anniversary is in November. Wanna get away?”
I have a chance right?
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 27, 2009 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions
Here's a little temptation
I just received:
MillerCoors Presents – Colorado Avalanche Group Sales Appreciation Night
Colorado Avalanche vs. Phoenix Coyotes
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009
7:00pm
MillerCoors has reserved the rights to 500 seats for this game in appreciation of groups that support the Colorado Avalanche. For this game only, group ticket purchasers will pay a dramatically discounted price and MillerCoors will pick up the difference. Hurry, this is a limited promotion and seats will go fast.
100 Level and 200 Level – $40 (original price $94)
300 Level – $20 (original $58)
Bring your group to see the Avalanche and experience the exciting action live at Pepsi Center!
TO ORDER TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.pepsicenter.com/groups/avalanche/avsspecial
Damn you Satan, do not tempt me further….
That is a good deal, and I having trouble not calling the wife right now….
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 27, 2009 1:09 PM MDT up reply actions
southwest is having a kick ass sale starting 0ct 29 (for 72 hours) where flights under something like 350 miles are only $25 one way…just sayin. i’m looking into seeing what slightly longer flights cost for a december trip…
Beachie: Injuring hottie Avs players' almighty groins since 1996
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 27, 2009 1:52 PM MDT up reply actions
QUIT TEMPTING ME!
You women are viscous, you know. LOL
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 27, 2009 2:00 PM MDT up reply actions
You women are viscous
This could be a typo but it doesn’t matter. Still awesome.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
+1
Beachie: Injuring hottie Avs players' almighty groins since 1996
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 27, 2009 2:07 PM MDT up reply actions
eh
There’s been 2 wild swings in those. 13k+ for the Canucks/Canes games.
Near sell out for Sakic game and Wings game.
If the Avs keep winning, it will improve.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 27, 2009 11:52 AM MDT up reply actions
Just did a little scanning over at A2Y
“As a matter of fact, I just did a quick count: 29 Tuesdays until the Cup comes home to Hockeytown.”
Ummm yeah right. Try 24 Tuesdays until you play golf in April
Avalanche 2009-2010: We fend off 7 man power plays? Do you?
I’ve found from previous experiences with old girlfriends that you can’t argue with crazy.
This team will make the playoffs and upset the Sharks in the first round...it's our turn.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Oct 27, 2009 11:00 AM MDT up reply actions
Keys to the Game
- Shoot more
- Shut down Penner
- Dominate the first period
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Well, the third key ain’t going to happen, so they’ll have to switch to plan B: dominate the second period.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
If we could turn around the first period struggles, this would be the game…Edmonton has been outscored 8-2 in the 1st period.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Seems to me like plan B has been plan A all year.
by Rather Dashing on Oct 27, 2009 11:36 AM MDT up reply actions
Game notes added
Preissing still M.I.A.
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 27, 2009 10:56 AM MDT reply actions
I do!
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 27, 2009 12:53 PM MDT up reply actions
Everybody knows that Arnold is Numero Uno.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
This Stat Took Me By Suprize
ORLY has a 7 game point streak.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Where have you been? We’ve been talking about it for a couple of days now.
But yeah, it is pretty impressive.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Joe, I’ve just gotta say, it’s been kind of weird getting used to having you around so much again. Weird in a good way, of course.
by Rather Dashing on Oct 27, 2009 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, I’m doing my best to balance this with school. The last two weeks before finals (mid-end November), I’ll probably be MIA again.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Hopefully you won’t have a bad Avs team to use as another excuse for your absence.
by Rather Dashing on Oct 27, 2009 11:57 AM MDT up reply actions
I’m not so sure it’s good having him around…it means you have to watch your back for that darn Ban Hammer again… ;)
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 27, 2009 12:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Psh. The ban hammer is so GAY. :p (I kid, I kid.
by Rather Dashing on Oct 27, 2009 12:49 PM MDT up reply actions
Honestly, people can talk about it till they’re blue in the face, but it’s just weird to hear.
It’s just one of those things you can hear it, and just never can believe it.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Budaj's Dad...
I heard somewhere, Budaj’s dad is denying his son has the swine flu…lol.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Reasons behind success
To someone who is not an Avalanche fan (or even familiar with the Western conference for that matter) what can you tell me about the reasons behind their early success? New coach or GM? Increased payroll? Acquired some cheap talent? Dumped some under performers? Their record has caught my attention and the only thing I’ve seen so far (again, as someone who knows NOTHING about the Avalanche) is that they got Craig Anderson and he’s been doing well. This is an important story to me, as a Thrashers fan, of what a basement team can do when they make the right moves.
by ThrashersRecaps on Oct 27, 2009 1:48 PM MDT reply actions
well, this is all just smoke and mirrors anyway. just ask mirtle.
Beachie: Injuring hottie Avs players' almighty groins since 1996
by BeachNSnowGirl on Oct 27, 2009 1:54 PM MDT up reply actions
My take on it:
http://www.milehighhockey.com/2009/10/22/1096084/road-trips-revelations-and-realism
http://www.milehighhockey.com/2009/10/19/1091190/the-kids-are-alright
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Part of it is
We are not a basement team usually. We had some top tier talent, Stastny, Hejduk, already on the roster. We sucked badly one year, got two amazing young additions. Traded age for a steal of a defenseman (Quincey). Those are all smart moves by a new front office. But…
We signed a goalie who inspires confidence. I know Atlanta loves Lehtonen. He’s a good goalie but if the team doesn’t play well in front of him that’s not going to work. Maybe Pavelic will do that and your GM will trade Keri to a team for talent, who knows.
Another huge aspect is a coach who inspires the players and makes them work. We are seeing a coach truly do some coaching. He’s using the team’s attributes well and it’s working.
I think we are a bad comparison to Atlanta only because this is our first year in the basement and our presence there was caused not by perennial crappy seasons, but injuries and goalie issues. A better comparison is Chicago. They drafted well over a series of years and created a team around three top draft picks.
You also have top top top top top tier talent in Kovalchuk. You have some great youth, Evander Kane, Bogosian (i played with his cousins in boarding school), Peverly, Armstrong, Little and some more in the system. Your front office added two under achievers, Afinogenov and Antropov, but if they perform at the level they should, that is some great talent. This Atlanta team has a bright future. They mishandled Heatley, Savard, and Kovlachuck i thought. They almost had too much talent all at once. A good goalie, or at least a confidence inspiring goalie, along with some better defense and they will easily take over Carolina as Washington’s intra-division competition.
Avalanche 2009-2010: We fend off 7 man power plays? Do you?
Reasons in a nutshell
but enough about Kris Draper ….
- Anderson has been a huge upgrade in goal. I’m not a Budaj basher but Anderson has been nothing shot of phenominal.
- Infusion of young talent with speed. Duchene, O RLY, Galiardi, now Jones, all providing speed and energy with skill to go with it.
- Quincey. Dude has been rock solid and logged No. 1 D-man minutes. Everything all of our overpaid underperforming vets should have been the last few years.
- New coaching staff committed to guys busting their arse. So much so that one of our leading scorers, Wolski, has been benched at times for not busting his arse. My guess is that they have a sign in the lockerroom with Arnason’s mug and a big red circle with a line throught it. Somehow the new coaching staff has also improved the PP and PK by 100% with younger, more inexperienced players. Not that Granato sucked or anything.
Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 27, 2009 3:28 PM MDT up reply actions
um…no…Granato did suck.
This team will make the playoffs and upset the Sharks in the first round...it's our turn.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Oct 27, 2009 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions
I was only protecting Dan’s ears.
Hey Peter McNab, I'm starting to see sunshine and rainbows here.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 27, 2009 3:38 PM MDT up reply actions
At the game tonight
gunna show up early for warm ups..maybe someone will sign my hat? (i can dream..)
i agree that first period dominance is key tonight, despite the fact that the oil have been out scored in the first all season, i think the first period is when they look the most dangerous, esp if quinn keeps the penner-gagner-hemsky line
these are the days i miss sakic the most
Make Me A Milkshake, Malkin! - Mike Lange
I can’t find the proper stats but I am wondering how much time the Avs have spent leading in games and how it has effected shots allowed. I know the Avs have had several come from behind wins but they have had some leads too. Every team with a lead tends to give up more shots as the other team takes more risks to put more pressure on.
Hopefully #9 is not ten less than #19
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