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Game 15 Preview: Avalanche at Canucks

Matchavalanche_medium
Vs_medium
Matchcanucks_medium

Colorado Avalanche
8:30 MT / 10:30 ET
Vancouver Canucks
10-2-2
November 1st, 2009
7-7-0
22 pts
GM Place
14 pts
1st in West
Vancouver, BC
9th in West

 

The crazy road trip is almost over; lets just hope the duct tape will hold the wheels on the bus for one more game. After tonight, the Avalanche will trudge home after paying 11 out of 13 games on the road. Obviously, they've done very, very well (8-2-2). There are signs, though, that this wonderful run is not going to be permanent. The Avs have started to slip a bit offensively. Scoring is down to 10th, the powerplay is down to 11th. Those are not terrible numbers (especially compared to what we've been forced to root for in recent years), but they are no longer upper-echelon numbers. Perhaps most telling, the Avalanche are 28th in the league in shots. We've seen a lot of timely goals during the first month of the season (18 different players have at least a goal), but timely goals only take you so far. This team needs to become a consistent threat offensively before I can start thinking about them as a playoff-calibre club.

Defensively, I have few worries, especially as long as #41 is between the pipes. Craig Anderson will start his 15th game tonight. Out of 63 NHL goalies to have played so far this year, he's the only one to get every start for his club. Joe Sacco has ridden him hard, and Anderson has certainly responded. "Responded" is a severe understatement, actually. Craig Anderson kicked all sorts of ass in October. Better?

Speaking of kicking ass in October, the gang here wants to thank all of you for helping us set another traffic record in October. We just barely missed 50,000 hits but still topped the previous high of 41,000 by a wide margin. Our October traffic was almost 4 times what we did last October (and we thought those numbers were the balls at the time). I don't think we get a trophy or a medal or anything cool like that (or, if we do, Joe's keeping them to himself), but it's great to see tangible and quantifyable evidence that this is the biggest and best Avalanche community on the World Wide Wolski. At that's because of the input of all of you. As of today, MHH has 749 members and 97,000 comments and  we've seen a welcome influx of new commenters lately. I know I speak for all of us here at MHH when I say that those numbers are as humbling as they are staggering. And now, back to our regularly scheduled preview which we'll join in progress...

I think it's pretty well documented that the Avalanche are banged up (again). The Canucks are hurting as well, with Roberto Luongo, Daniel Sedin, Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood and a few others currently on the shelf. With Luongo out, the Avs will face either Andrew Raycroft or Cory Schneider between the pipes. Not that Luongo ever looks great against the Avs...

The key to the game will probably boil down to staying out of the penalty box. The Canuckleheads can't score at even strength (21st 5 on 5). But their powerplay is deadly (2nd). Christian Ehroff has 7 powerplay assists and has that PP humming in a way we thought Kyle Quincey was going to do after a few games this year (Quincey has still been very good, but his god-like lustre has started to wear off a little). If the Avalanche can avoid taking penalties, they should have a good chance to pick up their 11th win. Take stupid penalties and it could be a long night.

Speaking of long nights, the ridiculous 10pm eastern start (on a SUNDAY???) is too late for this old man. I'll try to watch as much of the game as I can, but won't be up to do a recap. Go Avs!

 

Colorado Vancouver
22 1st Points  15th 14
3.14 10th GF/G  19th 2.64
25.6 28th S/G 7th 27.9
2.07 2nd GA/G  18th 2.93
34.1 27th SA/G 8th 32.3
22.2 11th PP%  2nd 27.9
87.1 2nd PK%  23rd 76.4
45.3 30th FO%  10th 51.1
12.4 11th PIM/G  13th 12.6
13 pts Wolski Top Scorer H Sedin 16 pts

 

Avalanche vs Canucks coverage

Nucks Misconduct

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Have we traded Svats yet?

Or maybe he could miss the plane home…

by From the Point on Nov 1, 2009 8:29 AM MST reply actions  

October is over, someone tell Svats to stop dressing up as a hockey player!

by From the Point on Nov 1, 2009 8:29 AM MST reply actions  

That’s pretty ruthless even for MHH standards. We might run you out of town for that, boy ;)

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 11:18 AM MST up reply actions  

whoa whoa whoa..

we have standards around here?

Make Me A Milkshake, Malkin! - Mike Lange

by horbayj on Nov 1, 2009 11:21 AM MST up reply actions  

Their pretty low, but we do have some. Were not animals.

The 2009-10 Avalanche: It's like having a banana split while all the other kids are getting an ice cream cone.

I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.

by Americanario on Nov 1, 2009 11:25 AM MST up reply actions  

I only use my thumb for the spacebar though….

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 11:31 AM MST up reply actions  

just trying to fit in! :)

by From the Point on Nov 1, 2009 11:58 AM MST up reply actions  

It’s hard to fit in right now, as we have no common enemy other than the Deadthings.
Last year we had Q, Tucker and Tyler “I rejoice because all the fans unite in hating me” Arnason. It formed bonds ;)

Either that, or you don’t have to fit in and you’re accepted as a fan ;)

Wasn’t that a hard proces?
Step 1. Be an Avalanche fan
Step 2. ???
Step 3. Profit

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 12:00 PM MST up reply actions  

Hey, what’s Phase 2????

by jd21 on Nov 1, 2009 5:28 PM MST up reply actions  

lmao

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 Nov 1, 2009 5:48 PM MST up reply actions  

How about the Nose Goblins?

The 2009-10 Avalanche: It's like having a banana split while all the other kids are getting an ice cream cone.

I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.

by Americanario on Nov 2, 2009 5:52 PM MST up reply actions  

Pillow Pants?

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 Nov 2, 2009 8:19 PM MST up reply actions  

Wow

you’re being pretty harsh. Svats is no Arnie or even Tucker circa 2008.

2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks

by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 1, 2009 9:01 AM MST reply actions  

I know, I haven’t had enough coffee yet.

by From the Point on Nov 1, 2009 9:38 AM MST up reply actions  

maybe, but Svats hasn’t been very good this year at all. With guys like Stewart, Hensick and freaking Wolski riding the pine at some point, why is Svatos getting a free pass? I would venture that all 3 have contributed more than Svatos 95% of the time.

and yes, that includes Hensick. I know he’s getting hammered in these parts, but I think he’s looked okay in the limited duty he’s been given. honestly, I’d rather see him out there with Duchene than Svatos (or Tucker, for that matter)

Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 1, 2009 9:41 AM MST up reply actions  

I agree about Hensick, especially about wanting to see him with Duchene. We know he works well with Jones at other levels too!

Svatos is getting a free pass because of his hustle though.

by thedoctor on Nov 1, 2009 9:43 AM MST up reply actions  

wish he had a little flow to go along with that

Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 1, 2009 9:52 AM MST up reply actions  

I still don’t know what to think about Hensick. He can pass well and he put up decent numbers in a limited rookie role last year. Maybe he needs a chance at the top to prove his worth.

I would really like to see them bring up Haydar to play with Duchene on the right. From what I’ve seen in the Monsters games this year, he’s very creative and I think that would work will with Duchene.

by mcarson01 on Nov 1, 2009 11:32 AM MST up reply actions  

will == well
I think that would work well with Duchene.

I’ve been too spoiled by spell-checkers.

by mcarson01 on Nov 1, 2009 11:35 AM MST up reply actions  

that’s an interesting idea, I thought Haydar looked pretty decent in camp. At this point I would rather see him get a chance over Hensick

by From the Point on Nov 1, 2009 11:56 AM MST up reply actions  

Why?

Sacco watched both play and decided Hensick is the better player of the two. Haydar is a lifelong AHL player.

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 11:58 AM MST up reply actions  

Wait, are you saying Sacco knows more about talent than me??
Regardless, I think Duchene is suffereing right now due to a lack of chemistry with hos linemates. Chemistry is hard to predict, you just have to try out different people.

by From the Point on Nov 1, 2009 12:02 PM MST up reply actions  

That’s very true. But Duchene’s problem in my opinion is that he’s still trying too hard. Also, his line isn’t flowing, but i’m sure Boy Wonder got enough chances to get a few more in.

I still think it would be good to get him a proper veteran winger (Like the Duke for Stazzer) out of a trade.

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 12:16 PM MST up reply actions  

i agree, i thought BW had some success when the Duke was on his line!

Make Me A Milkshake, Malkin! - Mike Lange

by horbayj on Nov 1, 2009 12:21 PM MST up reply actions  

agreed, Duchene seems to be playing out there by himself. I think he is guilty of not looking for good passes as much as Svats, or whoever, isn’t getting him good passes

by From the Point on Nov 1, 2009 12:30 PM MST up reply actions  

Svats is not someone who should make the passes, EVER. BW aught to be the one making the passes to Svats if anything.

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 12:32 PM MST up reply actions  

Yeah, Brian Wilsie is a great passer

I’ll assume you’re just pretending to be an idiot for Halloween.

by Pinchy The Lobster on Nov 1, 2009 12:35 PM MST up reply actions   1 recs

If you consider missing an “l” a problem, then yes.

I’ll assume you’re just pretending to be an idiot for Halloween.

by Pinchy The Lobster on Nov 1, 2009 12:39 PM MST up reply actions  

I’m afraid Svatos might go the Satan road, although Satan couldn’t score with Crosby next to him.

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 12:45 PM MST up reply actions  

By what margin though? Maybe Sacco thought that he was slightly better at this point, however, coaches will often change their minds as the season goes along. I think Haydar will be a lifer in the AHL if nobody gives him a decent chance. So far, he’s only played in 22 NHL games with 2 teams. That’s not much to go on but he did have 8 points in 16 games in his last NHL year. That to me says he’s worth another look at the NHL level.

by mcarson01 on Nov 1, 2009 1:58 PM MST up reply actions  

Svats might be better with different players around him, but right now he is bringing Duchene down.
And bringing me down too!
This might sound crazy but maybe he would be better off on the first line with Stats and the Duke, guys that can pass him the puck so he can shoot it.
Svats and Duchene don’t seem to be able to move the puck together, maybe putting Wolski on the 2nd would help…crazy?

by From the Point on Nov 1, 2009 10:31 AM MST up reply actions  

Not a bad idea. However, I think the problem with Svatos is he’s just inconsitent when it comes to burying the puck. I don’t know if a move to the first line would help but it may be worth a shot.

by mcarson01 on Nov 1, 2009 11:27 AM MST up reply actions  

I know Svatos hasn’t contributed to many goals this year but I have been impressed with his hussle. He’s been working hard and driving to the net. There have been times this year where I would see a player make a sweet move and I would have to rewind to see that it was Svatos. This is why I don’t believe he’ll be in Sacco’s doghouse. However, with that said, I still think we need to trade him along with another player to make an upgrade somewhere. He would be a nice addition to some teams in the NHL but I just don’t see him as a long term solution for us.

by mcarson01 on Nov 1, 2009 11:25 AM MST up reply actions  

Oh I’m not saying Svats has played well. He’s been all but a ghost. I’m just saying that this early into the season, to rip him so hard was a little over the top.

2009-2010 Avs: a game away from being up on blocks

by BeachNSnowGirl on Nov 1, 2009 12:07 PM MST up reply actions  

Anderson

Andy has face 477 shots so far. At his current pace, he’s due to play 82 games and would face 2794 shots. Luongo has the record at 2488.

even if he plays, say, 65 games, he’s on pace for 2,214 shots (8th most in history). at 70 games, 2385 (5th most).

Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 1, 2009 9:04 AM MST reply actions  

and to expand a little further, of the 10 top seasons for goalies in shots against , the goalie in question made the playoffs just 3 times – Kipper in 06-07 and CuJo twice in the mid-90s with the Blues.

Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 1, 2009 9:36 AM MST up reply actions  

i’d rather not depend on our goalie in order to get us past 82 games.

i know good goaltending wins cups, i’m not saying we’re in the hunt to win one this year, but IF we do make the playoffs, I, for one, don’t want to see Andy gassed and pull a Bobby Lou and have him shit the bed when we need him the most.

Make Me A Milkshake, Malkin! - Mike Lange

by horbayj on Nov 1, 2009 10:12 AM MST up reply actions  

correction: i’d rather not depend on JUST our goalie

we need some pucks in nets, and need to clamp down on the amount of rubber flying andy’s way

Make Me A Milkshake, Malkin! - Mike Lange

by horbayj on Nov 1, 2009 10:13 AM MST up reply actions  

classic
Joe Sacco has ridden him hard

That’s what she said.

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 9:09 AM MST reply actions  

Doesn’t Beachie do the riding around here?

by Drakenlot on Nov 1, 2009 3:52 PM MST up reply actions  

Congradulations to the entire MHH crew. You do a fine job.

by Dario on Nov 1, 2009 11:27 AM MST reply actions  

Roberto Luongo, Daniel Sedin, Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood and a few others currently on the shelf.

Has this shelf fallen down due to the weight or did Wellwood get his own shelf?

Get rid of the loser point

09-10 Avs- Nowhere to go but up!

by TheRed on Nov 1, 2009 1:48 PM MST reply actions  

+1!!

Make Me A Milkshake, Malkin! - Mike Lange

by horbayj on Nov 1, 2009 1:50 PM MST up reply actions  

Sedin

How does Hendrik fare without his brother?

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 1:54 PM MST reply actions  

i know my fantasy team hasn’t been the same

Make Me A Milkshake, Malkin! - Mike Lange

by horbayj on Nov 1, 2009 1:57 PM MST up reply actions  

What do we need to see...

to prove last game was just a blunder? In my opinion more time in the Offensive zone and atleast a respectable SOG/SA ratio. A win would also be nice!

"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 Nov 1, 2009 2:43 PM MST reply actions  

For me, a win is all that really matters. Outside of that, I hope they are really working on the faceoffs in practice. Shots on goal doesn’t matter to me so much because there is a goalie and defensemen. They can shoot all they want as long as it doesn’t go in.

by mcarson01 on Nov 1, 2009 6:28 PM MST up reply actions  

No pressure, guys

But after my NBA and NFL teams both got good wins this afternoon, the Avs have to complete my perfect Sports Sunday.

Do your thing.

by eltharion_doa on Nov 1, 2009 2:54 PM MST reply actions  

...

at least your NFL team won…WE GOT SWEPT BY THE F’ING DOLPHUCKS

Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.

by InfamousM on Nov 1, 2009 3:07 PM MST up reply actions  

We shut it down today…we couldn’t cover a kickoff if someone had a nuke of the stadium.

Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.

by InfamousM on Nov 1, 2009 3:18 PM MST up reply actions  

over the*

Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.

by InfamousM on Nov 1, 2009 3:18 PM MST up reply actions  

I think I hate Brett F**** at least as much as I hate the Red Wings. And I HATE the Red Wings.

by Rather Dashing on Nov 1, 2009 3:29 PM MST up reply actions  

Indeed

I’d be more pissed at having played the Miami defense in FF if the same dude hadn’t also had MJD and Chris Johnson.

I got shellacked.

by eltharion_doa on Nov 1, 2009 5:41 PM MST up reply actions  

Where did everyone go?

"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 Nov 1, 2009 5:39 PM MST reply actions  

Late start

Everyone’s taking a nap.

Maybe.

by eltharion_doa on Nov 1, 2009 5:42 PM MST up reply actions  

That's what I was doing.

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 Nov 1, 2009 5:50 PM MST up reply actions  

Taking a 3 hour nap between the end of football and the ridiculously late start time of the Avs game.

by arails4 on Nov 1, 2009 5:43 PM MST up reply actions  

The Yankee Games go soooo long...

starts @ 8:20 probably wont end till 12:30 so ima miss the 1st 2 periods

"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 Nov 1, 2009 5:51 PM MST up reply actions  

Baseball?

Who cares about baseball? It’s HOCKEY SEASON, people!

by Rather Dashing on Nov 1, 2009 5:55 PM MST up reply actions  

hey hey hey

Im an Avanlanche, Yankee, NY Giant, and Net fan…and im loyal to all my teams…well not really the nets cause they bore me lol

"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 Nov 1, 2009 5:57 PM MST up reply actions  

Hmmm

Something about one of those teams is not like the other three.

by eltharion_doa on Nov 1, 2009 5:58 PM MST up reply actions  

Don’t even…lol

I’m an Avs, Brewers and Jets fan.

Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.

by InfamousM on Nov 1, 2009 6:02 PM MST up reply actions  

Avs, Broncos, Giants

The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Nov 2, 2009 10:14 AM MST up reply actions  

Killing a few hours with… Settlers of Catan. Who hoo, I’m a nerd! Nerdy board games FTW!!!!

Get rid of the loser point

09-10 Avs- Nowhere to go but up!

by TheRed on Nov 1, 2009 5:57 PM MST reply actions  

I'd be playing Torchlight

If my laptop didn’t currently prefer crashing to running anything more complex than an internet browser.

by eltharion_doa on Nov 1, 2009 5:59 PM MST up reply actions  

Borderlands here.

MAINSTREAM’D

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 Nov 1, 2009 6:20 PM MST up reply actions  

Borderlands is awesome

Its liek Diablo. But with Guns!

by TMB on Nov 1, 2009 7:05 PM MST up reply actions  

Agggghhhhh

I love the look of that game.

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 Nov 2, 2009 8:20 PM MST up reply actions  

Sound like an epidemic since my laptop took a bertuzzi right before the game and I still haven’t got it going again.

The 2009-10 Avalanche: It's like having a banana split while all the other kids are getting an ice cream cone.

I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.

by Americanario on Nov 1, 2009 10:36 PM MST up reply actions  

Boy is work going to suck tomorrow. After working today, watching football while drinking, then about to watch this game and probably drink some more……..oh man.

Hopefully #9 is not ten less than #19

by InYoFace on Nov 1, 2009 6:31 PM MST reply actions  

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