Game 15 Preview: Avalanche at Canucks

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Nov 1, 2009 7:53 AM MDT


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

Tweet Comment 77 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

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 ;)

26 Card Jet

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….

26 Card Jet

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

26 Card Jet

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

Someone hasn't heard of the Underpants Gnomes.

by Drakenlot on Nov 2, 2009 9:57 AM 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.

26 Card Jet

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.

26 Card Jet

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.

26 Card Jet

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

See the problem?

26 Card Jet

by Tommelot on Nov 1, 2009 12:36 PM MST up reply actions

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.

26 Card Jet

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.

26 Card Jet

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

yes they do!

by Uziel on Nov 1, 2009 1:43 PM MST up 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

Wellwood

He is the shelf.

by Drakenlot on Nov 1, 2009 3:53 PM MST up reply actions

Sedin

How does Hendrik fare without his brother?

26 Card Jet

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

Wildcat defense

You should try it.

by eltharion_doa on Nov 1, 2009 3:13 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

I might need one myself

Still two hours until puck drop

by eltharion_doa on Nov 1, 2009 5:54 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

I'm saving up my gaming hours

For Dragon Age.

by Drakenlot on Nov 2, 2009 10:58 AM 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