Game 36 Recap - Capitals 6, Avs 1
by Mike @ MHH on Dec 15, 2009 10:34 PM MST
Email
Print
One Sentence Recap Style:
The Avalanche laid a turd on the ice last night in the shape of a Hot Pocket.
[Joe here. I'm going to add a few more sentences of my own.]
One of the downsides of having so much youth and inexperience is inconsistency. Some nights the Avalanche just aren't going to show up, and this was one of those nights. It happens. It will happen again. The good news is that Calgary also lost last night, so the Avs retain the top spot in the West.
The only thing that doesn't make sense to me is why David Koci continues to play hockey at all. What is his purpose? Aside from a few fights in the opening minutes of a few games, he plays no more than three total minutes, contributes nothing to the offense, and generally warms the bench. Matt Duchene and Craig Anderson have been getting roughed up all season, so it's not like Koci has provided any kind of protection.
Koci's hit on Mike Green last night was clearly boarding, and the game misconduct was well-deserved. It was a dirty hit and Green is lucky to have come away with just a few stitches and a headache. Green never saw him coming. The only reason Koci was on the ice in the second period instead of his usual first-minute-of-the-game beat-down was that Washington doesn't have a big enforcer like Donald Brashear any more. Koci didn't have anybody to fight. Coach Sacco knew this and played him anyway.
I hope the league suspends Koci for a game or two. If nothing else, it will free up a spot in the lineup for somebody who actually plays hockey.
249 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Smurfiforms are 1-2-1.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 15, 2009 10:53 PM MST up reply actions
But they are a pretty colour…
Sandie
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 15, 2009 11:35 PM MST up reply actions
I’m not even sold on that. I like the old thirds way better.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
by TheRed on Dec 15, 2009 11:56 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
That my child is pure speculation and opinion
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 12:09 PM MST up reply actions
Don't forget though
Both losses were of the blowouts variety.
I need a new sig, since i think I cursed ORLY by promoting him.
I had the joy of being there
It wasn’t all bad, the organ player jammed some Led Zepplin and the Light Rail ride home wasn’t crowded.
Then there was the game. Then Roach had the nerve to promo that there were tickets available for Saturday’s game.
Right when I thought it couldn’t get worse I got behind a guy wearing a Brad May Avs jersey.
Light Rail ride home wasn’t crowded.
oh gee wonder why
Bills fan? In Colorado? It's more likely than you think.
by UZ on Dec 16, 2009 1:46 AM MST up reply actions
DVR’d it. Saw the box score. FFWD to Koci incident. Smile. FFWD to Galliardi Goal. Delete.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 15, 2009 11:38 PM MST reply actions
Smile??? At a disgustingly dirty hit? Seriously?
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 16, 2009 5:34 AM MST up reply actions
I very disappoint?
Please… You fan of Ovechkin, are you?
Don’t click here. I show of video.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 9:27 AM MST up reply actions
I’m so damn glad that this was the first, and possibly only game I’ve been to this (exceptional) season.
Sham-wow has none of the slap-chop left
Radar needs to recalibrate his screen bc he’s not quite there anymore
Refs blew. And didn’t blow. Doth were problematic.
09
by wflan on Dec 16, 2009 12:25 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
Refs blew. And didn’t blow
Oh, but they intended to, and that makes it all bettah.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
Isn’t that all that matters?
Sandie
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 16, 2009 10:23 AM MST up reply actions
Also my 1st game this season!
Had the pleasure of some comp’d club level seats, right behind Pimp Cane for two periods. Actually, he didn’t really live up to that name, as he was not at all tested… some other thoughts:
I think the Avs dominated on face-offs and outshot the Craps. I didn’t really need to confirm Joes post about being out-shot, I believed him already.
J-M Hotpocket should have been given an assist on the 4th or 5th goal. You could hear the wind blowing out of the CAN after that.
There was a noticeable increase in organ music as ‘B Unit’ mentioned. Many of the same songs that used to be blasted are now organ fodder. I was all for having an organ player, but it sounds canned, with instant drum machine accompaniment. I think that’s even worse.
There were large blocks of unsold seats, but not as bad as other games I’ve seen. The row behind us was completely empty except for two really drunk, really loud Caps fans in ‘Trading Places’ – style Santa outfits (I didn’t see a salmon, but I’, pretty sure I could smell it). The pathetic lameness of the duo was made even worse by the score. Fortunately they stumbled somewhere else by the 3rd period, but c’mon. If you’re going to make big dumb signs (“Rock the Red”?), maybe you should fill in the letters and not use a ball-point pen.
This was the first game that I’ve been really early to since the cup finals. Ovechkin was pretty impressive, just in the warmups. He has a bomb of a one-timer (something the Avs could have used tonight), and I don’t think Theodore stopped one of his practice shots. We’re lucky they only got one power play (and scored on it). As far as quality chances, Washington had WAY more than Colorado.
And as to the New Jersey? They actually look a lot better live than what I thought they would. I inquired about a Stewart jersey, and was told “No, he doesn’t play enough”. But I could buy a sweet Willsie jersey on the spot! Nice!
ANOTHER RIGHT BY SAKIC! ANOTHER RIGHT BY SAKIC! ANOTHER RIGHT BY SAKIC! ANOTHER RIGHT BY SAKIC! ANOTHER RIGHT BY SAKIC! ANOTHER RIGHT BY SAKIC! ANOTHER RIGHT BY SAKIC! ANOTHER RIGHT BY SAKIC!
“Rock the Red” makes more sense if you know anything about the Caps’ marketing scheme this year and last, but I agree that it’s kind of dumb to take it into an away arena. If you get Center Ice, though, and can watch a Caps home broadcast, look for a shot of the crowd and you’ll see what that’s all about. They all wear red even in the regular season.
Craps? Really? A dysphemism for a team that just smoked yours?
Unleash the Alex!
Craps? Really? A dysphemism for a team that just smoked yours?
It’s all we got, man. Shouldn’t you be riding off into the sunset now?
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Before I do, I’d like to add that I really like the make-up of your team. I (honestly) told an Avs friend of mine at the start of the year they’d make the playoffs, and he laughed in my face.
Also, please do, and when you get there, find it in your hearts to beat the Red Wings. This is all I ask.
Take care – it looks to me like you guys have more bright days ahead than gloom.
Familiar Rapports: Bald Pollack, F&B, Gould Old Days.
Lobbies: Osala, Perreault, Erskine, Pothier, Neuvirth, Flash.
Fan of: Mean Lars Backstrom, Line Mashing, Cake.
I blame you for this loss Sparky
you jinxed it when you replied to Chi that you hoped his kid got to see Budaj play. BOOOOOO! U R DE SUXXXXOOORRSSS! :-)
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
Also, please do (make the playoffs), and when you get there, find it in your hearts to beat the Red Wings. This is all I ask.
You are assuming that the Red Wings make the playoffs. Many of us are hoping they get beat out….
Things are looking up as the Avs are already 2-0 against them this season and now 5-1-0 in two seasons even with the stinker of a team we had last year. Almost makes up for the 0-8 drubbing the Avs had the season before.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 12:52 PM MST up reply actions
The gut reflex reaction was probably about the same…
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 12:52 PM MST up reply actions
btw, the final was 6-1 last night, but it felt like 90-1.
We just got beat by a better team. It’s about as cut and dry as that. Washington is legit, we didn’t show up to play … and we got what we deserved. We got punched in the mouth right off the hop, and never responded.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
Boudreau on Koci’s penalty (which is conspicuously absent from the NHL.com highlights)
“Let’s be honest, if this was (a competitive) game, (Koci) gets on the ice in the first three minutes, he gets into his fight with a guy, and then he sits at the end of the bench, and that’s it. So what good is he?”
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 16, 2009 5:26 AM MST reply actions
full audio of Boudreau’s opinion of Koci http://tweetmic.com/p/oy53iskaqve
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Dec 16, 2009 5:36 AM MST up reply actions
Koci seems like a nice guy, but I can’t say I disagree with Boudreau.
Sandie
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 16, 2009 10:30 AM MST up reply actions
Boudreau must have been reading this site the last few weeks. I swear most of us have said those exact words.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 12:54 PM MST up reply actions
The ony thing worse than watching that beat-down was seeing that f-ing hit.
It’s like I could see it coming. Green’s behind the net and I think to myself “is that Koci? What the hell would he be doing….” then BLAM. “fuck”.
I’ve always felt like the true fighters in this league have kinda prided themselves in playing a pretty clean game. You go out there, protect your guys, get your ass kicked by their guy (in our case), try not to be a defensive liability, and cheer from the bench. That’s pretty much it.
Koci’s hit in a 5-0 (at the time, I think) game is a disgrace to the organization. We’re talking Tootoo, Avery, shithead from Dallas who’s name eludes me, Briere, et. al. type of crap. I liked to think we were better than that. Guess I was wrong.
Maybe Colon (I know) can use this case to really send a message about hits. Give him 15 what the hell. It might be one of the few times a suspension has made a team better.
If you want to punish the organization, don’t suspend him.
"We're going to have to learn the rules and how to play,"
Red Wings quote
Really?
Ott?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
by Mike @ MHH on Dec 16, 2009 9:09 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
I would only disagree with placing Koci in the same frame as Tootoo, Avery, Et. al. because (so far) Koci has not made a habit of suspect/dangerous hits. Sure he usually gets 2-3 minutes TOI and takes a dumb penalty or gets beat in a fight, but he doesn’t usually try to injury other players. Maybe before he came to Denver he had a history, but I’ve never heard anything unlike, Tootoo, Avery, Et.al.
And how is it a disgrace to the organization? Is the organization saying it was clean? Are they defending it? Did the organization bring him in hoping this was the type of plays he would make? I honestly don’t think so, so don’t blame the organization for a guy who makes a mistake once in a game where maybe he normally wouldn’t be playing. (And no I’m not defending the hit…it was a dangerous hit, he deserved the penalty, and he deserve a suspension.)
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 1:01 PM MST up reply actions
those guys can fight too, koci, not so much.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 3:04 PM MST up reply actions
Who asked him?
Shut the fuck up, Boudreau, and go worry about your own fucking team. He’s chosen to mold his team more like the Red Wings than the Ducks, great, his choice, and he doesn’t have anyone to counter Koci when something like last night happens. But worry about your own dirty players, take the win, and get the fuck out of here.
by Dan Winkler on Dec 16, 2009 9:42 AM MST up reply actions
I’d say Boudreau has a right to offer his opinion about an incident that involved his team and the team they were facing.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Further to the point, Boudreau is spot on in his analysis. That was a craptastically douchetastic maneuver on Koci’s part. I lost what modicum of respect I had for him at that point. Makes me long for the days of Peter Worrell, it does.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Time to grow a pair, boys!
I’m missing the Sheriff big time, and I never liked him much.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
I put the replay on my blog of the hit…but I noticed something when watching it…
Koci threw a fucking elbow too!
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
What? OMFG that’s it! The line has been crossed… seriously dude. I didn’t see an elbow.
I love how Ovechkin mouths “what happened” at the end of the video on Puck Daddy’s blog. “Yeah Ovie… he.. uh basically got Ovie’d…”
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 12:18 PM MST up reply actions
Maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me…but I swear I saw an elbow.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
I see no elbow thrown.
Unless you include an elbow into Green’s back.
I need a new sig, since i think I cursed ORLY by promoting him.
I just noticed
I it just me or is the link in your sig broken?
I need a new sig, since i think I cursed ORLY by promoting him.
I hate the way you beat around the bush and hide your feelings, Danno. Imo, Koci’s hit was bad, probably worthy of a few game suspension. But I’ve certainly seen worse. And Boudreau should talk to Ovie about going around Marchmenting players out there. He tried to knee Wilson and luckily Wilson avoided it. Dumb thing is, Ovie could end his own career with stupid shit like that.
And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.
by Bob in Boulder on Dec 16, 2009 11:05 AM MST up reply actions
Ovechkin is definitely following in the footsteps of a certain former Avalanche player when it comes to physical play and the potential for career-shortening injuries.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
I’m sure he was thinking the same thing while putting Brashear on the ice vs NY.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8I1azUJT58
"I’m upset — disappointed is a better word — that it was so long," he said. "I can’t figure it out, and I don’t think it’s best for me to comment on that. It is what it is." He added that he was not sure that the league had been consistent in giving out such suspensions.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 11:34 AM MST up reply actions
Clark and Liles are now known as Finkle and Einhorn.
I was mumbling Finkle, Einhorn all night long. Then after the game I threw a melodramatic fit concluding with me crying in the shower. It wasn’t pretty.
Did you burn your clothes too?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I vote this game gets shuffled off into “What game?” status as quickly as possible.
All in favor?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
What game are you talking about?
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Just another team holding an open skate on our ice. I got a new name for our arena.. The Pepsi Practice Facility.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
I wouldn’t call that an open skate. Minny held an open skate. This was a shooting practice…“skate from one end and back, then shoot. Now do it again, and again, and again.”
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 1:05 PM MST up reply actions
except 10 min in the 2nd period. that was a scrimmage.
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 1:06 PM MST up reply actions
Well
That sucked. The good news is that I went to the game with an old friend who I don’t get to see very often, and we had the opportunity to catch up on a lot of stuff. It was fantastic conversation with a good friend which is always nice.
Oh and there was a crappy hockey game in the background…
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 16, 2009 7:59 AM MST reply actions
that about describes my night. I did get to get closer to an old friend, beer.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 8:09 AM MST up reply actions
Ok, just like I watched the first period and then FFd through the rest of the game last night, I’ve read the first third of the posts and FFd through the rest so maybe someone said this already but…
it seemed the kids were a bit overwhelmed/shell shocked/star struck to be playing against the Caps/Ovechkin, at least in the first period. They got over it in the second but that waived off goal of McLeod’s seemed to deflate them. Any merit to that? Like I said, I didn’t watch with too much intensity so I could be off on my assessment.
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 8:56 AM MST reply actions
I think that Hot Pocket’s great lead pass to the other team was slightly more deflating. The rest seems pretty much on.
I thought Hannan and Quincey did a pretty fair job on Ovie, at least through the first.
"We're going to have to learn the rules and how to play,"
Red Wings quote
Really?
I think Wilson did a better job on AO than Hannan or Quincey.
Hannan had a JML moment of his own too.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
by Mike @ MHH on Dec 16, 2009 9:05 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
It seemed like they were skating well until the McLeod waived off goal. They were just making a lot of mistakes up to that point. Then they quit.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Dec 16, 2009 11:17 AM MST up reply actions
yes it was boarding...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8hR5UQltaM
But come on, Green looked back and saw him and did nothing to brace for the hit or get out of the way. Koc shouldered him and he rag dolled into the glass. I hate to be the one who blames the victim, but if he had any positioning there, it would not have happened. Koci glided into him and was reaching for the puck. What do you want him to do? come to a snow spraying stop and poke check? You check to seperate the man from the puck and to force them out of position. It was a hockey play with an unfortunate consequence, reminds me of that incident in the OHL a month or two ago, unfortunate, but not malicious as many would make it out to be.
It’s too bad Green was hurt on the play, but It looks like he’s going to be ok, and I for one want to see hard forechecking ESPECIALLY when we’re down 5-0. As iIwatch the clip, I see hard forechecking and hitting by every Av on the ice. Good! Maybe if we’d done that in the first period we would have done a better job of showing up for the game.
by Dave's A Killer on Dec 16, 2009 9:18 AM MST reply actions
come to a snow spraying stop and poke check?
That’s Clark’s gig.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 9:38 AM MST up reply actions
if he had any positioning there, it would not have happened.
But Green didn’t have any positioning, and it did happen.
I hate to be the one who blames the victim
Then don’t.
If somebody on the Capitals had run an Avalanche player like that, we’d be pissed. What Koci did wasn’t hard forechecking. He wasn’t playing the puck, he was head-hunting.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
What Koci did wasn’t hard forechecking. He wasn’t playing the puck, he was head-hunting.
Isn’t this something Koci is known to do in blowouts?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Does that make it right? Seems to me like Sacco was complicit in this crap by putting him out there.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
That’s my point: He has a history, he should have continued to open and close the bench door, and that’s it.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Oh, then we’re on the same page.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Good. I hate hitting lawyers. My hands stink for days afterword.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
That’s just the smell of your hockey gloves, Stinky McStinkerson.
Besides, I’m not a lawyer.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
BTW, can you tell the firewall at work is letting me post today?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Where's the history?
I haven’t followed Koci’s career with a microscope, so I don’t know if he’s done this before. Saw someone else besides Mike mention that he has a tendency to take cheapshots in blowouts, but all I knew about the guy before he got here is that Zdeno Chara turned him into a bloody mess. All I know about the guy since he’s been here is that he’s not a great fighter but he seems like a slightly better skater most big enforcers we’ve had in the past, and that last night’s hit was the first cheap thing I’ve seen him do since he joined the team.
In this case, is Koci “known to do” this like Tony Granato is “known” to have fucked up Pittsburgh’s power play? Or are there actual facts to support this claim?
And if he actually does have a history then look, he is what he is, right? Sacco knows his players, he knows their tendencies and behavior (in general, some guys like Wolski and Liles are probably mysteries and much bigger headaches than Koci). But Koci’s probably the least mysterious guy on that team in terms of what he’ll do when he’s given ice time. He’ll try to make the big hit. He won’t skate particularly well. He’ll take pretty bad penalties either because he can’t keep up with the other players on the ice and he’s forced to trip them or hook them, or because he blew a gasket, got pissed, and did something reckless. He’s utterly predictable and, I’m sure, he knows, whether it’s actually said or not, that if he doesn’t go out there and try to make something happen (big hit, intimidation), that his 2 minutes/game will shrink even more.
Koci is like the scorpion in that scorpion/turtle story, where the turtle carries the scorpion across the river because the scorpion can’t swim. The punchline, after the scorpion stings the turtle, is “you knew what I was when you found me.”
I get that Avs’ fans would be pissed if Steve Ott did the same thing to one of our players. But it happens. These days, it seems to happen about once or twice every week. Doesn’t make it right, doesn’t make it wrong, it’s an absolute part of the way the game is structured these days. We see Darcy Tucker get concussed and miss a bunch of time, Hejduk’s collarbone getting broken (years ago), Forsberg losing internal organs…so it’s only logical to think that some of our players are going to do some of the dishing out, too. Avs players aren’t angels, we have the typical mix of clean/dirty, just like all teams have.
I’ve seen a lot worse than Koci’s hit on Green, everyone has. Guess the league needs to figure out what it wants to be, how it wants to be perceived, and then decide how to address this situation. GMs and coaches who’ve forgotten more hockey than we’ve ever seen keep signing and playing guys like Koci, so there must be a reason for it. People say that hit has no place in hockey, but it has, does, and probably will continue to because the people who run the game haven’t taken serious steps to make any significant changes.
by Dan Winkler on Dec 16, 2009 6:41 PM MST up reply actions
My question on Koci’s history was just that, a question. Some of our Eastern Conference familiars were throwing around the “history” angle on other blogs after the hit, and since he spent a good chunk of his playing career on the eastern side of the country, I asked the question. Don’t read into any more than that. I didn’t get any objections and Joe’s comments seemed to indicate that the rumblings I’d heard were true. Anyway, I may have hopped to a tad of a conclusion there.
Regardless of history or the reletive squeaky-cleanness of Avalanche players/opponents past or present, it was a DANGEROUS, ILLEGAL hit. End of story.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
How can you label that head hunting? watch the video. Green looks back and sees Koci, then turns his back to him. Plus Koci had his stick on the ice going for the puck. The same hit happens multiple times a game and people don’t get hurt. If Green was turning his back on a player turning into him, he should have squared up and braced himself, otherwise skate out with the puck.
I’m sure he’ll get something, but I don’t see Koci’s hit as head hunting or an intent to injure. Again, watch the clip. he’s going in to get the puck lose and get something going. The crowed cheered the hit and the fight. I’d say mission accomplished.
by Dave's A Killer on Dec 16, 2009 12:13 PM MST up reply actions
We can agree to disagree about “head-hunting” but it doesn’t change the fact that it was a DANGEROUS, ILLEGAL HIT that the league has been trying to mandate out of the game, this season especially.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Seriously, Koci had time to read the “GREEN”, the “52”, and even the “RBK” tag on the back of the jersey. Surely that should have been an indication that it was an illegal hit?
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Seriously. Koci came from beyond the faceoff circle to hit Green. He was miles away.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
+1
Boarding by DEFINITION is taking more than three steps to check a guy into the boards. It’s basically a more dangerous version of charging.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
no mention of steps. that's charging. He got a boarding. just means he creamed him
Rule 44 Boarding
A minor or major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, based upon the degree of violence of the impact with the boards, shall be imposed on any player who checks an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be thrown violently in the boards.
(NOTE) Any unnecessary contact with a player playing the puck on an obvious “icing” or “off-side” play which results in that player being knocked into the boards is “boarding” and must be penalized as such. In other instances where there is no contact with the boards, it should be treated as “charging”.
When a major penalty is imposed under this Rule for a foul resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.
Any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconducts for Boarding under Rule 44 (b), in either Regular Season or Playoffs, shall be suspended automatically for the next game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.
When a major penalty is imposed under this Rule, an automatic fine of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be imposed.
by Dave's A Killer on Dec 16, 2009 3:27 PM MST up reply actions
Yes I would, and caps fans would be supporting their player too ;)
by Dave's A Killer on Dec 16, 2009 12:15 PM MST up reply actions
If a Cap had done that to an Av i would be pissed, but I bet the Caps fans would be supporting their player too ;)
by Dave's A Killer on Dec 16, 2009 12:16 PM MST up reply actions
Umm, no I would not. That hit has no place in hockey.
by Moonage Daydream on Dec 16, 2009 2:31 PM MST up reply actions
Spot on!
Dave’s absolutely right here. Green SAW Koci coming, then turned toward the glass. What more is there to say? He didn’t protect himself. Koci laid a hard hit, which everyone out there KNOWS he’s going to do. His elbow comes up, certainly warranting a penalty, but this is not the surreal dirty hit the rest of you are making it out to be.
I know we Avs fans aren’t used to hard hitting hockey, but this is how you establish a physical game.
~Billy
Pavel Datsyuk is a dive-queen.
It’s not a top 10 douchey hit. It’s a DANGEROUS, ILLEGAL HIT THAT WARRANTS A PENALTY AND A SUSPENSION. The onus isn’t on Green to not adjust when he sees Koci over his shoulder. It’s on Koci to let up and make a different play when he can read the fine print on the back of Green’s jersey.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Especially when he’s got so much time to adjust. Green had his head down facing the boards way before Koci got there.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Even if Green saw him
That doesn’t give a player Carte Blanche to throw a dirty or dangerous hit. I get tired of this argument “He put himself in a vulnerable position” isn’t a get-out-of-jail be-a-douchebag for free card.
If a Jaywalker walks in front of my car it doesn’t mean I can put the petal to the metal and try to flatten him.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 16, 2009 3:26 PM MST up reply actions
No,
but it also doesn’t mean a jaywalker, who clearly sees an oncoming car, should step out in front of it either.
My problem with the situation is that I fear stuff like this is going to water down the physicality of the game. Players know now that they can turn their back to a player to avoid a check. So basically, you will see more players turning to get the penalty rather than taking the check and playing the puck anyway. When that happens you will undoubtedly see more guys get hurt, more suspensions, and more discussion about dirty and dangerous hits. This could all be avoided by teaching players to take the check (and the charge) and not get hurt.
I thought it was clearly charging, and deserved a penalty. I agree that there is not carte blanche to throw dangerous and dirty hits, as the league (sometimes) sees it. Had Ovi done this to one of our players, I would also be pissed, but I doubt Ovi would get suspended. I would also tell anyone in this position, that clearly sees an oncoming check, to NOT TURN YOUR BACK TO IT, for your own sake. No one wants to get Drapered
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
until it actually waters down the game I’m not going to worry about it.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 11:28 PM MST up reply actions
I think it already has
Not just with this specific instance, but also other types of plays? When was the last time you saw a good hip check? The last one I saw received a penalty. When players know they can draw a penalty by putting themselves in a particular situation, they will do it. And they do it right now.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
I think good hip checks have become obsolete, partially because players are going for the big (and in many cases illegal) hit up high. Since the NHL doesn’t punish jumping/charging any more.
I get what you’re saying, that it’s up to a player to look out for his own safety. At the same time It’s easy to say “Don’t turn your back” or “keep your head up” but it’s not very practical. The nature of the game is going to put players in those positions, no matter how careful they are. It’s up to opponents to let up when a player is in a vulnerable position sometimes.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 17, 2009 7:49 AM MST up reply actions
It’s up to opponents to let up when a player is in a vulnerable position sometimes.
I think this is a new thing in the NHL. There is definitely an attitude of finish your check no matter what that is prevalent now. I agree that guys need to not be trying to run other players, and I think Koci could have let up and at the same time still made a check. But it would have still been a hit from behind. If that is made illegal in all cases it will effectively remove checking anywhere near the boards, as players will simply turn away from an oncoming player to remove the possibility of a check.
Throughout the history of the NHL, it has been the person with the pucks responsibility, not the opponents, for their own safety. It’s part of the game- if you don’t pay attention, you will get rocked. If you are paying attention, and you see the hit coming, and you don’t do anything to avoid it/ cushion the blow, well, too bad. I feel the game would be worse off for removing that. You can put me in the blame the victim camp if you want, but I don’t believe that.
Hockey has always been a rough, DANGEROUS, and sometimes DIRTY game. I’d prefer to see excessive behavior (Koci’s charge) handled by the league on an effective case by case basis (yeah, I know, good luck), without removing all potentially dangerous situations. Otherwise we have a bunch of guys in plastic bubbles skating around so the won’t maybe get hurt on a potentially dangerous play.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
Hockey has always been a rough, DANGEROUS, and sometimes DIRTY game. I’d prefer to see excessive behavior (Koci’s charge) handled by the league on an effective case by case basis (yeah, I know, good luck), without removing all potentially dangerous situations.
I think we are in agreement here.
At the same time there’s so much more knowledge out there about head injuries and spinal injuries that to ignore this in favor of “that’s the way it’s always been”would be asinine.
sticks are going to hit people in the face, sometimes clearly on accident, but it’s still a penalty, and for good reason. If you didn’t have this rule people would be swinging their sticks wildly at any puck above their waste, and if they accidentally hit someone “it was an accident and part of the game!”. Now no one not names Ballard does this
The point being that hockey players are already expected to control their actions in order to protect their opponents and teammates from serious injury, it’s not really changing the game all that much to say that the NHL should punish players for something that’s already considered illegal.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 17, 2009 3:27 PM MST up reply actions
At the same time there’s so much more knowledge out there about head injuries and spinal injuries that to ignore this in favor of "that’s the way it’s always been"would be asinine.
I agree with this. The NHL is also asinine in it’s selective enforcement of the rules and arbitrary suspensions. I think a more rational approach on their part would eliminate most of the problem without having to resort to something I feel will eliminate a good deal of hard checking from the game.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
Counter question: When was the last time you saw somebody attempt a good hip check? I don’t think it’s a skill that is taught anymore. Hell, the only reason Blake developed his ass of doom was due to shoulder injuries early in his career.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I don’t think it’s taught because people don’t think it’s a good check anymore (i.e. the penalties I’ve seen for what I was taught was a good clean hip check) The result has been more dangerous hits up high. Be careful what you wish for, I guess.
In thinking about it, though, was Wilson’s hit on Stamkos a hip or shoulder? I think I remember that starting out as mostly hip, so maybe it does still happen from time to time.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
That was the hit I was going to mention. I think Wilson had another one, but can’t remember the game…I remember because someone compared it to Blake’s “ass of doom”
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 17, 2009 8:21 PM MST up reply actions
I was at the game last night
The Avs looked dazed and confused through the whole game. Sloppy, slow, out of position, and a gigantic turnover machine. The Bigfoot Bertuzzi team showed up.
The performance last night looked like last year’s team. I was talking to the girl next to me and we agreed that next to the forgotten Vancouver game this was the second worst performance of the team this year, and I will second the motion to have it forgotten.
That hit by Koci was absolutely inexcusable. There is no reason for the man to be on the ice, there was no reason for him to hit Green like that, and if he is going to pull stunts like that, healthy scratch his ass for the rest of the year. Props to Erskine for sticking up for Green. If Koci wanted to start something with someone, he should have started it with Erskine to begin with.
I can understand Sacco’s frustration during the presser, and I am glad he was pissed (Matt Hendrick’s wasn’t spinning the rainbows and sunshine during his interview either). I don’t think Anderson had a great game, but when the team in front of you is giving away the puck, it’s not like he is getting any help out there. I know Sacco needed to pull him, but I then hate when Budaj has to come in and deal with the mess in the third period (or vis versa with Anderson). During that last PK when someone ended up tripping and falling on his ass (forgot who) and they gave to puck away so that 2 Caps players were just standing in front of the net, it truly reminded me of some of the mistakes my son’s Squirt team makes. I don’t think team team deserved to have a goalie between the pipes during this game.
CAvalanche (I think that is your name): I have your poster. I will be at the December 26th game. Let me know if you will be there.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
There is no reason for the man to be on the ice
It was 5-0 at that point in the game.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 9:46 AM MST up reply actions
So what? So 5-0 means it’s time to injure the opposing team’s players? I’d rather the team try to score some goals and make it 5-5 instead.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Yes Joe. 5-0 kill the motherfuckers! That’s my motto.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 9:51 AM MST up reply actions
My memory is fuzzy but I don’t remember you rooting for the Wild during the 2007-08 playoffs when they pulled the same bullshit against the Avs.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
I think that was sarcasm on Pinchy’s part. Everybody take a minute and scrub the sand out of their va-ja-jays.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
It’s pretty obvious that “5-0 kill the motherfuckers” is sarcastic, as was my “memory is fuzzy” line. I don’t want to come across like a scolding busy-body, but I don’t like to make light of situations where players are actually injured by stupid plays.
That said, the sand has been scrubbed.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
I’m coming down with a cold, so I’ll just have to settle for a hand-job I guess. Darn.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Funny, that’s on my X-mas list with the Mrs. too…
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Can you have a list with one item? I don’t think so.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Toddler@MHH can’t read very well yet, can he? I can’t wait until he starts checking out the site on his own.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Thanks
Right on; thanks for grabbing an extra for me. I wouldn’t have blamed you had the game numbed your memory to the point of zombie-walking back to your car.
Yes, I’m planning to be at the 12/26 game – let me know when/where to meet you and I’ll be glad to. Thanks again.
Redo?
So frustrating. How many times did the Avs get a solid minute of pressure, only to then give up a quick-strike goal. Washington jumped on so many Avs mistakes, like a good team does.
Anderson looked awful and should have been pulled right after 4-0. I think teams respond better when the goalie has to be taken out in front of the whole crowd. Shame is a good motivator for these guys.
If Santa comes down my chimney wearing those Red Wing colors, he's going to wish he didn't exist.
If the Avs actually felt shame due to poor play last night, it didn’t show in the third period, outside of Galiardi. Where was the effort from Wolski? SoS? Anderson had no control over the horrible play of his defensemen, so why embarrass him with the hook in front of the crowd? He wasn’t playing bad, just not standing on his head to keep the craptastic team in front of him in a game the appeared to have no interest in playing? Who’s feelings would you rather hurt, the #1 goalie or the entire team that was mailing it in after the score got to 3-0? This was a classic no-win situation for Sacco when it came to getting Andy out of the game.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I’m with Mike. I think pulling Andy when he did was the best move. The rest of the team (especially the D) was far more culpable for this blowout than Anderson.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Agree
and in terms of questions about who starts the next game: even though I am a DoB, it should be Anderson, and the team owes Andy a solid defensive game and hopefully a win.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
I think it was a shitfest all around, and Andy was at the center of it. IMO, his rebound control is awful. yes the defensemen need to be clearing that stuff out of there, but too many of Andy’s rebounds pop right back out into the slot for a waiting opponent to tap in. The “oops” goal where it went in of Andy’s pads was his fault as well….. he was directly facing the opposing player with his pads angled at a 45degree into the net, just asking to be scored on that way.
I’m a big fan of the Andy signing, but he’s GOT to get better with the rebound control.
Having the rest of the team pull their heads out would help too.
Please define rebound control. I think we have a fundamental difference of opinion on what constitutes it.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
I’m close to making use of the phrase “rebound control” a bannable offense.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Here’s an idea…good teams have defensmen who can actually clear the puck…
now that’s REBOUND CONTROL.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
I would define it as being able to have some control over where your rebounds go, such as directing them to the corners.
If that had been Budaj last night, there would be several hundred posts calling for his release.
Here's the Rundown:
Those several hundred posts would be incorrect in their assessment of Budaj’s hypothetical rebound control just as much as you are incorrect regarding Anderson’s.
So a rundown of the goals from last night thanks to the video from NHL.com:
Goal 1: Liles boneheaded play #1. He stands in the corner, loses two battles for the puck and then lets his guy go the the net to bang in the REBOUND ANDERSON PUT INTO THE CORNER.
He makes a breakaway save on 4th-liner Wilson (next video available) and PUTS THE REBOUND IN THE CORNER.
Goal 2: Liles horrible play #2: JML gets beat like a rented mule starting a 2-on-1 with AO and Knuble. He’s patient, but gets beat moving left-to-right. No rebound issues here. Maybe a little better stick discipline though.
Disallowed Goal 3: Combo horrible defense on this one. Quincey sets a GORGEOUS screen for Semin (who just happens to be one of the best players in the game). Andy never sees the shot, makes the save and the rebound is right next to/in front of him. Not only does nobody tell him where it is, Hannan lets Laich calmly step over and kick it in. Good times.
Goal 3: The video at NHL.com doesn’t go far enough back to see Hannan’s excruciating giveaway that leads to the offensive zone pressure, but it does show how a well-positioned Anderson makes a left pad save (appropriate for a shot going low and far post) and the rebound pops in front to Bradley, who Quincey had lost containment/position on. You wanna hang that on rebound control when there were 2-3 horrible defensive plays that lead directly to that, fine. He didn’t kick into the high slot, it was a 50-50 puck after an appropriate save selection that his D didn’t do diddly to help him on.
Goal 4: Liles coup de grace. Horrible giveaway by Liles results in a tip-in one-timer. No rebound control issues there. Probably can hang that one on Andy for not having lost complete faith in Hot Pocket sooner though.
Goal 5: Andy is at the top of his crease challenging for the point shot when the shot is deflected wide of the net. He reacts (butterflies) to the first shot, recovers and tries to get back to his post, but Bradley beats Foote to the puck and throws it back in front of the net. It hits Andy and goes in. That’s a bad bounce goal if I ever saw one. Classic “nothing is going right” kind of thing. His pads were NOT angled to put the puck in, it hit the outside of his leg/skate as he tried to get to his post. One inch either way and that puck doesn’t bounce in. The Caps basically had a PP cuz Radar was playing without a stick and McLeod broke his on the point shot. You wanna lay that on Andy?
Flash’s shot on Andy at the end of the period was yet another example of Andy making a leg pad stop and putting the puck in the corner after Flash skated the length of the ice and walked through the entirety of the Avs team. But his rebound control is the problem. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Goal 6: OMG!!! BOODIE IZ TEH SUXXORZZZ!!!
Especially in light of the Norris Trophy caliber performance in front of him!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Time to grow a pair, boys!
Being able to perfectly deflect an abnormal ammount or an assault of shots every time perfectly. PERFECTLY.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 1:30 PM MST up reply actions
velcro pads would be cool. My point in that wasn’t to say Andy should be perfect, obviously that’s not possible. My point is that, in my opinion, a large number of his rebounds pop right back out in front. YES, our defensemen and centers need to do a MUCH better job clearing those, but it is up to Andy to eliminate SOME of that at the source. Additionally, he tends to end up out of position, simply due to his style, combined with the fat rebounds and lack of clearing, leaves the team very vulnerable.
Rebounds poping in front are perfectly acceptable when the D has position and the goalie is in a recoverable position (ie also in front of the net). That being said, physics dictates that pucks come off of leg pads more than one or two inches. They aren’t called laws because they’re optional.
Look, I will immediately call Andy out for a bad rebound and he had one for a goal last night, but given the situation, it wasn’t a lack of technique or stupidity that created the ‘bad’ rebound, it was the DEFENSIVE SITUATION that made that rebound bad. Rebound control isn’t an issue with Anderson and it gets tossed around as an issue for either/both Avs goalie way too much.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
you’re absolutely right about the defensive positioning and some level of rebound being acceptable. I’m just saying that you combine the big rebounds with Andy’s style and he ends up being out of position. Not always, maybe not even the majority of the time, but enough that I am of the opinion that this part of his game needs work…. just as the defensive positioning needs work, and just as the puck clearing needs work, etc. etc.
I don’t entirely buy the physics component either…. yes, that applies if the goalie does nothing to deaden the rebound. a little bit of give can go a long ways towards deadening the puck. the pads don’t have to be a springboard. Obviously that’s easier said than done, but that’s what he’s paid to do. It’s no different than properly receiving a sharp pass on your stick, you can give a little and deaden the pass or you can hold your stick like a piece of iron and have it ricochet to god-knows where.
Read my rundown above or better yet, go look at the videos from the game. Where were the big rebounds? I saw one rebound that I, as a goalie coach, would opine as ‘bad’, but it was a result of a proper save selection on a good shot to the low, farside post. It appears that he got more boot than shin on the shot, but again, that was what was required to make the save. Therefore, I’d look at the 2-3 other HORRIBLE defensive mistakes that lead to that play before I’d talk about Anderson’s rebound control. After all, would you rather him not make that boot save and let the shot go in because he didn’t want to create a ‘bad’ rebound?
Leg pads are compressible foam. They deaden the puck, but what you appear to be talking about is Andy getting in position, making the save selection, executing the save, matching the speed of the shot puck in order to reduce it’s velocity, and remove/redirect the momentum all in an effort to alleviate the EXCRUCIATINGLY bad defense in front of him. That seems a bit of a steep requirement. If Roy, Miller, Lundy, Giggy, Kipper, The Dirty Italian, or any other “marquee” goalie had played in that game and given up those same goals (including the bad one), nobody would be discussing rebound control. They’d be begging for JML to be traded for a bag of pucks. Part of the mob mentality of jumping on Avs goalies for rebound control is the legacy of Roy that they are still trying to work off. It’s an easy term to throw around for the uninformed (and I’m not saying you are), but I don’t see it as a legit gripe for Anderson.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
Liles and Clark
Giving the Caps way too many 7-on-3 skater advantages. Not that other players didn’t blow goats too, including our top fwd line, but those two were especially brutal, imo.
And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.
by Bob in Boulder on Dec 16, 2009 10:54 AM MST reply actions
7-on-3 is a tough player deficit to overcome.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Its kind of pathetic when you can’t even depend on your 3rd defense pair to keep the other team’s checking line from scoring.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Dec 16, 2009 11:26 AM MST up reply actions
Funny coincidence
I really hope you all had a chance to look at Japers’ Clips this morning. Your terminology is hilarious describing last night, considering that I just gave John Erskine a new nickname on my blog…Hot Pockets. Now it seems even more deserved, because that’s how he plays night-in and night-out.
http://www.ffodc.com/articles/washington-capitals/erskine-nickname.html
Anyway, hope the rest of the season goes well for you guys. I always have a tough time rooting against the Avs.
Fight For Old D.C. Admin
Love my Hokies, Caps, Redskins, Wizards and Nats.
We’ve been referring to John-Michael Liles as “Hot Pocket” for some time now, but for entirely different reasons.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Ooooooh, hot pocket.
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 1:04 PM MST up reply actions
Koci a despicable goon -- Sacco's integrity now in question?
The fact that Koci was sent onto the ice by Joe Sacco after having already laid a sleazy, injury hit on one Capital (Shaone Morrisson), he does himself one better by sending his despicable, untalented goon back on the ice to deliberately injure Mike Green. Look at the video — it was obvious. Koci deserves a multi game suspension and the league ought to send a big message to Sacco, too, so coaches understand THEY are just as responsible as goonish players when they deliberately hurt someone. Not a suspension, but a big fine.
slow down there, lambchop.
defintely a terrible hit, but Sacco has not been one to use his players like this. if anything, we’ve criticized him for being reluctant to use Koci when other teams were pushing us around. unfortunate incident, Koci deserves to be suspended. Sacco’s culpability is not as cut and dry as you claim
Hyphens cause writers more trouble than any other form of punctuation, except perhaps commas.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 16, 2009 11:35 AM MST up reply actions
It’s not cut-and-dry, agreed, but Sacco playing Koci with a 5-0 deficit against a team without a comparable enforcer sure looks shady, if nothing else. Koci can’t just hop on the ice whenever he wants to. He has to be sent out there by somebody.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
I thought Koci was on the ice because it was 5-0, and the avs obviously didn’t have it. So why not play the guy who normally only gets 2:00/game.
That said, the hit was dirty, he deserves to be suspended, condemned and mocked.
That said, Boudreau is being a hypocrite, as he has done the same thing he’s now outraged about. But it’s not like someone in Washngton feigning outrage when it’s most convenient for them is anything to be shocked about.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 16, 2009 11:44 AM MST up reply actions
I agree about why Koci was out there. We had no chance so why not rest some guys up for the next game?
Sandie
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 16, 2009 11:53 AM MST up reply actions
I can’t believe I wrote “we”…. sorry guys.
Sandie
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 16, 2009 11:53 AM MST up reply actions
I have to agree with Jibbles here. If you can’t play some of the guys that don’t get playing time in 0-5 game, when can you? We have no reason to believe Sacco was doing anything else then that. Every one except Koci played at least 10:00 and not one forward got 20:00 (Galiardi had 19:04). This was the perfect time to give the third and 4th line guys more minutes.
Some people are saying Koci has a history, I’m not familiar enough with him before this season to know, but this season I haven’t seen him “headhunt” or anything of that nature. So for now I’m giving him the benefit of doubt. I do think it was a bad hit, he deserved the penalty and a suspension. I’m just not going to jump on the wagon that crucifies him.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 1:23 PM MST up reply actions
5-0 is a daunting deficit, no way around it, but I’d prefer a coach that was still willing to fight to catch up than one who just throws in the towel and sends the goons on the ice to cause injuries.
Koci is hardly a “3rd or 4th line” player. He’s a goon with no other purpose but to fight and sit on the bench.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
The question is still…why the hell did we sign this guy to begin with…I was never on board with this. It looked like all they did was go out and sign a “tough guy” goon to stop those of us who were bitching about Lappy not coming back.
I have an issue with staged fights (which I think he’s lost EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM)
I have an issue with boarding
I have an issue with guys who score a goal every 120 PIM.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
You want I show video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2DWw27S1NY
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 11:40 AM MST up reply actions
Ruh roh, the “two wrongs” argument.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
More like don’t come running your mouth when your team is just as guilty as anyone of “cheap shots”. Mainly your best player.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 11:44 AM MST up reply actions
Careful Now
Pinchy, you’re starting to sound like a Pens fan…and we wouldn’t want that now.
Fight For Old D.C. Admin
Love my Hokies, Caps, Redskins, Wizards and Nats.
Haha.. low blow.
I was trying to respond to a quote of mine posted on your forum… I will say that I don’t take any pleasure in Green getting injured and I do post things I regret from time to time. But my posting theory is like Gretzky shooting theory “the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask”…
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 12:38 PM MST up reply actions
Mainly your best player.
I think this is a pretty important point you’re missing. Ovechkin is not on the ice just to cause pain and suffering. He’s on the ice to score goals, set up plays, and dominate every end of the ice with his un-freakin-believable amount of talent. His periodically dirty play seems secondary to his actual role as the ultimate power forward.
Koci has no talent. He has no other purpose to be on the ice than to cause pain and suffering. Usually this is just a quick fight with a similarly-sized punching bag. But other times, like last night, it’s a guy with his back turned who was just playing the puck.\
Boudreau wasn’t criticizing rough physical play, he was criticizing a player who is otherwise useless except for his ability to fight and board unsuspecting players much smaller than he.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Yes Joe. I do understand the difference between Ovechkin and Koci now. Up until now I thought they were pretty much equal. Thanks for the lesson.
Boudreau wasn’t criticizing rough physical play, he was criticizing a player who is otherwise useless except for his ability to fight and board unsuspecting players much smaller than he.
Brashear/Boudreau. That is more of my point. It is a bit hypocritical.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 1:14 PM MST up reply actions
You didn’t say anything about Brashear. And regardless, he’s not even on their team anymore.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Brash is in that Douche/Idiot category.
What Koci pulled is something that I FULLY expected the likes of a Dion Phaneuf to do.
In my book if we’re yelling at Phandouche for doing it, might as well throw the guy with the big A on the jersey under the bus too…it’s only fair.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
I know he’s not on the team. But he used Brashear the same way Koci gets used.. I posted a video of the NY incident last year way up there in the thread somewhere…
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 1:20 PM MST up reply actions
I’m not sure what you’re arguing here. Are you saying that cheap, dirty behavior can’t be called by other coaches if those other coaches have ever employed cheap or dirty players? I’m not arguing that Boudreau has clean hands, but what coach in the NHL does?
The content of his comment is accurate, whether he has ever had dirty players in his lineup before or not.
We’re back to the “two wrongs” argument.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
Good f'ing grief, Joe.
My argument from the start is…. drum roll…….
HYPOCRISY
(it looks like it is spelled wrong yelling it)
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 1:27 PM MST up reply actions
Fine, Boudreau is a hypocrite. So what? Is Koci off the hook?
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
When it comes to things like this…EVERY coach in the NHL is a hypocrite! It still doesn’t make what Koci did right.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
I don’t remember ever saying Koci was off any hooks. Next.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 1:31 PM MST up reply actions
In all this, I still blame Darcy Tucker…if he actually DID HIS JOB (which is to be our “enforcer”)…there would be NO need to sign Koci. End of story.
We signed Tucker to be the guy who makes people pay for taking cheap shots at the Avs players, and occasionally score a garbage goal or two…maybe if Tucker got off his lazy ass, and actually did that, no Koci, and we wouldn’t be talking about this right now.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
You just posted a YouTube compilation of dirty plays by Alex Ovechkin, then said you were really talking about Donald Brashear, then insisted the whole point of everything was that Boudreau is a hypocrite for saying what Koci did was cheap and wrong.
We agreed on Boudreau being a hypocrite, but you never answered my question. So what?
This is a pretty silly argument, and we both know it. I’m happy to let you have the last word and drop it, if you want.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
You want I quit the argue?
Very good. Explain how I was wrong and then end the argument. You are going to be a great lawyer.
My final closing statement.
I claimed Koci was guilty.
I proved Boudreau to be a hypocrite.
I added Ovechkin’s dirty hits for the drama.
My posts are legit, you must acquit.
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 1:45 PM MST up reply actions
Welcome to my corner of the MHH world. = )
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 2:20 PM MST up reply actions
You know, recent arguments aside, I’m still a huge fan of both Pinchy and Beachie. Truth.
Mile High Hockey: Hoping for the best, expecting the worst, hating the Wings.
as am i a fan of joe. see comment below under the objectifying my bf thread.
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 2:25 PM MST up reply actions
I guess Japer's Rink has a 1 day waiting period...
But I need a gun NOW!
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 12:36 PM MST reply actions
They’ve had that from the get go….it ruined a field trip over there last season during the playoffs….
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 1:25 PM MST up reply actions
I am having visions of JML being traded…and not really caring. What is this world coming to?
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 1:06 PM MST reply actions
and the sucky part is that it’s the worst time to trade him, his stock has to be pretty low right now…..
We could trade him to the east, and get pretty good value for him….
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
That goes without saying.
I just think some new scenery would do Liles good. It’s obvious that he doesn’t want to play for the Avs anymore.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
that’s certainly a possibility….. could also be that his shoulder isn’t where it should be after the injuries and it’s affecting the rest of his game.
i honestly think this does have something to do with it. it may be that this is the most serious injury he’s had and it’s messing with his head.
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 2:14 PM MST up reply actions
and yes, i do realize this makes it a pansy.
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 2:15 PM MST up reply actions
oops. that was a typo. the temp control has been broken in my classroom all week and has been pushing 90 in here. my head hurts and it’s the last week of school before winter break so the students are out of control. i am done with all things thinking.
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 2:23 PM MST up reply actions
Kill one of the kids to set an example. That should help.
"I know everyone has their own opinion, but your opinion is wrong. "
oh if only i could…
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 2:46 PM MST up reply actions
Beachie, I feel your pain dear. I feel your pain…this week can’t be over soon enough.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 5:07 PM MST up reply actions
I have thought of that, his shoulder could be like that of Hedjuk’s knee. Sometimes surgery isn’t a cure all.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
I had a friend who was at a golf course clubhouse and hot pocket had played the same day and was in with everyone having beers and to paraphrase he wasn’t down with the organ-i-zation at that point…have things changed in 6 months? maybe.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 11:31 PM MST up reply actions
Hmm
So a guy was drinking beers at the golf course complaining about his employer. I find this difficult to believe.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 17, 2009 7:50 AM MST up reply actions
I work for my dad so I just bitch to my mom. It was a different situation back then but he might still be down on the avs long term, who knows?
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 17, 2009 9:09 AM MST up reply actions
Don’t fret. There will be many handsome D-men waiting in line for you (and the Avs).
I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 16, 2009 1:18 PM MST up reply actions
he certainly is a hottie. too bad i didn’t jump on him that when i had the chance out here in LA.
You mean the Avs aren't going to get the top draft pick this summer???
by BeachNSnowGirl on Dec 16, 2009 2:13 PM MST up reply actions
Top 20 PIM in the AHL, how many of them would do Koci's job better than Koci does?
I’m going to go with 11-15.
1 Kip Brennan Springfield Falcons 30 146
2 Jon Mirasty Syracuse Crunch 27 145
3 Louis Robitaille Lowell Devils 26 130
4 Kevin Harvey Syracuse Crunch 21 116
5 Trevor Gillies Bridgeport Sound Tigers 13 109
6 Jimmy Bonneau Rochester Americans 23 109
7 Matt Pelech Abbotsford Heat 31 105
8 Francis Lessard San Antonio Rampage 17 103
9 Guillaume Lefebvre Providence Bruins 24 102
10 * Tim Spencer Binghamton Senators 20 98
11 Tom Maxwell Manitoba Moose 31 98
12 Pascal Morency Bridgeport Sound Tigers 17 97
13 Zack FitzGerald Albany River Rats 30 97
14 Kris Newbury Grand Rapids Griffins 27 95
15 Jake Taylor Springfield Falcons 28 89
16 Matt Clackson Adirondack Phantoms 26 88
17 Danny Richmond Peoria Rivermen 26 88
18 Brennan Evans Toronto Marlies 27 88
19 Paul Crosty Grand Rapids Griffins 22 87
20 Jeremy Yablonski Binghamton Senators 12 86
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 3:10 PM MST reply actions
Mitch Love.
End of discussion.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by A.J. Haefele on Dec 16, 2009 3:41 PM MST up reply actions
We could get Daren Rumble, better player, and the Avs save on water expenses, because the man hasn’t showered in 20 years.
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
I never had a problem with that black guy who was an enforcer we had, what was his name? Andreas Lilja?
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 4:11 PM MST up reply actions
Are you thinking of Peter Worrel?That guy couldn’t skate his way off the ice, let alone fight.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 5:09 PM MST up reply actions
i’d be ok with not having an enforcer. i don’t see the need these days. McLeod + Stewart should be enough.
Enforcer, maybe. I’d love to have Lappy (or a guy like him) though.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
I would prefer to have Lappy as well, but even in this day and age you need someone to step up for your team, and “enforcer”. Lappy was good because he would take on almost anyone, but could still skate and contribute offensively.
If Koci could/would contribute, or if he would at least fight a little more often he might be worth something. Why Sacco keeps dressing him and then only plays him 2-3 minutes is asinine. It would be better to be able to play you 4th line 10:00 per game; especially when you have as many back-to-backs as the Avs have this seaosn.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 16, 2009 7:18 PM MST up reply actions
I remember we speculated about this at the end of last season…McLeod is no Lappy, maybe he will be one day,maybe.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 17, 2009 8:25 PM MST up reply actions
yea, but you really don’t want those guys off the ice for 5 at a time. I think we’re all waxing nastalgic for lappy because he is now the prototype of the player that is now the enforcer. Lappy could fight anyone in the league (and probably has) where as Koci cant get near enough to the high to mid level cheap skill players to keep them honest.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 11:37 PM MST up reply actions
your sarcasm meter is malfunctioning. I love the story of how Worrell tried to pass himself off as Lilja to the cops.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 11:33 PM MST up reply actions
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1975106
it’s probably why the avs let him go.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 17, 2009 7:45 AM MST up reply actions
Ha ha, what a douche.
Officer- “Sir, you aren’t michael Jackson either, and that would be as close as you could get to being white, so could you please just drop the BS?”
Worrell- “I’ll give you a Billion dollars to believe I’m Eddie Belfour Lilja”
I thought the Avs let him go because he sucked.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
Lacroix always liked having a fighter around and they, as a group, tend to suck at actually playing hockey.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 17, 2009 2:41 PM MST up reply actions
Liles
I think I will start calling him Zoolander – due to his one-dimensionality (PP-scoring?) and the fact that all he is ‘really, really, ridiculously good looking’
by HugoAgogo on Dec 16, 2009 4:51 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
but how many looks does JML have?
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 16, 2009 11:32 PM MST up reply actions
Its true….JML is no Trailor Arnason when it comes to the looks department:
But he is good at being made to look stupid and occasionally looking like he is going to shoot but then passing instead on the point in a powerplay situation.
Blue Steel
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 17, 2009 8:53 AM MST up reply actions
BlueSteelSteal
Fixed! Because all he did in his time in Denver was “steal” his paycheck; he definitely didn’t do anything to earn it.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Dec 17, 2009 8:28 PM MST up reply actions
I'm partially glad I missed this game
Due to a final exam I needed studying for.
I need a new sig, since i think I cursed ORLY by promoting him.
I don’t know, there’s something about seeing your favorite team get its ass kicked and the game pretty much over in 10 minutes that’s awesome.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 17, 2009 9:37 AM MST up reply actions
Yeah- you now have 50 minutes of free time that you can use to drink.
Get rid of the loser point
09-10 Avs- YMMV
I did just that. Work on wednesday was not fun.
Jesus Saves! Stewart gets the rebound and scores!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 17, 2009 2:42 PM MST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Mile High Hockey
Related FanShots on Mile High Hockey
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
