Game 49 Preview: Oilers at Avalanche

Don’t jinx it man! (J/K)

A big problem this team still has though, is playing “down” to their competition. That’s why I think a game like tonight’s is so important for this team going forward. The Oilers are just plain bad…but seem to have the Avs number.

Let’s hope that changes this evening.

Today’s Preview Thread Game:

DDC mentioned “looking at” the Avs’ powerplay in a chastized-child sort of way. If the Avs’ PP was a real person/thing that you could look at, what would it be?

My entry: a decapitated Oompa-Loompa. You all know they are half zombie, so that creepy little dude could wake up at any time, but it just typically lays there like a sad little corpse.

what a way to start a monday!! nice preview DDC!!

I thought if Versus was airing any game on Monday they had absolute power of the NHL television broadcasting and no other NHL hockey could be shown in the US. This happened to the Avs during the Toronto game.

Versus is airing the Dallas/Adjective game; why is Altitude allowed to broadcast the Avs game? Can someone please explain the Versus TV domination contract to me?

Can someone please explain the Versus TV domination contract to me?

Bend over and grab your ankles.

Done.

8

Eight total wins this year for the Avs by 3 or more goals. That means 19 wins have been in the range where the other team could theoretically pull their goalie for that extra attacker or have gone to overtime.

I guess that’s good for entertainment value, but when are these guys going to take their fans into consideration with the way they play? Ulcers, heart conditions, high blood pressure, stress balls shredded, dogs kicked mercilessly across the room. The Avs are a danger to their own fans and fans’ loved ones.

all we have to go is 17-16-1 and we would make the second season

knock on wood

Most of us expected better things out of this team this year. Sure there were some unknown factors; how would Anderson play, how many rookies would be on the team and how would they handle the speed and physical nature of the NHL game, would the defense, power play, and penalty kill improve. How would Joe Sacco handle his first NHL assignment and how would he handle “being Roy’s place holder”.

Most of those have turned out better than expected. On the offensive side I think Duchene is where most of us thought/hoped he’d be. O’Reilly has been a solid surprise as has Yip. Stewie, Jones, and Galiardi have all been as expected or better. Stastny is a little under that point per game pace we’d like while Wolski may be having a break out year. Svatos and Hensick have been disappointments.

The defense has been better, despite the number of shots against, and Wilson and Quincey have been impressive. Foote is once again the core of the defense. The defense seem to be lot more comfortable jumping into the play and contributing offensively. Unfortunately, they are still hesitant to shoot from the point (Liles).

Anderson has been spectacular at times and good enough in others. The thing that really attracts fans to him is that swagger, the attitude he has in net. We’ve missed that. Budaj is what he has always been, but has gotten a lot more support this season when he’s played. And he seems to have realized that sometimes making the save at all costs is better than being technically correct.

The special teams have improved. When aggressive the penalty kill is heads and tail above last season’s crew. O’Reilly and Galiardi have also been a big boost to the penalty kill. The power play has been exciting at times and the defense is a little better at shooting from the point. But it’s no where near good enough. It is still to passive, they are still passing too much and looking for the perfect shot instead of parking Stewie, Yip, Wolski, Stastny, or anyone else in front of the net and firing shoots on net.

As many have stated the third period let downs are still a problem, but maybe after the NJ game there is a sliver of hope that that will change. The biggest difference I see this season though has been the effort. Never has the team quit in a game. Sure sometime they let of the gas instead of going for the jugular, but they haven’t quit.

BPlayoffs are within reach and with the attitude this team has shown so far, I do think they’ll be in. but as tight as the conference is, they are going to have to continue to win as many games as possible and steal points from the rest.

just in time for me to worry about the Oil tonight. Edmonton is a horrible hockey club, and the Avs have really struggled against them this season. I want the Avs to win in a blowout, but I’m pretty fearful.

All 16 Games – $199.95 (High Definition) and $179.95 (Standard Definition)
Single Game – $15.95 (High Definition) and $13.95 (Standard Definition)

Hockey fans in Canada are actually willing to pay those prices to watch regular season games on PPV?

http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/

I understand there’s a couple of California residents here…

But I actually find myself not caring if they make the playoffs or not (blasphemy, I know). The kids have surpassed my wildest expectations and have been a blast to watch. Just knowing that they are poised to pass last year’s points and most likely (insert waiver here) wont end up in last place as predicted makes me happy as punch. There also is a part of me that was looking forward to another high draft pick. I also am looking forward to watching this team gel over the next couple of years into a powerhouse for years to come. So call me crazy, but I hope, should they make it into the top 8, they arent buyers at the deadline and let the team get some early playoff experience and not pressure them into a Cup now. And as I said, if they end up lower, that’s okay too, they still get a big pat on the back and hug from me at the end of the season.

I love this team.

Anyone get a video capture, or picture…or hell, even the video of Anderson’s "statue of Liberty last game? It wasn’t part of the NHL’s highlight package for some reason

Can it start yet?

I’ll be settling in and taking a listen on the old wireless.

Old-timey hockey listening.

Another hour…thank heavens for Center ice, watching the Sabres-Coyotes.

You make smart words!

just like he did in October. Would be nice to reel of some wins, especially since Calgary is struggling right now.