Game 50 Recap: Avs Hang On For 5th Straight Win; 2-1 over the Predators
by Derek B on Jan 22, 2010 9:46 PM MST
in Game Recaps
105 comments
I never really now what to expect in these types of games. The type of game where both teams have a TON of motivation to play well.
The first period was a picture perfect example of that type of game. For most of period both teams played a very calculated game without too many risks. The Avs managed to kill of an early slashing penalty to John Michael Liles. After that I thought that the Avs would get it going a little bit. Not so much. It wasn't until a great hit on Wade Belak by David Koci which turned into one of those good ol' punch in the face contests.
That seemed to knock the rust loose as shortly after that Matt Duchene cashed in on a perfect pass from Paul Stastny while the Avs were on a 5 on 3 power play. This was the Avs 7th goal while having a two man advantage, that is currently tops in the NHL. Oh yeah, Dutchy also increased his lead over John Tavares in the NHL rookie scoring race.
Craig Anderson did more of what have come to expect from him, and that is bailing out his team. Nashville out shot Colorado 12-4. Also noteworthy in the first period was Wojtek Wolski dropping the mitts with Steve Sullivan, raise your hand if you saw that one coming. Bueller? Yeah, me either.
The Avs started the second period on the penalty kill as Wolski inexplicably received the extra two minutes from the fight. The Avs killed that one off then turned up the pressure. A lot.
What generally happens when you outwork a team in just about every way? You are going to draw penalties. The Avs drew FIVE powerplays in the second period. Unfortunately all those chances turned into one goal. Brandon Yip cashed in off a pretty passing play in the offensive zone. Ryan Stoa also earned his first NHL point on the play, congratulations to him. This put the Avs up 2-0. Now we all know about the Avs difficulties holding a lead.
Seemingly right on cue, with the Predators on the powerplay, Cody Franson let an absolute bomb go from just about the top of the left wing faceoff dot that eluded Craig Anderson to cut the lead to 2-1. With the second period in the books, the Avs were taking a lead into the third period. Time for that blood pressure medication.
As the third period got underway, the game went back into that slow, very calculated game. Both teams just seemed to be waiting for the other guy to make that mistake and then capitalize on it. It just never came for either team though.
With a late powerplay for the Predators and Pekka Rinne on the bench, Craig Anderson stood tall and made the key saves when this team needed it the most. He even called on a goalie's best friend, the pipe, to make a game saving stop on Patric Hornqvist when he was down and out.
Overall win wasn't a "pretty" one. Just like Peter McNab said in the post game, "This was one of those games where you just go out there and battle hard, hope your goalie makes a couple big saves and you come out on top." Thankfully again for the Avs, Anderson was up to the challenge.
Probably the most disappointing part of this game, for me anyways, the powerplay going only two for NINE! Yup, that's not a typo. Through all of their hard work and tenacity, Colorado was able to earn nine powerplays against a Nashville team that only averages 9 penalty minutes a game.
The bottom line is that this is a great win for this team. They are now 14 games above .500 and really clicking on all cylinders. Let's hope that we can carry that momentum into Sunday and really stick it to the visiting Dallas Stars.
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Well done, sir. This part confused me, however:
After that I thought that the Avs were going get a little bit.
I can’t figure out what’s supposed to be there…
The Avalanche, clearly, are down with No PP.
More physical, perhaps? That makes sense in the context.
Forever grateful that Joe Sakic isn't a douche bag like Brett Favre.
by Rather Dashing on Jan 22, 2010 10:02 PM MST up reply actions
Wait,
I just read it again. It SHOULD have said, “get it going a little bit”.
MHH: A Colorado Avalanche Fan Community
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
I was talking about
killing off that early penalty to Liles. Since they came out really flat, I was hoping the kill would motivate them.
MHH: A Colorado Avalanche Fan Community
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
That pretty passing sequence for Yips goal….came from Stoa and Tucker!
What’s going on this season, Wolski is fighting and Tucker is making pretty passes?
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
Wolski has gotten in fights before, just not on the ice.
He was expected to be drafted much earlier then 21st overall, they thought he’d go in the 10-15 th range. But he had been charged with assault causing bodily harm right before the draft.
Sandie
"That’s the way we’ll win championships"- The Baron
What did he do? Bump into a Canadian?
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:04 PM MST up reply actions
Got into a fight at a party. He apparently beat and hospitalized another party goer.
Sandie
"That’s the way we’ll win championships"- The Baron
Maybe someone insulted his Polish sausage?
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:07 PM MST up reply actions
I am such a freaking Gossip. If I remember correctly he was defending his girlfriend at the time.
Sandie
"That’s the way we’ll win championships"- The Baron
So it was about her liking his Polish sausage?
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:10 PM MST up reply actions
or someone else liking it more.
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 22, 2010 10:31 PM MST up reply actions
The Baron’s Polish sausage is enough for me to want to become a vegetarian, thank you.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:32 PM MST up reply actions
two dudes shouldn’t be talking about this…
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 22, 2010 10:34 PM MST up reply actions
Some one went after his girlfriend and he came to her defense….it was before he was drafted, but hadn’t been settled in court yet. That’s why some people believe he fell as far as he did in the draft that year.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 22, 2010 10:09 PM MST up reply actions
It was at a waffle joint supposedly. Frakus involving maple syrup. And beavers. Mounted Police Beavers.
The Avalanche, clearly, are down with No PP.
Driving while Polish.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 33 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
man I’m irish so I know that pain well.
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 22, 2010 10:32 PM MST up reply actions
I used to think I was Irish.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:32 PM MST up reply actions
just add an O and a ’ after your name.
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 22, 2010 10:34 PM MST up reply actions
Ryan O’Classic?
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 22, 2010 10:37 PM MST up reply actions
Ryan O’Classic? I dig it.
I found out when I was 22 that I’m actually half-Northern Irish instead of half-Irish. This blew my mind.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:37 PM MST up reply actions
I’m 4 generations out of ireland so the whole north/south thing is kinda like the civil war for me—weird.
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 22, 2010 10:41 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah, it’s completely not for me. But you figure you’re something for the majority of your life and then someone breaks your mind with truth. Actually that same conversation was how I learned that the grandfather I’d never met was named Ivan and not Frank as I’d previously assumed for 22 years.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:45 PM MST up reply actions
I’ve got three games Sunday, so I’ll probably miss it anyway…
The Avalanche, clearly, are down with No PP.
I can't get into football at all
But the ladyfriend is hopefully back on Sunday night. Just in time for her to be forced to cheer against Dallas. I will make her wear my hat.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:21 PM MST up reply actions
This gives me no reason to not work on Stats and accounting on the weekend. Boo :(
Sandie
"That’s the way we’ll win championships"- The Baron
Not sure I'll pass on the NFL for that
Even though it should be a good game.
by eltharion_doa on Jan 22, 2010 10:16 PM MST up reply actions
Man, this year’s Avs really sucks compared to last year’s. How is that possible, you ask? Last year, we had a five game winning streak by game 8. This year it took us ’till game 50. Pretty pathetic, if you ask me.
Forever grateful that Joe Sakic isn't a douche bag like Brett Favre.
by Rather Dashing on Jan 22, 2010 10:24 PM MST reply actions
In random news
Drew Stafford (@drewstafford) is on Twitter covering the furry convention at the hotel in San Jose. This frightens me.
ryanclassic.net
I just swiched on NBC to watch conan, I totally never watch late night tv, but last nights episode cost 4.8 million, I want to see what he goes out on.
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 22, 2010 10:35 PM MST reply actions
Apparently it was really good.
ryanclassic.net
by Ryan Classic on Jan 22, 2010 10:37 PM MST up reply actions
I’ve watched 5 minutes and laughed for most of it.
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 22, 2010 10:41 PM MST up reply actions
Not to be a stats bitch...
Ah, who am I kidding I love this stuff. 2 for 9 on the PP may sound bad, but 22% is more than the 18% the Avalanche have averaged so far this year. Moral of the story: Don’t give the Avalanche a 5 on 3 I guess. Now if you’ll all excuse me, I need to find out who to yell at for DU almost pulling and Avalanche tonight…
Now if you’ll all excuse me, I need to find out who to yell at for DU almost pulling and Avalanche tonight…
Pretty sure they were never up by 2…
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 33 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
DU was up 2-0 tonight before giving up three goals and then getting another in at the very end of the game.
by xskatebakerrx on Jan 22, 2010 11:20 PM MST up reply actions
Sorry
I was mostly watching the Avs and thought I flipped over to see them tied at 1.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 33 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
S'cool
I missed almost all of the scoring in all the games tonight because I only get to watch DU games like twice a year on the EC, not including any F4 appearances. Did see Neal’s final goal on Edmonton. Worst. Team. Ever (this year).
DU wasn’t the only one. The L.E. Monsters (Baby Avs) had a 4-1 lead going into the third and let Texas tie the game and send it to OT. The Monsters still one, but they should have won in regulation.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 8:34 AM MST up reply actions
The story on Yahoo quotes Preds coach crying over the disallowed goal.
"I looked at it again, and to me it’s a good goal," he said. "At worst it’s incidental contact and no penalty. But obviously I’m not a referee and there’s not a whole hell of a lot I can do about it right now."
I really don’t think there was much to question about that. I think Hornqvist absolutely knew he was caught messing with Andy, which is why he didn’t try and challenge the refs. I’m glad that was called because I’ve seen guys hold Andy down or knock him over harder and it not be called (like in the Ducks disaster.)
as long as he doesn’t have some sort of time traveling device, you can color me indifferent.
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 22, 2010 11:41 PM MST up reply actions
On the replay, as soon as the puck went in Hornqvist looked directly at the ref who eventually signaled no goal. He knew he was close to get away with something. A few inches out of the crease shouldn’t matter when you interfere with the goalie.
So the goomba’s upset. I hear they have plenty of songs in Nashville to help you deal…
They say the Avs look like smurfs when they wear these jerseys... I just don't see it.
by Guitarpick8120 on Jan 23, 2010 12:26 AM MST up reply actions
Horqvist did make contact with Andy and was setting a pick. The contact itself was minor, but he completely interfered with Andy being able to play the shot. I wasn’t surprised they waived off the goal after seeing the replay, but I was a little surprised they called a penalty, especially after some the hits Andy has taken this season with no calls. I guess the fact that the interference resulted in a goal made the difference in calling the penalty.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 8:39 AM MST up reply actions
Good game
not great game, but good.
“punching bag” threw some of his own punches in the first.
We actually held on to a 2 goal lead going into the third (wife and I were worried).
Duchene scored, which makes me winning a bottle of Patron more likely.
I should never be taken seriously.... Seriously!
Disagree on the PP% statement
2 of 9 = 22.222222% which would be good for 5th best PP in the NHL if they did that every game.
It may not have been a pretty win if you are looking for a blowout. This was a hard fought hockey game against a solid team. These are the wins you need to build into a playoff level club. I am very pleased with the win.
Finally, did anyone else see that Wolski scored a goal before getting in a fight? Everyone missed it.
Never trust the lunch lady.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Jan 23, 2010 7:22 AM MST reply actions
A couple of us pointed it out, but I think there was a whistle, or probably the “intent to blow”. Mist people were more shocked that Wolski was fighting; maybe even the officials and goal judges.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 8:41 AM MST up reply actions
Right, I only noticed after the third replay. Preds had a goal called back so it evened out.
Never trust the lunch lady.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Jan 23, 2010 9:16 AM MST up reply actions
Nice re-cap!
You guys were killing me reading the Nash live thread this morning!!!
I often can’t read our live threads because more than 1100 comments locks up my computer. so I’m not sure if the hilarity continued over here, but there were a few times I totally wanted to add comments to their thread this morning. Started my morning with a laugh!
Thanks!!
"You mess with our Hejduk and the Spirit of Lappy is coming!"-Jibbles
MHH- The Haiku capital of AvsNation.
The best part is that most of us seemed to edit our comments before posting them.
Sandie
"That’s the way we’ll win championships"- The Baron
Yeah
That was truly cracking me up this morning!! there were so many times when I expected to see a TWSS or a Beachie Comment and you all were so good! I’m sure that was a challenge!
"You mess with our Hejduk and the Spirit of Lappy is coming!"-Jibbles
MHH- The Haiku capital of AvsNation.
One of the Preds members wasn’t making it easy either. I think it might have been Predhead.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 8:42 AM MST up reply actions
Very true. There were many times that I wrote something and have to hit cancel. Once I think I even brought it over to MHH because I couldn’t not say anything.
Sandie
"That’s the way we’ll win championships"- The Baron
I did the same, I glad the Preds didn’t score first cause I’m not sure all of us could have resisted the urge to curse…..
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 8:50 AM MST up reply actions
MHH road trip
took over the Nashville thread
but were good! I’m proud.
"You mess with our Hejduk and the Spirit of Lappy is coming!"-Jibbles
MHH- The Haiku capital of AvsNation.
oh no, It’s a Saturday and too early for Hiku’s
:P
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 8:43 AM MST up reply actions
Congrats again to Stoa for his first NHL point. Taking advantage of his call up.
Maybe it’s just me but is Brett Skinner actually Rodney Skinner and this is why we didn’t “see” him last night?
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
A moment's admiration for Koci
I slammed him yesterday in the “Pugilism” comments. Not today. That was one monster hit on Belak, and the resulting fight was a hockey fight. Not staged. Well played Mr. Koci.
Big check on Belak
A true donnybrook ensues
Koci my hero
Games are worth only 2 points, DAMMIT!!
by Busted Twigg on Jan 23, 2010 9:34 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
After seeing the replay of it, I have to wonder what Belak said to Koci. It looks as if Koci makes the hit and starts to skate away, but then he suddenly turns back, they both drop the gloves and it’s on.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 9:55 AM MST up reply actions
I in no way think he’s very good, but he’s had a great 2 game strech.
Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Jan 23, 2010 1:58 PM MST up reply actions
All of the ink has talked about the leadership from Foote, Tucker, Hannan and Hejduk etc… But after watching the postgame with Anderson, I got to say that guy is teflon mentally.
His first question from Kyle Keefe was about how nervous he was with all the action around him, the game riding on his shoulders, the 6 v 4 etc… Andy guinuinly looked surprised by the question, shrugged and said, “Not really nervous, no. If they score a goal we go in to the shootout and win it.” Well oooookay Andy. Then Kyle asked something like “what’s it like to win five in a row and be on a role”. Anderson kind of looks at him like he’s a clown and said (paraphrasing here) “Um, I didn’t even know we won five in a row. That’s now how I look at it. We got two points this game and we need to keep getting points” or something to that effect. He was so even keeled about the win, pressure and things like that. The only time he was enthusicastic about an answer was when asked about O’Reilly and his faceoffs and play. It was just very (I really, really hate to use this analogy) very Roy like in his interview answers. His attitude is it’s a win, how it happened isn’t as important as the fact that it’s done.
To me, that sets the right attitude in the lockeroom. Duchene is also doing this kind of thing as well. He’s very middle of the road emotionally after good and poor performances. I got a really good feeling about this group of guys and their back room.
This!
I do think Anderson seems to channel the Spirit of Roy occasionally. And who else would we want him to be emulating? As long as we don’t expect him to be the second coming I think it’s a wonderful thing when we can find a corrolation.
I love that the attitude in the locker room seems to be, O.K. lets get these 2 points and then we’ll get the next 2. Seems like a pretty good strategy to me.
"You mess with our Hejduk and the Spirit of Lappy is coming!"-Jibbles
MHH- The Haiku capital of AvsNation.
That seems to be the thing about Andy over the other goalies that have been in net since Roy (aebi, Budaj, Theo). It’s the attitude. The other had good numbers, but in some cases (Budaj last season) didn’t get much help. But even with good numbers they lacked the attitude. Budaj’s a nice guy, but he’s a nice guy on and off the ice. Andy seems to be an asshole on the ice, in that he gets pissed when guys are in his crease. He pushes, he shoves, he punches, he has that attitude (like Roy did), in that “This is my crease, my net and you need to get the F’ out of it”! Then as soon as the game is over, it’s like the cap switches and he’s all nice and sweet, thanking the fans for their noise and cheers, and playing off the things he did in the game like it was no big deal.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 11:03 AM MST up reply actions
We owe the win to SeeSixWhores jinxing the Predators
Since the Predators seems to take 1 penalty every 16 games, I doubt we’ll have to see our lethargic powerplay. That’s a plus, right?
This is a quote from the game preview. I like the double-jinx affect you zapped on both teams, with the positive affect going to the Avs.
I agree with Engblom that the Avalanche’s ability to score on the Power Play was key to this game. People may bitch about only getting 2 goals out of 9 power plays, but that is a whole lot better than the 0 goals out of 6 power plays in the Carolina game.
Andy had a good game, however, I think the one goal he let in looked pretty soft: no screen, no deflection, no faking him to freeze him, just a good shot that “eluded” him.
It seems like the team keeps gaining more and more confidence in itself and the effort is starting to be more consistent for the full 60 minutes. I hope that continues throughout the remainder of the season.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
I don’t know if I would call it soft, but he probably should have had it. The shot may have eluded Andy, but you have to admit it was a freaking blast from Franson. Every seems to worry about Webber, but it looks like Franson has a cannon as well.
The 2009-10 Avalanche: Have the wheels fallen off the bus yet?
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Jan 23, 2010 11:06 AM MST up reply actions
I agree it was a cannon. I have just seen a lot of those types of shots being catagorized as “softies” around here before, sort of like that Whitney shot.
Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.
Hey!
We won right?
Avalanche 2009-2010: Ostensibly, the worst team in the league. Realistically, top of the NW division.
Good Job SeeSixWhores!
"You mess with our Hejduk and the Spirit of Lappy is coming!"-Jibbles
MHH- The Haiku capital of AvsNation.
Duchene is going to be an NHL Super Star.
He is a better version of Patrick Kane. We hit the mother-load with that draft pick.
He is fantastic to watch and his hockey IQ is off the charts for a teenager. I cannot contain the excitement over how pleased I am with this Avs team.
San Diego Super Chokers – The annual preseason Champs, eternal post season chumps. Stay Classy
He is a better version of Patrick Kane.
Dutchy has an unfair advantage in this regard….
People know who he is.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 33 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
Dutchy seems to follow Sakic’s path by the book. Sakic was not hailed and touted like some rookies. I was just catching my father on our season and talking about Duchene. I said he is a star and when he’s interviewed he thanks the fan and whoever passes to him instead of taking praise.
Avalanche 2009-2010: Ostensibly, the worst team in the league. Realistically, top of the NW division.
Yip Yip Hooray...
NHL.com officially did it. In their “Friday’s Finest” video replays, they title Yips goal “Yip Yip Hooray.” I feel so sorry for that kid. How many times has he heard that in his life already? How many more will he hear it? Poor bugger.
"I think you should win if you have a two-goal lead. When you stop playing and stop working hard, that's when the other team is going to be all over you the whole time." - Peter Forsberg
Okay, so I dropped by the Preds GDT to check out the road trip fun. 5 minutes guys? Really? Only 5 minutes before you’re hurting yourselves trying to refrain from making lude jokes about me and players groins?? I suppose I should take it as a compliment: I am a legend in my own time. Tho I can’t say I’m all that surprised as your “road trip” was more like a panty raid. Those poor bastards didn’t know what hit them. lol. I don’t think they were quite ready for the miscreants that are the MHHers. Oh, and I caught the Liles “Cummer” comment too. That is one unfortunate nickname, Cumiskey, with some serious hi-larity moments attached. I had the box of lube shipped straight to Denver, btw. That shit is cheap on Hyde St.
"I think you should win if you have a two-goal lead. When you stop playing and stop working hard, that's when the other team is going to be all over you the whole time." - Peter Forsberg
Just to stir up the rumor mill...
per a Denver Post article
Scouts from Montreal, Boston, San Jose, Chicago and St. Louis were on hand (last night)
sooooo….who’s trade bait?
"I think you should win if you have a two-goal lead. When you stop playing and stop working hard, that's when the other team is going to be all over you the whole time." - Peter Forsberg
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