Game 68 Recap: Craig Anderson Outshines Stars As Avalanche Win 5-3
by Derek B on Mar 14, 2010 7:32 PM MDT
101 comments
First off, my apologizes for the late recap. I had a prior obligation today that I had already put off once before, so I watched the DVR'd version of the game. I just finished it a few minutes ago and WOW. That is the only thing that comes to mind after watching that game. This is exhibit A in my case as to what can happen when this team puts together a full 60 minute effort.
I am not sure what the Craig Anderson Debt is up to, but I am pretty sure that it will never be able to be paid back. After matching his season high of 48 saves today against the Dallas Stars today, he not only helped the Avs move closer to catching Vancouver for the top spot in the Northwest, but put a serious dent in the Dallas Stars chances of making the playoffs.
With the win today, Colorado now has 84 points on the season moving them 3 behind the Canucks with 13 games to go, 6 back at Pepsi Center and 7 on the road. Picking up these points on the road is going to be crucial if the Avs want to make a serious run at the division title.
The biggest thing that I took away from this game, man is Paul Stastny overpaid! I mean, 4 goals in the last 2 games...definitely not worth $6.5 million.
How about Peter "Ferris" Mueller? Yup, all he has done is continue his hot hand since joining the Avalanche at the trade deadline. He picked up the primary assist on Paul Stastny's first goal giving him 8 points (2G, 6A) in his first 6 games for the Avalanche. It definitely seems that the change in scenery is working out as planned so far. He is helping out this power play in ways that I only dreamed about.
Milan Hejduk also showed just how valuable is to this team in netting a goal and getting an assist on...I can't believe I'm typing this, Darcy Tucker's 3rd power play goal of the season.
Chris Stewart also played a solid game as he netted the game winner, his 26th of the season, at 13:46 of the second period. It seems that there is no limit to the potential player that he is going to become in the NHL. I see nothing but great things coming from him for the foreseeable future. The only question that I have is how is Greg Sherman going to sign all this young talent when the time comes?
For now, I am just going to enjoy watching these Young Guns develop.
Next up for the Avalanche, Colorado heads to St. Louis on Tuesday night to take on the Blues. This game is going to be huge for the Avs as they continue to make the push for the division title. Then it's back home to take on the Flames on Wednesday night. The game against the Flames is another big inter-division game where points are at a premium.It will also go along way in keeping the Flames from getting into the playoffs. They currently sit 9th in the division.
Derek's Three Stars of the Game:
3rd Star, Chris Stewart (1G, GWG)
2nd Star, Paul Stastny (2G)
1st Star, Craig Anderson (48 saves)
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This game was so good the bear pic needed another update. This is dedicated to Craig Anderson:
(Even if Marisa Miller is getting kicked by the dying ninja.)
oh, this just keeps getting better. i vote it gets a new addition after each win.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 14, 2010 7:51 PM MDT up reply actions
Thank you.
It’s fixed.
Mile High Hockey: A Colorado Avalanche Fan Community
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
The secondary goal, at least in my opinion, is keeping the Flames from getting into the playoffs. They currently sit 9th in the division.
I would actually not be upset with the fLames making the playoffs if it means that Detroit would not. However, the Avs need t continue their play against the fLames this season. Don’t hurt your own chances of staying in the playoffs.
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
So who do we root for tonight?
A Canuks loss keeps the division title within reach, while a FLames loss helps solidify a playoff spot. Personally, I just want to make sure we get into the playoffs to begin with, so a Canuks win would be fine with me.
Also, the way everyone around the Avs in the standings have been winning the last few days, I’m guessing this will end up being a 3 point game.
I've thought about this.
You gotta root for the Flames. You have to. If you root for the Canucks, you’re just saying, okay, let’s just try to limp in.
FUCK THAT. Go Flames, we want this goddamn division.
(But really… as long as it’s not a 3 point game, so… GO WHOEVER SCORES FIRST!!)
I want another division title banner hanging in the Pepsi Center!!!
GO FLAMES!!!
Mile High Hockey: A Colorado Avalanche Fan Community
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
haha i’ve always said conference banners mean shit unless you’ve got a cup one hanging next to it
'I googled what the white stuff in a Ho-Ho was, i found out it has NINE cups of sugar..that will KILL YOU, it would turn your blood into fruit punch!'
Just to screw with us….the Nucks have a 3-0 lead to start the second period.
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Mar 14, 2010 9:06 PM MDT up reply actions
Okay, switch plans!
Fuck the Flames! Yaaay!
Do we have confirmaton the blues will show up on Tuesday
They might forfeit.
Avalanche 2009-2010: Ostensibly, the worst team in the league. Realistically, more points than the Flames and Wings. But hey, your Corsi number is better.
by c6hor8 on Mar 14, 2010 8:04 PM MDT via mobile reply actions
Stewart needs some body guards or he might be kidnapped.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 14, 2010 8:06 PM MDT up reply actions
May I just say
That I love the current incarnation of Paul Stastny more than than ever?
He’s been a beast since the Olympics ended, which has me wondering if he didn’t pick up a few worthwhile tips from the other players and coaches on Team USA.
Colorado Avalanche: Preventing itchy playoff beards since '09
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Mar 14, 2010 8:28 PM MDT reply actions
Stastny has 12 points in the 7 games since the break and even though Stewart has 13 points over the same time span – I think it is Stastny that is driving the top line at the moment.
Who told him he was allowed to score goals on the road?
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Mar 14, 2010 9:07 PM MDT up reply actions
Whoever it was, they deserve at LEAST a high five.
Forever grateful that Joe Sakic isn't a douche bag like Brett Favre.
by Rather Dashing on Mar 14, 2010 9:40 PM MDT up reply actions
Stasny since playoffs
I wonder if he simply got a confidence boost out of playing on the biggest stage with the elite players of the world and holding his own.
as well he should have
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 6:23 PM MDT up reply actions
Son. Of. A. BITCH.
I KNEW I forgot something today. Stupid afternoon games.
And it sounds like an incredible game to watch too. FML.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
Awe,
It was a good game! It was also a dead board.
Sandie
"We called him Clark Kent because away from the rink, he was just a nerd. Then he'd go into the Colorado dressing room and put on his Avs jersey, and all of a sudden he was Super Joe"- Theo Fleury
I would have been there if there was a working stream…
I call it... The Avaslug!
I am the 1st and probably only official member of the David "Dr." Jones fanclub. Until I get the newsletter out, anyway.
Syracuse Basketball 2010: Big East Champs!!! G'Orange!
by UZ on Mar 15, 2010 2:03 AM MDT up reply actions
The secondary goal, at least in my opinion, is keeping the Flames from getting into the playoffs. They currently sit 9th in the division.
That’s a huge division…
Also, The blues are next. Do they know we still have Christ Stewart?
At the risk of repeating myself from last game...
STZNEE IZ DA SUXXXORRZZZ1!!1
0VRPADE!!1
TRD FR FYOUCHUR N PIXX!!!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 14 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
Oh god, funniest trade offer OF ALL TIME!
Can’t quite remember where I found it last night though:
Stastny
Budaj
for
Hodgson
1st Round
2nd Round
Methinks he’s a complete retard.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
speaking of young guns.
Duchene was the first to sign the poster this weekend. and his response when he saw it was “I love this poster.” he even had to show it to Foote after he signed it.
That is awesome!
Sandie
"We called him Clark Kent because away from the rink, he was just a nerd. Then he'd go into the Colorado dressing room and put on his Avs jersey, and all of a sudden he was Super Joe"- Theo Fleury
nice!
where was this?
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 14, 2010 9:33 PM MDT up reply actions
That’s awesome! Did you print out a copy?
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 14, 2010 10:00 PM MDT up reply actions
How about a poster of 'Grumpy Old Men'
and then busted that one out on Foote, see his reaction.
Love this!!
Proud Soldier in the Burgandy Brigade.
"You mess with our Hejduk and the Spirit of Lappy is coming!"-Jibbles
Girl has talent!
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 14 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
The only thing that would make this better is if Dan was also in the picture. He’s such a grumpy gills sometimes.
Jibbles is an older man so you can trust what he says.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 15, 2010 12:06 PM MDT up reply actions
Finally have a chance to sit and - type HELL YEAH!!
I spent the morning watching the Blackhawks meltdown at a local beer dealership…
And then feared I was watching the same game repeat with our boys.
Take a lead on our boys will ya? Surprise Starzz! You lose!
Stewie’s sneak it in goal was da bomb….And Stats screen door play – delicious.
We will fight in the mountains. We will fight in the valleys. We will fight on the ice and in the stands. We will never surrender.
On another note: As a Sabres fan as well as an Avalanche fan, I would like to apologize for their inability to beat anybody from the Western Conference.
I call it... The Avaslug!
I am the 1st and probably only official member of the David "Dr." Jones fanclub. Until I get the newsletter out, anyway.
Syracuse Basketball 2010: Big East Champs!!! G'Orange!
Anderson’s reaction when the horn sounded was fantastic. Stretching his back like an old man.
Yeah, let’s see. AD’s “eat crow” pile should read like this:
Mueller is right now, better than Wolski, and I feel, helping his current team more
Mueller has also had an impact on the play of Liles, who is doing a good job setting up Muellers point blast
Quincey (who shouldn’t have been benched according to AD) looks LOST still. He had a major gaffe on the first goal, even falling over the air after getting beat. He also took a stupid tripping penalty
Stastny has had points in every game since the Olympics, I believe.
It’s getting ugly AD…but keep saying things, because every time you do, things seem to change for the boys.
"Drugs are bad because if you do drugs you're a hippie and hippies suck." - Eric Cartman
I agreed with you so much I couldn’t resist making the same points over on Dater’s DP blog.
by MalachiConstant on Mar 15, 2010 8:37 AM MDT up reply actions
maybe it's me
but it seems all Liles needed was a guy he could count on back on point with him. Now that he has Mueller, he just seems so much more relaxed and able to play his game. He looks a lot more like the Liles of old when Blake was around. Everyone admits he’s supposed to be the QB on the PP, but if he doesn’t have a wide receiver to throw the damn ball to it’s never going to work…and now that he does, oh lookey! The power play is rockin it! hmmmmmm, something’s afoot here.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 9:16 AM MDT up reply actions
Dutchy sucks and will never win the Calder 'coz he can't score in bunches lately.
Love,
The MasterDater
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 14 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
To be fair, that’s not AD who says Duchene sucks. It’s those who comment on his blog.
"Drugs are bad because if you do drugs you're a hippie and hippies suck." - Eric Cartman
True
I think AD has been a Defender of Duchene (DoD) since day one.
Jibbles is an older man so you can trust what he says.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 15, 2010 10:39 AM MDT up reply actions
Here's where I was going....
It’s getting ugly AD…but keep saying things, because every time you do, things seem to change for the boys.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 14 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
I got what you were saying. Dater’s a jinx!
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Mar 15, 2010 12:37 PM MDT up reply actions
But a good one it seems
"Drugs are bad because if you do drugs you're a hippie and hippies suck." - Eric Cartman
As long as he stays on the “Doom and Gloom” side of the fence….
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Mar 15, 2010 1:31 PM MDT up reply actions
By the way...
Stewie has scored 4 goals in 4 games against Dallas!
Sandie
"We called him Clark Kent because away from the rink, he was just a nerd. Then he'd go into the Colorado dressing room and put on his Avs jersey, and all of a sudden he was Super Joe"- Theo Fleury
Stewie
The Blue Star Killer.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
According to TSN...
lorado C Stephane Yelle and LW Cody McCloud sustained leg injuries in the first period and did not return. Sacco said he’ll know more about the extent of the injuries on Monday. … The Avs are also without D Ruslan Salei (torso), RW Brandon Yip (shoulder) and RW David Jones (knee). …
When did he change his name?
Sandie
"We called him Clark Kent because away from the rink, he was just a nerd. Then he'd go into the Colorado dressing room and put on his Avs jersey, and all of a sudden he was Super Joe"- Theo Fleury
Dunno
But that isn’t good news at all.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
Great Game!
Anderson’s saves at the end of the game were Matrix-like.
Last season, if the Avs game up 3 goals, it was a sure loss. Hell, even if they gave up 2 goals there was a 50-50 change of a loss. The thing about this season is that I know that even if they give up 3 goals, they can still win BECAUSE THEY CAN SCORE!!!! How much fun is it to have a team with offensive talent.
And all the Mueller detractors made need to adjust their mindset. He has a great point shot, he is a great passer, and he is a perfect fit with Hejduk and Duchene. I really think the Avs got the better deal on that trade. And I hope Porter gets his chance. Any kid who grows up in Michigan and still cheer for the Avs deserves to play for the Avs.
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 16 points in 13 games; 15 points to go!
Indeed
Mueller’s shot from the point is paying off BIG time.
by MalachiConstant on Mar 15, 2010 8:59 AM MDT up reply actions
There is no spoon.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 9:17 AM MDT up reply actions
So far Porter is getting a chance, he has played in both games since his call up and with Yelle and McLeod potentially out he should only see more time.
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
by Americanario on Mar 15, 2010 10:25 AM MDT up reply actions
“Last season, if the Avs game up 3 goals, it was a sure loss. Hell, even if they gave up 2 goals there was a 50-50 change of a loss. The thing about this season is that I know that even if they give up 3 goals, they can still win BECAUSE THEY CAN SCORE!!!! How much fun is it to have a team with offensive talent”
Budaij agrees!
Never trust the lunch lady.
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Mar 15, 2010 10:26 AM MDT up reply actions
Budaj would like to know what it feels like to agree from in front of the net.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 11:52 AM MDT up reply actions
Well, our special teams and goaltending are great
but man, i am not as pleased as everyone else with the team’s play. we are getting pinned in our own end 5 on 5 way, way too much. Our D looks shaky at best and can’t exit the zone with possession consistently.
Happy for the win, and still very happy with Liles’ and the top 6’s play since the deadline, but yeesh, the D has got to pick it up.
As long as we make the playoffs and we get the playoff experience, I’ll be happy though. we knew this team was flawed, though i confess I really didn’t think it was this bad on D.
Well
i will say this we missed Wilson’s body checks in this game that is for sure. It will be interesting to see what our D looks like next year.
I may live in NC but my seats are definatly Center Ice LOL
Official Member of the "Cody Mac will beat you down" fan club!!
I honestly don’t get that one. Why would you sit Wilson against the leagues top hitting team? That just didn’t make sense.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 9:33 AM MDT up reply actions
I wonder how much of an impact (1) the concussion and (2) injuring Elias had on his play.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 11:54 AM MDT up reply actions
I think we’ve all recognized the team has huge weaknesses, one being the defense 5 on 5 which has given up way too many shots on goal . It’s good to see, though, that one of the other big weaknesses – the PP – has improved.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 9:39 AM MDT up reply actions
Great win. Painful game to watch. Can’t remember a game where the other team owned us so badly (owned everyone except Andy) in our zone. Quincey was brutal again. Blown coverage directly resulted in the first Star goal. Was getting manhandled behind the net and along the boards. Can’t seem to respond to any sort of check. Reminds me way too much of Skoula right now. Except without the offensive upside. Hopefully Wilson will be back in tomorrow night.
Jibbles is an older man so you can trust what he says.
i thought hannan was just as much at fault for that 1st goal — he tossed it right to that Dallas player for no reason.
Quincey was way off his man, then tripped over the air while the puck went past him. Hannan may have played a part, but it was pretty much all Quincey on that one
"Drugs are bad because if you do drugs you're a hippie and hippies suck." - Eric Cartman
I think quincy was trying to stick his skate out to stop the pass and missed it.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 15, 2010 10:00 AM MDT up reply actions
But at least Hannan
Is still out there attempting to be physical along the boards. I’m still sold on him this season. Great turnaround from the last few years. Quincey looks so far removed from the player he was at the start of the season it is just painful to watch. And I’m not all that comfortable with the reunion of Clark and Liles either.
Jibbles is an older man so you can trust what he says.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 15, 2010 10:08 AM MDT up reply actions
I don’t think Liles likes the reunion of Clark and Liles either. He always looks a little more…tense I guess is the word…out there when he’s paired with him. He looks more secure when he’s with Wilson than Clark. Says a lot for the rookie!
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 11:57 AM MDT up reply actions
Quincey had some BMF moments tho. I think one of the fails of Sacco’s plan is that it makes the doghouse guys try too hard once they’re let back in the house. It’s the equivalent of gripping the stick too tight for forwards. Trying so hard to get in the right position and be aggressive on the backcheck, they lose their man and get caught overplaying the puck. They have a bad play or two and it makes them that much more tense, knowing their ass is on the line. Yeah, I know good players shouldnt let that happen but it does and it’s negatively affecting the team. I hope Sacco takes a look at that.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 12:03 PM MDT up reply actions
It was around for the first few weeks of this season…then went bye bye
"Drugs are bad because if you do drugs you're a hippie and hippies suck." - Eric Cartman
maybe it’s the haircut and Tucker is the anti-Samson
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 15, 2010 10:03 AM MDT up reply actions
Is there a pill that encourages baldness?
Avalanche 2009-2010: Ostensibly, the worst team in the league. Realistically, more points than the Flames and Wings. But hey, your Corsi number is better.
This made me laugh.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
by SlamDunkTheFunk on Mar 15, 2010 2:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Clark
I saw the game live in Dallas yesterday. Clark caught my eye as one defenceman who bites. He was getting pushed around by Dallas forwards and couldn’t clear the puck out of the zone with his weak clearing attempts.
But boy oh boy, I had a bird’s eye view of Stastny’s tip-in goal out of mid-air. It was a thing of beauty.
Holy Crap
Did you guys see where Kolesnik was smacked upside the head by a fan with a large whoopin’ stick? On the ice no less.
by MalachiConstant on Mar 15, 2010 11:23 AM MDT reply actions
I liked Kolesnik…that SO win vs. the Devils. Still my favorite moment.
"Drugs are bad because if you do drugs you're a hippie and hippies suck." - Eric Cartman
Bettman has this engraved in gold on his desk:
“Thank God for the KHL, ’cause compared to them, even we look good!”
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 14 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
Slightly OT…I know we want to beat the Flames (obviously the Avs need the two points)…but hopefully we do it in overtime or shootout. I’d rather have Calgary make the playoffs than Detroit!
www.returnoftheghostbusters.com
I’m still looking for the “none of the above” option
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 15, 2010 12:45 PM MDT up reply actions
Blues!! I want the Blues! And I want them to suddenly rise up to 6th with the Avs taking over the division lead to secure the 3rd spot. One can dream, right?
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 15, 2010 12:56 PM MDT up reply actions
Mike Modano’s out indefinitely for appendectomy Good thing he doesn’t play for the Avs or he’d be having a lung removed.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
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