Game 69 Preview: Avalanche at Blues
by Dustin Burfiend on Mar 16, 2010 8:30 AM MDT
in Avalanche Previews
115 comments
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| Colorado Avalanche |
6 MT / 8 ET / 3 GMT |
St Louis Blues |
| 39-23-6 | March 16th, 2010 |
32-27-9 |
| 84 pts | Scottrade Center |
73 pts |
| 6th in West |
St Louis, MO | 10th in West |
Today at 6pm the Avalance take on the St. Louis Blues. The Avs are coming off back to back wins, something they haven't managed since the Olympic break and they're facing the Blues who've been curb-stomped by the Avs so far this season. Chris Stewart alone has 11 points in the 3 games they've played so far. Chris Mason has been awful against the Avs so we may be seeing a battle of the backups if Ty Conklin plays, as Peter Budaj gets his first start in 24 games. Interestingly enough, Budaj already played the Blues this season and posted a shutout in a 4-0 win. Not only that, but this game is at the Scottrade Center where the Blues are a pathetic 12-16-5.
So, should be an easy win. However, the Blues are making another late season push for the playoffs. I'd say they are the last team in the West with some small chance of knocking Detroit or Calagry out of 8th. They have won 7 of their last 9 games but one of the losses was 7-3 to the Avalanche. Clearly, Joe Sacco considers this a comparitivley easy game as he has had no trouble starting Anderson in back to back sets (or maybe Andy just needs a rest after that ridiculous Stars game) but it could be a classic trap game. The Blues are going to be extreamly desperate to win and they really are a very good team despite getting outscored 16-5 by the Avs this season. Really.
This is a good time for a winning streak. Their next two games are against the Flames and the Ducks. Every game after that (excepting the one against the Oil, who are clearly in full tank for Taylor mode) is going to be very tough so getting points here is imparative if the Avs want to keep hope alive for the division crown (I'm not holding my breath though, the Canucks are too f'ing good). Stephane Yelle and Cody McLeod are questionable for tonight's game so we may see Chris Durno or Marek Svatos back in the lineup or perhaps 7 defensemen will be dressed. This is likely Budaj's last start of the season so let's hope he goes out on a win.
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I’m surprised it’s taken Sacs this long to sit Andy down and give Boots the nod. Woulda thought he’d do that during one of the back-to-backs. Oh well, this still is a trap game and we can’t take any team for granted, even Edmonton for that matter. The playoff aren’t a given yet and positioning for a better seed is still important. Plus, the Durno/Svats sentence just made my brain hemorrhage a little. *pop
"Take it away, Paul J!" - Jeff Caves, KBOI radio announcer, Fiesta Bowl 2007
by TCJohnnyHotPocket on Mar 16, 2010 8:40 AM MDT reply actions
how many starts does Budaj have when Andy is healthy? I want to say this is #3.
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 16, 2010 9:03 AM MDT up reply actions
He started 5 games when Andy was down I think.
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.
And 8 starts total I believe (Andy has never been pulled, correct?)
Boods is 4-4-1, though the one OT/SO loss was the game the Andy got hurt and he gave up the lone SO goal.
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 16, 2010 1:17 PM MDT up reply actions
and of his 4 regulation losses, he allowed 2 or less goals in 3 of those games. He just doesn’t seem to get the same luxury of allowing 3 goals like Andy does and getting a win (hell, he couldn’t even allow 1 goal against and get a win). So, that is why I say, the team just needs to go out there and SCORE SOME GOALS!
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 18 points in 14 games; 13 points to go!
As I pointed out elsewhere; I think that is a big difference in this team this year. Sure Andy has been very good in net for the team and given them confidence, but if the team wasn’t scoring goals the Avs would be losing even with Andy. Going back to the Game in LA before the Olympic break, Andy has allowed 3 goals in every game except the Florida game. If the team doesn’t score at least 4 goals in those game they lose. Scoring has been as important this season as has Andy. Maybe it’s that the guys are willing to take a few more risks offensively because Andy is bailing them out, or maybe it’s the fact that they haven’t had any major injuries (Stas, Sakic, Smyth last season), or maybe it’s Sacco’s manner of playing/giving confidence/actually having a system, that has helped the scoring.
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 16, 2010 1:40 PM MDT up reply actions
Maybe it’s that the guys are willing to take a few more risks offensively because Andy is bailing them out
The players have said this more than a few times in interviews.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 16, 2010 1:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Andy was pulled in the Vancouver game earlier this year
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 16, 2010 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions
He got hurt in a game and Budaj came in for like a shot and the shootout I believe. Don’t remember which game it was (Maybe the first time against FLA and Ballard took him out)
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 16, 2010 1:46 PM MDT up reply actions
That was the Florida game on Dec 6th. 5-6 SO loss.
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 16, 2010 1:58 PM MDT up reply actions
Andy’s been pulled a couple times. I believe once in Vancouver, and then Budaj started the third period against the Capitals.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 16, 2010 7:01 PM MDT up reply actions
Damn, how did you know my strategy.
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
Speaking of God…he’s got the 5 questions this week.
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
SPOILER ALERT
His favorite pizza topping is OLIVES.
bwahahaha!
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 16, 2010 10:15 AM MDT up reply actions
psssssssssst….LEAST FAVORITE PIZZA TOPING.
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
Yep
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
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 16, 2010 10:25 AM MDT up reply actions
Is it 8 pm yet?
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.
After my 15 hour day,
I’m back at work. Today though I get to go to an advanced submarine fire fighting trainer. I guess it’s better than being in an office. Hoping I make it home by game time.
Mile High Hockey: A Colorado Avalanche Fan Community
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Derek B on Mar 16, 2010 9:02 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Open the door
Training complete.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 16, 2010 9:11 AM MDT up reply actions
He said “advanced”.
Open the door
Go through it
Done, training complete.
;)
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
Hahahah
Oh and secure hat@
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
May I switch with you PLEASE?
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 16, 2010 10:15 AM MDT up reply actions
It starts at 8? Crap… that’s 10 pm here and I have an exam at 8 tomorrow morning. Guess I’ll only be on for part of the game.
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
it starts at 6 MST.
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
Yay
Another “distraction” while I lie to myself and say that I am going to be studying.
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
That’s always my plan. Hockey season shouldn’t coincide with school haha.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 16, 2010 10:15 AM MDT up reply actions
No, it really shouldn't
It seems like all my exams are the day after a game too.
Tax Laws suck.
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
No no
8pm my time. Eastern time.
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.
Oh good! Whew!
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
psst – I’m not going to take the time to build that stupid preview box if no one is going to read it!
(just kidding)
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 16, 2010 10:24 AM MDT up reply actions
Drama Queen
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.
So you ARE that "take your ball and go home" guy
Jibbles is an older man so you can trust what he says.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 16, 2010 10:40 AM MDT up reply actions
PUCK. THEY PLAY WITH A PUCK
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 16, 2010 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions
I wasn’t having a Julie Browman moment. I was generalizing to other sports.
Jibbles is an older man so you can trust what he says.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 16, 2010 10:56 AM MDT up reply actions
Excuses, excuses….
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 16, 2010 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions
Stewart...
about 1/5 of his points have come verse the Blues that’s just wow lol…vs the NW division as a whole this season he has 10pts
THE BURGUNDY BRIGADE... because we can!!!
"What do the Detroit Red Wings and the Titanic have in common?
They both look good until they hit the ice!"
Visit> http://www.bronxbaseballdaily.com/
by SportsDalaiLama on Mar 16, 2010 8:55 AM MDT reply actions
Seriously. If we go into it with the attitude that we’ve already won we are going to lose.
That being said anything I expect nothing less than six points from Stewart. ;]
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 16, 2010 10:16 AM MDT up reply actions
That being said anything I expect nothing less thansixten points from Stewart.
Fixed.
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
Oh.
I was just criticizing all the misspellings in the article. I have no idea what I wrote.
It is imperative that we take this game extremelyseriouslycereal.
Fixed.
A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her.
i love the Captain.
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
Both... :)
But not typically at the same time.
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
you just reminded me
of this one time in college when we all chased shots of white tequila with handfuls of lucky charms. good times.
it reminded me
of this one time, in band camp…
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 16, 2010 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Haha, did you watch that last night? GUYS I AM SO SUPER CEREAL! (I always write it “serial” when referencing that episode but cereal is the same thing.)
Hopefully you know what I’m taking about!
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 16, 2010 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Yes yes I do. I’m not sure about the spelling, in my mind I use the “cereal”. Both are equally funny. I’m off! Excelsior!
A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her.
ok i dont know anything about ‘super cereal’, but from this conversation i assume that Mr. Lee was featured on some guest spot or another talking about cereal… is this correct?
Thanks Joe...
Nope. It’s half man, half bear, and half pig. South Park. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9wmczxnT3c&feature=related
A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her.
crickets
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 16, 2010 10:52 AM MDT up reply actions
SUPER CEREAL
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
according to left wing lock, Mason is getting the start for the Blues.
by some white guy on Mar 16, 2010 10:17 AM MDT reply actions
Somewhere, Chris Mason is beating his head against a wall, saying, “FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!” with these images burned in his mind:
(sorry about the size…it’s the best avalanche.com would let me do…)
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 16, 2010 10:37 AM MDT up reply actions
nothing like destroying the confidence of your starting goalie to help you get those final few points required to make the playoffs
by some white guy on Mar 16, 2010 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions
They’re going to throw everything they have at Stewie, which means the first line is going to be in a stranglehold. Enter the Duke, Dutchy and Ferris. Man, how I love having a second line that could arguably be our #1 line.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
SCORE GOALS!!!!
and lots of them. Please.
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 18 points in 14 games; 13 points to go!
Is that a “key to the game”?
A woman drove me to drink and I didn't even have the decency to thank her.
pretty much.
Even though this could be seen as a trap game, maybe by having Budaj in, who hasn’t played a game in over 2 months, it will have the affect on the team that they can’t take a win too much for granted.
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 18 points in 14 games; 13 points to go!
Altitude called…they asked that we please stop stealing their keys.
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
I'd like to know,
what’s at steak (sic!)
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 14 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
Guess that means the 3rd line is the flat tire tonight
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
Ouch, Come on Durno isn’t that bad….maybe a bald tire line?
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 16, 2010 1:22 PM MDT up reply actions
Crap. :(
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
My exact reaction
Both for the lack of Ol Yeller/Highlander, and the addition of Svats.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
SHIT I didn't see that part...
Double Crap :(
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
Yep
Svats is the Flat Tire to Arnason’s Donut.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
Svatos is a tiny meteor that the epic destruction that was Arnageddon.
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.
Stupid computer. You get my point.
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.
I mean the relation to killing lines
Arny was the Donut of a line, Svats is the Flat Tire of a line.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
Stazz21 gave me this idea
Totally using this night.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
I know
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
I dunno about that
I’m sure anyone can do better.
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
Ha, this is pretty good… I think it would be better with Stewie as Godzilla, crashing around downtown, stick in hand and spitting fire! I would do it myself, but I have business to handle today. Perhaps I will have time to do it for the post-game thread, after he gets four more points tonight!
Thanks Joe...
Seems to be
2009-2010 Avs: Totally not about to win the Stanley Cup!
Stationed in Canada for the Burgundy Army
Hehe ... Game 69
/I’m 12.
Acquired from Pensburgh for a first round pick and two comment posters to be named later.
the game is so fine
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 16, 2010 2:15 PM MDT up reply actions
I’m out and I’ll be late to the GDT tonight, I have to take my daughter to dance tonight and it won’t be over until 6:15. So I might miss the 1st period….funny I think I missed the first period last time the Avs played the Blues.
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
In case you were interested, today you will find in St Louis Blues’ SBN Blog St Louis Game Time: Tuesday Links: Must Stop Chris Stewart Edition
1. Blues vs. Avs tonight. If Jay McClement isn’t on Chris Stewart, the Blues are doomed.
With a link to the following article by Sporting News: Avalanche-Blues Preview
Mason has been victimized often by Stewart, losing all three games and posting a 7.23 goals-against average.
/giggle
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
This from the St Louis Paper- wow just wow!
On a more personal level, Colorado has been especially rude to Blues netminder Chris Mason. While he has excelled on many occasions in recent weeks, in the last two games against the Avs, Mason has been pulled in favor of Ty Conklin.
Over the three games, Mason has a save percentage of .750 and a gory goals-against mark of 7.22. He has surrendered 13 goals on 52 Colorado shots. Avs forward Chris Stewart has been especially sinister, with six goals and four assists in the three games. Stewart had a hat trick March 6 in Colorado, the first of his career.
Armchair coaches throughout St. Louis might be thinking there is a simple way to alter the landscape: sit Mason and start Conklin. But not so fast. Overall this season, the 33-year-old Mason has a .913 save percentage, and if you remove Colorado games, his percentage improves to .938. Before the current campaign, Mason had been outstanding against the Avs, with a career record of 6-3, three shutouts and a 1.56 GAA. At the same time, while Conklin has been a credible backup overall — with eight wins, three shutouts and a .920 save percentage — he is winless in six starts in St. Louis.
AKA Stastnystooth on twitter... Yeah that's me, his tooth.
by Ben from Portland on Mar 16, 2010 4:47 PM MDT reply actions
this has all the makings of a trap game
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 16, 2010 4:54 PM MDT up reply actions
Thank you.
Jibbles is an older man so you can trust what he says.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 16, 2010 4:58 PM MDT up reply actions
reverse jinx?
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 16, 2010 5:05 PM MDT up reply actions
Dammit!
Jibbles is an older man so you can trust what he says.
by Bob in Boulder on Mar 16, 2010 5:07 PM MDT up reply actions
ugh jibble fail
AKA Stastnystooth on twitter... Yeah that's me, his tooth.
by Ben from Portland on Mar 16, 2010 4:48 PM MDT up reply actions
lets go AVS!
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong;
"WHAT IZ this SILLEE BATBALL GAME" - SDTF
"I don’t know one guy who can stop Melo on a consistent basis."-CP3
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
Peter Mueller statistically the best pickup since the deadline!
Or something along those lines. Love it!
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