Game 63 Recap: AVS sink Ducks
by Brett Shumway on Mar 3, 2010 11:55 PM MST
in Avalanche Recaps
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PrintOh yeah, there was a game today.
Well tonight was a historic game for the Avalanche in the respect that it saw the debut of one Peter Mueller, who was traded to the Avalanche earlier today along with prospect Kevin Porter, for Wojtek Wolski. Fare thee well Baron von Double Dub - who will wear #86 (his birth year) for the Yotes when they play the AVS Thursday night. Looking forward to THAT game!
Back to tonight's game:
The Avalanche came out and and took an early penalty as Stastny got called for holding the stick. The Ducks didn't do much with their power play but the AVS didn't do much all period. Anaheim had some good chances for Perry and Getzlaf, but as usual, Anderson was there to make the stops.
About 12 minutes in, after a whistle, Perry fell down, frightened by a official who snuck up in his blind spot. At least the wuss has a Gold Medal.
About 3 minutes later Mcleod gets called for the hook, and Blake scores on the ensuing power play by smacking the puck into, and then under, Craig Anderson. 1-0 Ducks. The AVS are lucky to get out the the period that close as they get torched 14-2 in shots. Anderson keeps his team in the game yet again.
The second period got underway with a broken Avalanche stick which sent Bobby Ryan on a breakaway, but Anderson was there again to make a nice stop.
But a minute later, on a horrible, obvious, blown offside call, which sent the Ducks flying into the zone and going hard to the net where Selanne gets rewarded with a goal. 2-0 Anaheim.
The Avalanche respond nicely though with a power play of their own off some nice down low passing: Duchene to Stastny, across the crease to Stewart who banged it home. PP goal. 2-1 Ducks.
Then ChipChura tried to start a fight with Wilson, who for some reason skated away. Hendricks, not one to miss a scuffle, jumped in for his teammate and they each threw some punches before Hendricks wrestled Chipchura to the ice.
Then Duchene's line again created some nice chances off of their speed, but Hiller shut them down.
Those chances led to Anaheim's Mike Brown getting called for charging, sending the AVS back on the power play. Liles made a nice diving play to keep the puck alive on the PP, and then Peter Mueller was then welcomed to the team as he took Liles' diving play and sent the puck on net. It bounced off of Wisniewski and past Hiller. Tie game.
The AVS started the 3rd period finishing a power play that carried over from the second, but did nothing with the opportunity. Shortly thereafter, Blake almost scores on a nice wrap-around attempt. Anderson made a superb recovery on the play, diving across the goal mouth to stuff the puck at the post, and keeping it a close game.
After the save, Chris Stewart was the beneficiary of a friendly call as he out hustled the Ducks Steve Eminger who got called for tripping on the play. The AVS took their timeout here to draw up a sweet play: a tripping penalty on Mueller that negated the power play and resulted in 4 on 4 hockey. Brilliant! Both teams had one good chance on the 4 on 4, but nothing too threatening.
After the 4 on 4, Duchene raced into the Ducks zone and his line created a great chance that ended with the Ducks clearing the puck out of play, resulting in another Avalanche power play. Duchene continued his hard work and on the ensuing power play was rewarded. Stewart took a good slap shot that Hiller again couldn't handle. Duchene poked the rebound on goal. Hiller made the first save but Duchene stayed with it and knocked in his own rebound for his 21st goal, and 9th PP goal, of the year. More importantly, 3-2 AVS.
The Avalanche carried the momentum over and stole the puck in their own zone. Stastny took a long shot that Hiller stopped, but couldn't control as he sent the rebound into the slot where a streaking Galiardi knocked it over Hiller and into the net. Another great hustle play (everything that was missing from Monday's game). 4-2 AVS.
But the AVS got into more 3rd period penalty trouble as Durno took a bad offensive zone holding the stick penalty on an angry Scott Neidermayer. The AVS did an admirable job keeping Anaheim to the outside, but as the penalty expires, Salei gets called for a 4 minute high sticking penalty on Blake.
The next 3 minutes were all Craig Anderson. He stopped Getzlaf alone in front of the net, then Perry on a nice curl and drag through the slot, then Getzlaf again streaking down the middle and firing one just off Andy's stick. But Andy is human and when Neidermayer sent a pass to the crease it bounced in off Scott Hannan's skate. 4-3 AVS.
The AVS made some fantastic hustle plays down the stretch to negate icing calls and force Anaheim into taking a time out. It was nice to see Stoa out there in the final two minutes of a one goal game. The AVS shut down the nuetral zone and kept Anaheim to the outside for the final few minutes and hold on for the victory.
The Avalanche went 3 for 5 on the power play. Maybe Liles has something to say about that?
They stay 2 points behind Vancouver (who destroyed Detroit tonight) for the Northwest division lead.
It was nice to see Mueller get a goal in his first game with his new team. It was a power play goal, meaning he has already scored half as many PP goals as Wolski. Trade is a success! All in all, I thought Mueller played an alright game, but I didn't notice him too much out there late in the game.
There was a sweet taste of redemption to this game as the AVS blew a 2 goal lead against the Ducks back in December in Denver. So it's nice to return the favor and come back from 2 goals down against Ducks in their own building. The win ends a 5 game losing streak against the Ducks and also snaps the Ducks 11 game home win streak. This team never says die.
Mueller vs Wolski tomorrow!
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My 2 cents
Really fun game to watch, and I like what I saw so far in Mueller. Hopefully Mueller, you’re my hero, not Mueller… Mueller… Mueller….
No such thing as a hockey fan... only hockey fanatics!
GO AVS!!!
I fell asleep after the second, but I was really impressed with what I saw in Mueller
Mile High Hockey: stupid jokes for the intellectual crowd
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 4, 2010 5:21 AM MST up reply actions
This
Dutchy had a great game tonight. the first line looked good too. Was nice to see how Mueller will work on the first PP Unit. Great hustle by Liles tonight to I think not getting traded might have lit a fire under his arse…
Anyone know why Quincey was a Scratch last night???
Can’t wait to see Yeller centering the 4th line tonight, but what does this mean for Hendricks?? i like him out there throughing his body around and willing to step in on a fight that Wilson skated away from, although if he hadn’t jumped in the AVs might have been on the PP.
I may live in NC but my seats are definatly Center Ice LOL
I have to believe that Wilson is still being careful after his concussion. Why let someone hit you in the head if you can reasonably avoid it. Shows a measure of intelligence. Not sure why Hendricks jumped in except that he may have seen an opportunity to show his value to the team in the absence of someone like Koci on the roster. He skated a long way to get into that scrap.
. . . . . What? Oh, sorry. I thought I was on a 2 hour tape delay.
Hendricks has played wing at various times for the Avs this season. I’d like to see a 4th line of Mcleod-Yelle-Hendricks :)
Quincey was a scratch last night because he was awful in the Detroit games. Out for two goals against and in the box for the other. He also couldn’t make a decent outlet pass to save his life.
by Dustin Burfiend on Mar 4, 2010 8:32 AM MST up reply actions
TBH, I’ve been saying to my fiance for awhile that Quincey needs to be scratched because he’s been playing like shit. My fiance argues back that he’s a key PK guy, but I don’t think that negates how terrible he’s been lately. I never thought it would happen though. I give huge props to Sacco, he’s a hard ass. (My fiance thinks Sacco is an idiot for scratching anyone over Clark, but I think an occasional healthy scratching does a guy good.)
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 9:03 AM MST up reply actions
He’s maybe a key PK guy, but when the other team score on you twice, Quincey isn’t pulling his weight on the PK.
MHH: The Burgundy Army is on the March!
I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.
Healthy Scratching
I am amazed that no one has taken a swing at that softball.
. . . . . What? Oh, sorry. I thought I was on a 2 hour tape delay.
Liles…oh Liles. If you would play games like that every night, then your name wouldn’t always come up in trade rumors. That dive to keep the puck in on Mueller’s goal was spectacular.
Great game for Andy, despite the 3 goals. I think the 1st one he would like back…just didn’t get that pad down in time after making the original save.
I think Duchene is really making his claim on the Calder (though with that east coast bias, I still think Myers will get it)
Nice to break the 11 game home winning streak for the Ducks.
Keep the “mo” going tonight!
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
I think Duchene will get the Calder, and I’m not even sure it will be that close
Mile High Hockey: stupid jokes for the intellectual crowd
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 4, 2010 7:22 AM MST up reply actions
He sure deserves it. But every discussion I hear amongst the “experts” still say Myers is the front runner…I don’t see it, no matter how hard I try. I mean Myers has been great for Buffalo, but Duchene has had a super impact on the Avs
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
Myers
I watched the Caps vs Sabers game last night and i can kind of see all the Hype behind Myers. He’s a big defensive presence out there reminds me a lot of a mix between Chara and Pronger and he logs a lot of minutes. Although he did get owned a couple times by Ovie. He’s a good kid I, as an AVs fan, believe of course that Dutchy deserves the Calder but between him and Myers, baring one of them tanking it the rest of the season, I think you can’t go wrong giving it to either one!! Go Dutchy and most importantly GO AVs GO looks like we have our own Sid the kid/Ovie in Dutchy now KSE market the hell out of him!!!
I may live in NC but my seats are definatly Center Ice LOL
I didn’t say he doesn’t deserve the hype. But I just don’t see him being as big an impact on his team (see Ryan Miller) as Duchene has been for the Avs. But that’s for the Calder voters to decide
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
I definitely agree with this. Myers is a beast (every time I see him play I forget he’s only an inch shorter than Chara, i.e. literally a giant) and I know he’s been good, but Duchene has games like last night where he is literally the one driving the team. In the absence of Hejduk and when Stats is tired he always seems to pull it out when we need it. I hope the Calder voters aren’t biased by the unfortunate start to the season he had- I mean, if they watched him they’d have known he’d be great, but when you aren’t watching you often have to rely on unreliably numbers.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 9:05 AM MST up reply actions
You mean, the unfortunate start various stadium’s goal posts gave him. How many goal does Duchene have if even HALF of those posts go in?
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
It would be unbelievable! I’d love to know his ding count.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 9:12 AM MST up reply actions
I watched the Buffalo/Capitals game and the Vs. announcers had pretty much given the award to Myers, with Howard from Detroit being the runner up.
Then they mentioned Duchene in the same sentence as Tavares, exposing their ignorance.
I can see Myers winning it because to come into this league and succeed as a defenseman like he has as a rookie is very rare. I only hope that more league announcers watched last night’s game against the Ducks. There’s just no denying how often he was making things happen with the puck last night.
Acquired from Pensburgh for a first round pick and two comment posters to be named later.
VS announcers
After listening to them during the AVs Dead Wings game it just reminded me how bad NHL on Versus is. Those guys have no freaking clue what they are talking about.
I will say though I hope you all don’t think I am saying Dutchy doesn’t deserve the Calder or i don’t want him to get it just saying Myers is no slouch. But when the clock strikes 12 Dutchy better be raising the Calder!!!
I may live in NC but my seats are definatly Center Ice LOL
Myers as good as he is has a lot of work to do to be an elite defender one day. His skating ability and size means he gets away with lots of his pinches, but he makes plenty of boneheaded plays and his one on one coverage isnt that great yet.
I do think at this point he’s better than Duchene, but Duchene is just plain smarter a player.
by NEB on Mar 4, 2010 9:45 AM MST up reply actions
Hence the reason I pointed out Ryan Miller. He has saved a lot of mistakes for Buffalo (not saying that Andy hasn’t helped the Avs in that regard..but Miller has been out of his MIND this year)
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
Absolutely!
He has earned that Vezina award!!
I think Miller is much, much better than the team playing in front of him, like Lundquist. I don’t think Anderson is at that level. He makes many good and great saves, but he has also been letting in 1 or more soft goals every game. Anderson needs more help from the team in front of him than Miller or Lundquist do.
When it comes to winning a cup, I don’t think you can win one with an amazing goaltender and an average team; you can, however, win one with a good enough goaltender and an amazing team. I think that is where the Avs are heading.
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 10 points in 8 games; 21 points to go!
Here’s how I look at it:
To me it is between Myers and Duchene. Both are 19 (Duchene started the season at 18). Myers is a D man, but is leading all rookie defense man in points and is 4th among all rookies in points (32). He leads all rookie in TOI and is a +3. Myers is a physical presence on the ice, which isn’t rare for a rookie d-man; what is rare is how he plays for his age considering D-men are reported to develop slower.
Duchene leads all rookies in points (44pts) is a -1, and is 13th among rookies in TOI. He has 9ppg, 1 shg and 2 gwg.
He plays on the power play and the penalty kill, rare for a rookie. As other haves said he is very fun to watch, he has that “Forsbergesque” quality when he has the puck, in that you move to the edge of your seat expecting him to do something amazing. He can take over a game much like some of the better players in the game. He scores some big time goals at the right moments of the game (like scoring his first goal of the season against the RedWings to tie the game 2-2, or last nights PPG to give the Avs their first lead of the game).
So which gets the Calder? In my opinion they are pretty even in what they have done on the ice this season, so I look at who is more important to their team and which has had the biggest impact.
The Sabres had 91pts last season which was 10th in the East but only 2pts out of the playoffs. This season they are sitting 5th in the East and are still in a fight with the Sens for 1st in the Division.
The Avs were 15th in the West last season with 69 points. The lost their Captain over the summer and were projected to be one of the worst teams in the league going into this season. Despite all the predictions the Avs sit 6th in the West and are just 2pts behind Vancouver for the Division lead. They have already surpassed their point total from last season.
The Sabres are were they are supposed to be. A lot of people give that credit to Miller and his spectacular play through out the season. With the number of D-men the Sabres have in their rotation (7 or 8) he is obviously making a statement as to his ability as he continue to play over veterans. But He hasn’t really given the team a big boost that has helped them in the standings.
The Avs are one of the biggest surprises in the league and while Graig Anderson is a large part of the puzzle, Duchene is leading this team of rookies. With Wolski gone from the line up, Duchene is 3rd in scoring behind Paul Stastny and Chris Stewart.
The edge goes to Duchene. But it’s still close and either guy could still pull away from the other.
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 4, 2010 10:14 AM MST up reply actions
That's a good assessment except the "stat" people will look at 1 thing.
Duchene is 65th among ALL forwards.
Meyers is 21st among ALL defenseman.
I hope they don’t use that as a barometer. Without Meyers Buffalo is still very good. Without Duchene I am not sure we would be where we are.
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.
The numbers may be true, but teams tend to dress12 forwards and 6 defensemen. They should probably be comparing percentiles (e.g., 65/360 and 21/180, both denominators are made up, but you get the point, I hope). It still favors Meyers, but it does lend some perspective. They’re not that far apart statistically.
. . . . . What? Oh, sorry. I thought I was on a 2 hour tape delay.
by Busted Twigg on Mar 4, 2010 10:42 AM MST up reply actions
I looked at that and Myers would bi in the top 88-90% of D-men while Duchene is in the top 80-83% of forwards. Granted with so many great forwards out there it’s hard to rank high. With D-men you still have your offensive D-men (which would be higher on the list) and your stay at home D-men. Myers has a lot of work ahead of him to be a “complete” D-man, Duchene is a pretty good all-around forward all ready.
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 4, 2010 11:00 AM MST up reply actions
Who is this Graig Anderson you speak of?
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
Craig….darn student distracting me with questions. (and that fire drill didn’t help).
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 4, 2010 10:32 AM MST up reply actions
what does Chi's son call him again
Graig Alderson? lol. something like that.
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 10 points in 8 games; 21 points to go!
Yup, Greg Alderson…although he says it right now.
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
Wow!
What a great way to start a Thursday! I fell asleep after the 2-0, so I was sure that I’d wake up to sadness this morning but no! Go Avs!!
AD’s article on the game last night. People already ripping Mueller in the comments section (just a fluky goal, no drive, blah blah blah). Nothing like giving a guy a chance huh?
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
I’m pretty sure they called Duchene a bust after he didn’t score a hat trick in the first game…
by Dustin Burfiend on Mar 4, 2010 8:34 AM MST up reply actions
Pretty sure, haha, that was everywhere! And anyone who didn’t think Mueller didn’t play with drive last night is crazy. I think we’re all spoiled as to how fast a lot of the guys on our team are, but I didn’t see Mueller give up on the puck once.
As for his goal, if he had been standing in front of the net and someone’s ripper was tipped off his stick in I could see how people could argue it was a flukey goal, but deflecting off a defensemen or not that was a good shot.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 9:08 AM MST up reply actions
He actually took a shot from the point on a power play. As long as he keeps doing that, I can’t ask for much more.
Last night it went in. Tonight maybe it bounces off for a rebound. Either way, kittens everywhere are rejoicing.
Acquired from Pensburgh for a first round pick and two comment posters to be named later.
Mueller looked a little out of place at times, but that’s to be expected until he becomes more familiar with the team…. heck, the way Sacoo was jumbling the lines all night (not complaining!) they ALL looked out of place at times last night.
He had one turnover that I remember
And I remember thinking, “he doesn’t look as spectacular while turning the puck over as Wolski does.” I’m hoping the trade works out for both players. But moreso for Mueller, of course.
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 Mar 4, 2010 9:57 AM MST up reply actions
Oh I know he had the shot from the point, but everyone was saying it was a fluke because it hit the Ducks D in the front of the net, I was arguing that’d it have been way more of a fluke if Mueller had been in front of the net and had tipped in someone elses shot. (If that makes sense, haha, it sounds a lot better in my head.)
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 11:08 AM MST up reply actions
Make sense to me as well. Mueller’s shot actually got to the net, it wasn’t going wide and took a strange deflection off a tip or a person. The shot was there the deflection is just what may have helped it beat Hiller.
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 4, 2010 11:13 AM MST up reply actions
if it hadn't gone off the D-man
SoS was right there to tip it in. How can anybody complain about a guy shotting the puck to the net and actually get it on target.
It was is first game with the team. Did he even have a chance to practice with them?
Mark Rycroft made a comment that he feels the decline in Mueller’s production has been a lack of confidence. He said now that he is playing on a team with a lot of confident young players he believed it would really spark him and help him. I hope he is right.
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 10 points in 8 games; 21 points to go!
I really didn’t notice Mueller a lot after the first period. And some of his jump could have come from the excitement of a new team. The goal was off a good shot and you have to give him credit for taking it considering the Avs don’t shoot and that one of his d-men was still sliding into home plate after keeping the puck in the zone; fluky goal or not.
I still don’t like the trade, but I’m open to see what Mueller does the rest of the season before I decide on him. There’s still 19 games and the potential of the playoffs to see how he “fits” into this team and Sacco’s system.
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 4, 2010 10:19 AM MST up reply actions
Quincey
Did we ever find out why he was scratched? Healthy?
there’s got to be something more there right? I mean if he’s in the doghouse, just play him less. but I don’t think Quincey should ever be scratched on this club.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
Quincey did have a god awful game against the Wings (but so did quite a few people). Sounds like a healthy scratch though
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
I dunno. Quincey had an awful game. With a lineup of Hannan, Foote, Clark, Liles, Salei and Wilson, I think sitting Quincey to make a point isn’t too risky and he clearly needs a wakeup call.
by Dustin Burfiend on Mar 4, 2010 8:36 AM MST up reply actions
Why go from 20:00/nnight straight to benching. Putting him on the 3rd pair would have probably been sufficient.
That said, it’s a pretty minor quibble. The Avs have 8 (7 healthy) quality defensive men. I wouldn’t even mind if they just did a straight up rotation with all of them.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 4, 2010 8:44 AM MST up reply actions
I’m not advocating a rotation, but if that’s what Sacco did It wouldn’t bother me all that much
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 4, 2010 8:44 AM MST up reply actions
I don’t think he’ll ever scratch Foote or Hannan but I could see a rotation with the rest. But I’m sure Quincey sat for his poor play in Detroit. I see what you mean about going from first pair to bench but maybe Sacco was looking to make a statement. I don’t know, but I don’t have much of an issue. Nobody else deserved to sit as much.
by Dustin Burfiend on Mar 4, 2010 8:58 AM MST up reply actions
Can you really scratch the captain? I mean, I’m sure technically he can but I’d expect a locker room riot.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 9:10 AM MST up reply actions
Even though Foote has been a step slower than usual this year, he still HITS people and hasn’t been a defensive liability most nights. Plus he is still one the most passionate guys on the ice night in and night out
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
At the beginning of the year I thought he was definitely a defensive liability, all those pucks going off him and into our goal was driving me crazy but he’s been so much better lately. He might not be the fastest but he definitely hits people and if he’s been good at bringing the team intensity I think that’s awesome. I had to chuckle when I heard on the TV during the EE game that he had come over to the bench screaming.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 9:15 AM MST up reply actions
I think that Wilson’s decision not to fight is mostly due to his recent concussion. Which makes it even weirder that Quincey was the scratch over R-Dub Jibbles.
Sports don't build character, they reveal it
Quincey
I hope for the Avs/Yotes game tonight, Sacco scratches Salei and puts Quincey back in the lineup.
Clarke
May be the scratch tonight. the real question is who is Sacco going to scratch to Yeller on the ice?? The current 4th line center is Hendricks and I love his physicallity.
I may live in NC but my seats are definatly Center Ice LOL
I think with the back to backs, and travel, and 34 healthy D-men, Sacco is just utilizing his assets and being pretty smart about how he manages everyone. Make it a competition and play the best players for each game. If the AVS aren’t trading people (which they didn’t) then Sacco’s got to play the card he’s been dealt.
And yeah, good point about Wilson’s head. Sometimes the smart, brave thing to do is not fight.
by Brett Shumway on Mar 4, 2010 8:09 AM MST up reply actions
agreed
when he didn’t fight, it was clear it was because of just coming back from the injury. And how about Hendricks jumping right in there to defend him. I think it was an important message Hendricks made: don’t try messing with him again or I’ll be on you.
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 10 points in 8 games; 21 points to go!
Yes, very cool of Hendricks.
Sandie
"There are two types of forwards. Scorers and bangers. Scorers score and bangers bang. -Ken Dryden
by Sandie Gauthier on Mar 4, 2010 10:38 AM MST up reply actions
Lines w/ Yelle and Hejduk
I think I read somewhere from AD that when Yelle comes back Hendricks will move to RW. What do you suppose the lines will look like once Duke comes along as well? Was yesterday’s game an indication that Mueller is going to stick on the LW? I doubt he’s going to improve much on the 3rd line and Svatos would be even more useless than Tuck on the 4th.
Galiardi – Stastny – Stewart
Stoa – Duchene – Mueller
McLeod – O’Reilly – Svatos
Durno – Hendricks – Tucker
(Lines from last night — or at least per the MHH preview)
And what about when Yip and Jones come back?
I mean Hejduk will likely go with Duchene. Stoa will go back to Erie, although aren’t we limited to 4 recalls? Durno will likely be a healthy scratch in favor of Yelle. When Yip comes back and then Jones, I have no bloody idea what to do. Maybe Yip – Radar – McLeod.
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 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 Mar 4, 2010 11:58 AM MST up reply actions
damn
i thought we were done with this meme.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
Seeing as how Mueller played RW last night (and not LW as I typed it above), the question would be if he sticks on the right side. Sacco specifically said they’d keep him on the right point for the PP I believe.
by MalachiConstant on Mar 4, 2010 8:32 AM MST up reply actions
Honestly
Quincey is a beast. But he has had bad games. I love that Sacco will even bench him. I still think Hannan has been our best defenseman but Quincey is right there. If this benching lights a fire and Quincey plays the next 18 games like he did at the start, Sacco knows what he is doing.
Regarding Mueller, playing with Duchene might help because Duchene has the energy of like 7 players at once. I thought he played fine.
I noticed Svatos for a shift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That’s something right?
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 don’t know. The Altiboobs said Quincey was in the warmup, so I wonder if it was a premeditated benching or not. I’d hate to think he couldn’t go because of injury.
Acquired from Pensburgh for a first round pick and two comment posters to be named later.
Parker used to partake in warmups.
Sandie
"There are two types of forwards. Scorers and bangers. Scorers score and bangers bang. -Ken Dryden
by Sandie Gauthier on Mar 4, 2010 10:39 AM MST up reply actions
Random Game Thoughts...
I have no qualms about Quincey being scratched. He’s had some awful games lately, not just against the EE. He’s one of the best Ds for sure but he needed a fire lit under his ass in a bad way. I don’t want Sacco to let anyone think they are untouchable.
It looked to me like Wilson had started to skate away from ChipChura (that’s his name? what a terrible name!) right as the guy dropped the gloves. Wilson looked pretty incredulous that the guy was going to try and start shit with him- I’m sure he had told him that he wasn’t going to fight after just having a bad concussion. As much as I hate guys skating away from a fight (man, who was it that kept skating away from Stewart who was beating the crap out of him?) I think Wilson was smart for not getting involved, the danger factor there would not have been worth it. And I LOVE that Hendricks stepped in. That was hilarious and if he wants to be our enforcer than I welcome him.
I don’t get Stewart. His streakiness goes from period to period. The first he was terrible and made some terrible plays, but then he comes in and puts in an awesome goal.
Andy was amazing. I would love to see how many goals have gone against him after he makes like, 10 beautiful saves in a row. That guy is going to need some kind of trophy at the end of the year and if he doesn’t get one I’m going to make him one myself.
I don’t mind Durno but he takes some dumb ass penalties. If he’s going to be a regular player on this team he needs to quit doing that, like, now.
And where the hell does Stastny get off winning all those faceoffs?
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 wonder if being toasted in the Olympics put a fire under his ass about faceoffs. Buccigross really called Stastny out after the tournament as well.
Acquired from Pensburgh for a first round pick and two comment posters to be named later.
I agree on Stewart. He really is up and down throughout the game.
Mile High Hockey: stupid jokes for the intellectual crowd
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 4, 2010 10:13 AM MST up reply actions
In Durno’s defense regarding that late third period tripping call. I thought that Duck stepped on Durno’s stick and then feel over to embellish it. Durno does take dumb penalties, but last night I thought he was better at staying out of the box.
Budweiser is a lot like making love in a row boat. They're both fucking close to water.
I think that tripping call was on Mueller. Durno took an ugly holding the stick penalty, and those can definitely be avoidable.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 11:12 AM MST up reply actions
Mueller took an awful tripping penalty to cancel out an Avs powerplay.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Mar 4, 2010 11:15 AM MST up reply actions
i thought it was pretty ticky tack. the refs wanted to make up for the Stewart ticky tack call. Mueller does have to be a lot more aware though.
Agreed.
That trip was about 55% Ferris not taking care of his stick, 20% the ANH forward just stepping on Ferris’ blade and 25% the ANH forward trying for the late Oscar nomination – best performance by a douche in a supporting role.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - On the upside, there's only 19 more (regular season) games of Darcy Tucker left!
For Anderson
A trophy like…the Hart? There is going to be some serious G competition for that one this year.
I'd rather be lucky than good any day
I know, there is some serious competition everywhere for that thing, but dammit I want to guy to get some hardware haha.
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 11:14 AM MST up reply actions
he might have to wait just a few years
It will give him time to work on his upper body muscles. I have heard that trophy weights, what 35 pounds.
Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for Magic #31 - 31 points in 28 games. 10 points in 8 games; 21 points to go!
My Thoughts
Matt Duchene is a monster. He made the Ducks he played against look like armatures. Everyone on his line looked amazing because of Matt’s skills. Mueller looked really good, but I’m not sure if that was just because he played with Duchene most of the night.
SOS looks tired. I guess 5 games in 7 nights will do that to a guy. Maybe he could use a one game break to get him closer to 100%? His whole line looked asleep for most of the first. I’m glad Stewie woke up in the second.
I don’t even need to say anything about Andy cause we all know he is incredible.
The biggest reason I hate playing against the Ducks: Teemu Selänne. Though I do not watch any Duck games (unless they are playing the Avs), but he also seems really good. Which wouldn’t anger me so much had he not laid a big Bertuzzi for the Avs when he was here.
Beachie Sighting?: For those who watched the Altitude feed, did they show Beachie after the Av’s second and third goals? They showed a lady wearing an Av’s third with a guy wearing an Avs away jersey. They only showed her for 0.5 second, and since I’ve never seen Beachie in real-life I can only go off the Joe Sakic night pictures. I thought I remember her saying she was at that game…
Budweiser is a lot like making love in a row boat. They're both fucking close to water.
I saw that too…if it was her it didn’t look like her. But maybe I’ll try to grab a screen frame of it later today, and ask her herself
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
No that’s not her…that’s an old 3rd (the burgundy one) and wrong hair color (unless she has changed it)
2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: The wheels are firmly secure thank you!
Advice to Red Wing Fans: If you don't want the reputation of being whiners, then stop whining about EVERYTHING. Your team is allowed to lose games, and when they do, it's not always because of the refs or Gary Bettman, and you seem to continuously claim
yep. not her.
Mile High Hockey: stupid jokes for the intellectual crowd
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Mar 4, 2010 10:14 AM MST up reply actions
yup
not me. i was wearing my SoS Oly jersey cuz they did an Oly tribute.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
by NurseBeachie on Mar 4, 2010 10:57 AM MST up reply actions
Steady yourselves, because I'm in a bad mood...
Steady yourselves, because I’m about to say something very nice about John Liles here: his diving stop to keep a puck in the offensive zone led to Peter Mueller’s first goal as an Av, and it symbolized the effort the Avs had the rest of the game.
Fuck you, Dater. That’s not something nice. That’s matter of fact and totally obvious. You’re so fucking biased against the guy it’s beyond ridiculous. Liles worked his ass off last night and you know it. Find a way to dig deep in that black part of your soul reserved for him and actually give an unquantified compliment. His amazing and bold move to keep the puck in the offensive zone led to the goal and his hard play throughout the game helped the team pull out the comeback win, you fucking pansy ass shithead.
/rant done
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
It was looking bad for me. I was right behind the Avs attack twice goal. Too bad they only attacked that goal in the third.
www.returnoftheghostbusters.com
I sat behind the home goal in our December game against the Ducks and all the action I saw at it in the last 10 minutes of the third was awful, haha!
by xskatebakerrx on Mar 4, 2010 11:18 AM MST up reply actions
I thought Mueller looked good for his first game with the Avs. He looked a little out of place on some shifts but he just recently joined the team so that’s excused. Plus, I don’t think he had anyone of the caliber of Duchene passing him the puck in Phoenix. I remember the first period, Duchene slid it over to him and he just ripped a wrist shot high and wide. For some reason, I really liked that. We know he’s a sniper, not really a set up guy. Snipers should shoot and he definitely did. He got hit in the open ice in the first and he seemed a little off after that.
Also, Svatos looked better last night. Maybe him and Liles talked about having confidence by not getting traded? And Tucker looked HORRIBLE like usual.
He got hit in the open ice in the first and he seemed a little off after that.
He flat got knocked on his ass. It wasn’t that hardest hit, just the position he was in when he got hit.
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 4, 2010 12:42 PM MST up reply actions
What I liked about that hit, though, is he didn’t completely shy away after it. From all the talk about his being all gun shy and afraid to get physical after his concussion, I would have thought that hit would have sealed the deal on the rest of the night. It totally didn’t.
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
Obviously, I was at the game, about 10 rows up near the blue line. Mueller was definitely shakey his first shift, kind of feeling things out. By his facial expressions, you could see he was unsure. By his second and third shifts, he looked freaking STOKED to be out there. I have no doubt, immediately after the game, he got on the phone with whomever and gushed about being on that line with Duchene and how thrilled he is about the trade. I feel he’s going to fit in very well with our young guys, way better than WW did. I love the Baron, always will, but I just have a gut feeling about Mueller…
The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: People can stop waiting for these kids to hit the wall. They won’t.
Not sure if anybody else saw this
But on Altitude, after a stoppage of play when the Dutchy line went to the bench, the camera focused on Dutchy and Mueller talking on the bench. He was telling jokes to Mueller who was laughing and then as Dutchy turned toward the camera he hit Mueller on the shoulder and I think he said “loosen up.”
Duchene continues to blow me away. The rookie is helping the new guy fit in. Duchene seems to already be taking on a leadership role on the team. Amazing.
Burgundy army now taking recruits.
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