Game 7 Recap: Avs Come Up Short Against Blackhawks; Lose 3-1
by Derek B on Oct 20, 2011 9:41 PM MDT
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The Colorado Avalanche took on the Chicago Blackhawks in the first game of a home-and-home series at Pepsi Center. Coming off the Avs' first 5-0 road trip in franchise history, the team was looking to get off to a fast start.
During the first few minutes of the game, that's exactly what they did. Gabriel Landeskog broke in for a good scoring chance; then Milan Hejduk followed that up with another couple of great chances. Then the Avs earned their first power play of the night as Chicago was called for too many men on the ice. While the Avs created a lot of great scoring chances and got a couple of shots on net, they were not able to capitalize.
One of the things I've been noticing over the course of this young season is that Ryan O'Reilly is going to be a very special player. He plays such a responsible game that I sometimes forget he is just 20 years old. He added to his takeaway numbers tonight on a couple of very "veteran" moves. I don't want to jinx him, and I can't believe I'm actually comparing him to this player...but he has a lot of the same qualities of a Pavel Datsyuk. Standing by for name calling and ridicule now. I also noticed that we have an absolutely archaic jumbotron.
With just under 4 minutes to go in the first period, the namesake of my MHH fantasy hockey team took a pass from behind the net and sent a perfect backhand over the right shoulder of Seymon Varlamov.
The Avs penalty kill came up big at the end of the first period as they had to kill off a boarding call to Cody McLeod. For those that weren't watching the Altitude broadcast, I learned about a new rule I hadn't heard of this season. Since Brendan Shanahan took over as the NHL's disciplinarian, every boarding call, among other questionable hits, is reviewed by the NHL. So just because he only received the minor penalty in the game, there's still the possibility of supplementary disciplinary action.
The first really great scoring chance came just over 3 minutes into the 2nd period. With the O'Reilly-Landeskog-Winnik line out on the ice, the puck was sent into the slot where Landy sent a hard backhander toward the net, but Corey Crawford held the fort and kept the Blackhawks ahead 1-0. As a side note, how awesome is this line playing right now? I really do think that it's one of, if not our most, dangerous/consistent lines on the team right now. I haven't had a chance to look at the stats, but I'd be willing to bet they have the most steals/takeaways on the team by a large margin.
Leading up to the Avs first goal of the game, the team really started to step up its game. The defensemen were making smart choices with the puck and their ability to get shots on net. They also were very smart in picking their times to join the rush.
The decision making I was just talking about is what lead to the Avs' first goal at home this season. With Matt Duchene making a hard cut to the middle of the ice, he sent a hard shot on Crawford. The rebound went high off of Crawford's left pad and into the chest of Ryan O'Byrne and into the back of the net. It took the boys in the War Room in Toronto a few minutes to look at it, but it would count. It's almost hard to believe that it was O'Byrne's first goal in an Avalanche unipron. Speaking of firsts, with the secondary assist on the goal, Joakim Lindstrom got his first NHL assist.
The second period however would not end so easily for the Avalanche as Varly was called on to make a couple of saves including his best in an Avs uniform. As Brent Seabrook was cutting hard to the net from his point position, he caught a pass from behind the net and sent a low hard shot that Varlamov had to flash his right pad out to make the save and preserve the 1-1 tie heading into the intermission.
Varlamov continued his stellar play as the third period got underway. WIth just over 7 minutes gone in the third period, Patrick Sharp walked into the zone got a great shot on net that caused a big rebound which Andrew Brunette fired right on net. He made the save on that as well. The one he didn't stop though was the a nearly perfect shot off the stick of Sharp which beat him over his right shoulder. It was nearly the same spot that Toews beat him for the first Hawks first goal of the evening.
The Avs didn't sit back, however, and resign the victory to the Blackhawks as they may have done at the end of last year. If anything, they ramped up the pressure and even forced the Blackhawks to use their timeout after forcing the play.
The nail in the coffin on this night was driven home however when the Blackhawks cashed in shorthanded with one of their best penalty killers in the box as Brent Seabrook was whistled for tripping a hard-working Ryan O'Reilly. With Varlamov pulled, Marian Hossa deposited the puck into the empty net.
The Avs will no doubt be looking to get some payback as they travel to Chicago this Saturday for the back end of the home and home series.
- Lindstrom - Duchene - Hejduk
- Jones - Stastny - Kobasew
- Landeskog - O'Reilly - Winnik
- McLeod - McClement - Galiardi
- Hejda - Johnson
- Quincey - O'Brien
- Wilson - O'Byrne
Derek'S Three Stars of the Game
3rd Star: Semyon Varlamov (27 saves)
2nd Star: Corey Crawford (31 Saves)
1st Star: Patrick Sharp (GWG)
Part two of the Avs - Hawks home-and-home is on Saturday at 6:30 pm in Chicago.
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Datsuyk did it first. But O’Reilly is incredible. I don’t even know what to say, really. Two words or two thousand, the bottom line is that he is one of the best all-around hockey players in the league.
He made a couple steals tonight that were just awesome. But he didn’t just do that. After he made the steals, he made a couple sick moves to keep possession, then made a very nice pass up-ice that helped in a rush.
He also dinked at least one off the crossbar and made things happen offensively. Not to mention he works hard every single shift. When we need a momentum change, his line is the one that goes out. When we were trapped in our zone for all that time in the third and we just couldn’t seem to get out, the Thirst Line came out and got a couple shots on Crawford.
Landy’s going to get more attention because he’s the rookie, the golden boy. But Radar’s grown – he’s gotten so much better since last year. His offensive game is there. It’s not flashy, but its there and once his chances start sinking, he’s going to be an offensive force. If nothing else, he’s setting up Landy and Winnik so well that he’s going to get a bunch of points just from Assists – he already has 5 in 7 games.
In some ways, he’s the Anti Duchene. Almost no flash, but consistent and hard working no matter what. He won’t make the highlight reels, but he’ll quietly make the plays that help us win games. It also helps that he has a full line to play with – the other two lines don’t have chemistry going on right now. But I’d agree…. O’Reilly is a great player. An under respected player, but an amazing one.
I have a feeling that he’ll directly help us win a Cup one day.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
My only worry is that he’d be one of those guys that if you gave him a letter would sit in the lockerroom and stress about every little mistake after a game “because that’s not what leaders are supposed to do”.
I see a lot of similarities between him and Toews actually. I remember reading an article where Captain Serious said he did just that – stress over every little mistake because he was a young captain. But if Radar can somehow figure out how to score more (which I’m hoping he will, maybe even this season), he could be our Jonathan Toews-esque figure. Radar will probably never put up as many goals as Toews, but I could see him becoming that do-the-little-stuff-right-while-still-getting-the-big-goals-at-the-right-times leadership type guy. Fun fact – both were in the top 3 for difference between giveaways and takeaways last year, and Radar was the only one in that top three that didn’t play for a playoff team (Kesler i believe was #2).
I think Radar still might play his way into a letter though, either an A or a C. When Duke leaves, I can almost guarantee that at least the A will go to “the Factor” before it goes to “the Franchise”.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
I love Radar. He might be my next jersey. Especially if I can find a blue practice somewhere.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
Dude, a blue practice one is MINE. I called that bitch over a year ago.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 8:43 AM MDT up reply actions
I’m gonna get an away sweater. That’s my #1 want right now.
It's all about the O'
by SteveHouse on Oct 21, 2011 8:54 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
lololol
The first time I saw this, I read “Amway sweater.” I thought you were being snarky.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 10:03 AM MDT up reply actions
Haw
no. Not even to be ironic. The only jerseys I’d want from other teams right now are Stamkos and Kessel. The top three are Radar and Landeskog (away) and Forsberg (burgundy 3rd).
It's all about the O'
I want a Nash Team Canada jersey.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Oct 21, 2011 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions
My Jersey Wishlist
-lettering kit for my white uni (either O’Reilly or Johnson)
-Foppa jersey, zigzag style
-Team USA jersey (either Stastny, Johnson, or Parise. Probably Parise. Mmmmm Parise)
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
I have a USA Stastny…..
Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.
Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.
by Americanario on Oct 21, 2011 11:43 AM MDT up reply actions
Me too! I wanted to get a Gali USA Worlds but never got around to it.
I have blank away and home uniprons that I’m going to get Landy and O’Reilly on. I was going to wait on an O’Reilly jersey to see if he got an A or C or, more likely, when they change the stupid jersey styles. Decided I can’t wait. He’s just too awesome. Was so disappointed I didn’t borrow the money to get that training camp jersey, if they even sold them.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions
I know
those jerseys are incredible.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Oct 21, 2011 9:37 AM MDT up reply actions
The Avs didn’t however sit back and resign the victory to the Blackhawks as they may have done at the end of last year. If anything, they ramped up the pressure and even forced the Blackhawks to use their timeout after forcing the play.
They waited about 5 minutes after the goal to actually get going though…
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
I only saw the second half of the game, but during that span I saw about 5 legit shots by the Avs. That was, until the last three minutes.
I’m not sold on Lindstrom or Kobasew. And Duchene looks lost out there—especially in his zone.
O’Reilly continues to look amazing. Put Hejduk on his right wing and make that the top line.
=================== 21 ===================
Duchene looks like shit, he needs some kind of a wakeup call. Its not just that he’s not scoring, he’s not even generating chances. I think Lindstrom has been unspectacular, but solid, every game he’s made at least one pass that makes me say wow, guy has great on ice vision, though I think he’d be better with Stastny and Jones since they are playing like they give a shit
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 9:53 PM MDT up reply actions
Both Duchene and Lindy are stick players, no body, and with that, no physicality. They spend so little time in the attack zone because of no puck possession. Someone’s gotta get on Duchene to quit playing only with his stick.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
I’m assuming Duchene will pick it up, as he is traditionally a late bloomer. But still, it would be nice to see our top centers doing a bit more when it matters.
But again, I only saw the second half of the game. Maybe they were spectacular in the first period?
=================== 21 ===================
by BraxtanFILM on Oct 20, 2011 10:00 PM MDT up reply actions
traditionally a late bloomer when he’s hitting posts and moving the puck in the early season though. He’s not even getting shots on goal or creating passing opportunities for his teammates. Thats what worries me about his game right now
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 10:02 PM MDT up reply actions
He did push Carcillol around in a shift late in the 3rd. At first I thought he just looked like he was playing frustrated hockey but that ended up getting the puck out of the zone. Tada!
It's all about the O'
then abruptly turned it over pussy footing around im sure
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 10:00 PM MDT up reply actions
then abruptly turned it over pussy footing around im sure
Aye. That he did.
=================== 21 ===================
by BraxtanFILM on Oct 20, 2011 10:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Love that picture lol
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 9:52 PM MDT reply actions
I think O’Reilly’s game is rounding more into a Jonathan Toews type game, than Datspuke.
Comparison to a Red Wing is blasphemy. Crap. False. Fucked up. Better left in the far corner of the basement gathering mold.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Red Wing or not, Datsyuk is a fucking brilliant hockey player. To be compared to him is a compliment any player would relish.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 8:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Same way I always felt about Yzerman. Hate the team, hate the fans…can’t hate the guy
Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!
Exactly. Ask most any Wing fan and they’d say the same about Sakic. Pure talent of that level trumps rivalries, IMO.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 9:03 AM MDT up reply actions
Yep
And that’s why I was SOOOO glad that Stevie Y left Detroit to be a GM in Tampa.
It's all about the O'
I don’t know if we watched two different games or I’m cranky from being tired, but what I saw was deadly flat play from a hell of a lot of the team. Little to no energy. Not a lot of hitting. Couldn’t connect on passes. Pinned in their own zone for minutes at a time. Just ugh. Crawford was good for sure, but only scoring one really flukey goal off a double-carrom isn’t gonna win you any games.
It's all about the O'
i’m more on your side here, i was shocked to see that we outshot the hawks. Granted, we had a few very good chances, including OReilly’s crossbar. But yes, I agree that the Avs were never really in this game, i never got the sense that they would win
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 9:56 PM MDT up reply actions
I’d be interested to see this, if anyone knows where I can: It seemed like our guys blocked a ton of shots. It would be interesting to see the SOG + blocked shots numbers combined and compared. Even with misses too. We miss a lot.
It's all about the O'
Chicago missed a lot too… more than we did I think
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
by Pyotr09AVS! on Oct 20, 2011 10:27 PM MDT up reply actions
Missed shots….Avs 8 – 11 Hawks
Attempted shots blocked Avs 20 -16 Hawks
Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.
Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.
by Americanario on Oct 20, 2011 10:32 PM MDT up reply actions
The avs were dominating shots through the first, then lost that statistical battle by the end of the game. IMO pressure really slacked off other than a few spurts in the 2nd half.
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink
to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and
sticks when they've invented the lighter?
Sacco:
-Simplify our game. Especially our offense. We’re trying to do too much.
-We did start on time. (Weird, right?)
Rycroft:
-We made a little mistake on the first goal – there was confusion on who the “low man” was and it lead to an open player who put the puck in.
-He explained why Centermen get thrown out
-How do the players know when they go out on the ice? The look for the other players and use that to dictate the linechanges.
-A kid wants to be a hockey analyst. Rycroft likes being a player more, but this keeps him involved in hockey.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Our game plan is already frighteningly simple, Coach. :/
"I’m predicting 50pts in the NHL for Hensick next season. Anyone want to put $20 on it?" - DetAvs, Jun 18, 2010 3:45 AM EDT
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Oct 20, 2011 11:26 PM MDT up reply actions
What was his reasoning for getting thrown out of a faceoff? I’m aware of some of the obvious ones like jumping in too soon or skates over the hatch-marks, but sometimes I haven’t the foggiest idea why someone gets tossed.
I'm such a huge fan of the Avs I can name who our goalie was FOUR seasons ago! Crazy, right?!
by Guitarpick8120 on Oct 21, 2011 2:14 PM MDT up reply actions
Some tidbits on the game:
- The game was about 500 people short of a sellout.
- Guys without SOGs: O’Brien, Duchene, McClement, Kobasew
- Ice time basement: McLeod (8:19), Galiardi (8:36)
- Varly save percentage: .935
- Colorado won 57% of the faceoffs
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
Some of those tidbits I like. Others, not so much.
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by BraxtanFILM on Oct 20, 2011 10:02 PM MDT up reply actions
- Guys without SOGs: O’Brien, Duchene, McClement, Kobasew
K. Figure it out.
True, it was technically a shot he took that went off of Hejduk’s leg, into O’Byrne’s crest, nothing but net…
It's all about the O'
Yup, he did. Im sure thats how he should be scoring all of his goals.
Kobasew is on the 2nd line and had nearly 16 minutes of ice time, only 1:33 of which was on the PK, and 2:33 was spent on the PP. He’s gotta get shots too.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
I know right? Kinda scary. Makes me wonder if Sherman and Lacroix are eyeing Semin, Borque, etc. Esp with Mules having problems.
We addressed our Goaltending and Defense; solidifying the O is next. But do we do it now, or do we wait until later? Maybe they will be willing to continue to squeak by wins, evaluating the team as it is, before they start even considering trades. Maybe we wait til mid-December, like we did last year, with the Flash-Hannan trade. Or we try to pick up some guys at the deadline, and only try to win enough to keep Wash from getting a good pick. Or we don’t do anything, and try to pick up some stellar deals during FA next.
God I wish I could be a fly on the wall in the Avs organization.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
Wait.
=================== 21 ===================
by BraxtanFILM on Oct 21, 2011 12:21 AM MDT up reply actions
Rycroft's plan for winning next game:
-Minimize turnovers (part of what quincey said)
-Capitalize on Chances (part of what Sacco said)
-Hit more
-More shots on Crawford.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
We had our chances. Chicago is a good team. This isn’t the eastern conference, anymore! Their top d-men are damn good. Kane looks like the energizer bunny, out there. And, for sure, all of Andi’s above.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Overall, I’m not too disappointed in the game, because we did do a lot of things right. Just not all of the things that we should have. Not enough good to win.
Let the team gel a bit more, and lets see what we can do midseason.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
Yeh, obviously disappointed we lost, but not disappointed in the overall play…except we have to be stronger on the puck. We’ll never open up the middle of the ice for sustained pressure, if we can’t cycle better, and keep the puck down low. SOS and Dutchy line need to get more physical. Third line is smooth as landowinnick butter!
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Passing was sloppy, and not handled well, resulting in less time to make decisions. No apparent exit strategy from the D-zone. Team was unable to keep Chicago bottled up in the O-zone.
They had moments, but the bad passing was killing them last night.
In Sherman we trust
by Busted Twigg on Oct 21, 2011 2:48 PM MDT up reply actions
Western Conference scores
Rags defeat the fLames 3-2 with 0.5 seconds left in OT
Wild down Oil in shootout
Kings defeat Phoenix 2-0 (Quick’s 100th win)
Nucks up 5-1 on Preds with 6:30 left in third.
Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.
Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.
Just got back from the game
Hejduk, Matty, EJ, Radar, Landy, Gali, Hejda, Pauly and Varly all noticeably had a pretty good game. Fucking McLeod is fucking pissing me off. WTF is he still doing on the ice.
Hejduk has some great chances. Matty I mostly noticed with some solid forechecking and a couple nice passes. EJ had some great passes and picked a pocket or two. Radar is our best player right now, no question. Kid just doesn’t quite have the finishing talent, else he’d be a star. Landy is keeping up appearances and put in another solid effort. Gali, for as few minutes as he was on the ice, I thought put in a pretty good showing. His linemates did exactly jack shit to help him though. Hejda is a big dude and doesn’t mind reminding guys of that along the boards. Pauly had a nice scoring chance and played pretty solid all around. Varly had a very strong game, apart from his random fall trying to play the puck. His glove save on Hossa was fucking siiiiiiick.
McLeod. What the fuck man.
The Avs can definitely play with Chicago. Both teams exchanged scoring chances through most of the game. The difference is Chicago has some great talent on the wings and the Avs have…. Jones. Kobawherethefuckwashe and LindyIthinkInoticedhimeonewhentheyhadhimonthejumbotron were just no where to be seen. Chicago’s scoring chances in genereal were much more lethal than the Avs’. Our boys, for the most part, just looked to be trying to put something on net and relying on a nice bounce (with the notable exceptions of Hejduk and about half the time Radar).
Fun game as usual against Chicago. The Avs played pretty well, but I think Chicago exposed the difference in talent between the two teams. We’ve got a great core, but it will need scoring help if we’re to compete for the top of the west.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 20, 2011 10:32 PM MDT reply actions
Matty… noticeably had a good game
is NHL Network showing old games again? Because I have no idea what you were watching
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 10:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Could be our problem seeing Dutch is televised coverage…they tend to focus on the puck.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
He had an excellent game off the puck. Didn’t have much opportunity on it. He blew a tire once in the offensive zone and that was about it.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 20, 2011 10:39 PM MDT up reply actions
one of the goals he lost his man in the d zone
by ProfessorOak on Oct 20, 2011 11:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, his defensive play away from the puck was much better than last year.
"I’m predicting 50pts in the NHL for Hensick next season. Anyone want to put $20 on it?" - DetAvs, Jun 18, 2010 3:45 AM EDT
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Oct 20, 2011 11:30 PM MDT up reply actions
I disagree with you sir, I don’t think duchene had a good game at all.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 7:59 AM MDT up reply actions
I’m trying to think this through. At the game, Duchene looked good to me. Afterwords, I saw that he had zero shots and was like “well, that’s not good enough”. But I’m lost in trying to think what he could’ve done differently. What can he do?
I don’t buy the gripping his stick too tight stuff. Nor the he’s trying to do too much by himself stuff. I think it’s a larger problem with our offensive setup. Radar’s line does ok with just crashing the net, fighting for turnovers and feeding on chaos. That’s not the way our top scoring lines are going to produce sustainable scoring game-in-and-game-out though.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 8:17 AM MDT up reply actions
I got a blog post churning in my head, but here’s what it basically boils down to to me: He (and his linemates) are being way to fucking cute, and trying to make perfect plays instead of just getting pucks on net.
More to come….
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:12 PM MDT up reply actions
Agree. I was going to do some video analysis of his play, but I may not have time this weekend
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
If you find anyone on that line digging a puck out of the corner behind the attacking net let me know. Cause I can’t remember that happening
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:39 PM MDT up reply actions
For a second Landy did! But then I realized it was just a late change for him :(
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:41 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, Matty got a little beat up tonight, but 0 SOG is just unacceptable. Yes, yes, yes, he did manage to get one to bounce of O’Byrne and in, but come on. I don’t think expecting at least 1 (maybe 2) SOG a night from our top player is unreasonable.
The problem is, he knows this. He’s pissed off about it and trying too hard out there. He’s not getting the help from his wingers he needs, so he’s trying to be fancy and do it by himself. But he’s not Forsberg. He’s not Sakic. He needs help and is completely overthinking his offensive game right now. He’s such a freakin’ headcase that unless Sacco can just get him to settle down and play, we’re going to be seeing more of this every time he touches the puck.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Maybe it’s something else. And I’m not an expert. But I’ve seen this before in other young athletes, even at the high school level that feel like they have to preform. It messes with them and the only way they can break their funk is when they just settle down and quit trying so hard and just play their game. I’m seeing the same thing in Duchene.
But we also know that he plays best when he has a left wing that he has chemistry with and can cycle the puck with. As much as I like Lindy, I’m not sure I"m seeing it. I’m not too worried yet – it took him a bit to get going with Flash – but if it doesn’t clear up soon, Sacco will start playing with lines. So, I think that Matt will hit his form if either A) the other players start scoring so he doesn’t feel like he has to do it all or B) something changes on his line.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Dutch is looked as the franchise player, and his wheels and puck skills are elite level, but his passing, shooting and overall physical game is not. He plays more like a winger offensively, than a center, and his cycling skills are mediocre. I guess what I’m saying is he has some incredible skills, but his ceiling will be limited if his hockey IQ doesn’t kick in higher or his physical game does not improve. He knows this, and that’s a reason I think he may be trying too hard to be an elite player. He’s pushing to be the franchise guy, but the game still has to come to him.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Even Sakic doesn’t score without the other team at least being distracted by other threats on the ice (Foppa is a special case). I’m not sure why Matty isn’t shooting more, but I couldn’t find a reason at the game despite looking. He played tenacious and strong on the puck, but nothing good developed when he was on the ice apart from Snatch’s goal, which was 99% Duchene’s doing.
I agree with your comments, but find myself just utterly confused what Matty could be doing differently apart from playing with different linemates. Our lines don’t cycle whatsoever. They dump, chase and forecheck.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 20, 2011 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions
I disagree that Duchene was 99% responsible for the O’B goal. Lindstrom brought the puck down the wing, turned his back to the net to protect the puck and set up Duchene for the shot.
Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.
Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.
by Americanario on Oct 21, 2011 7:40 AM MDT up reply actions
Just watched the replay and fair enough. Lindy made a nice little dump to Duchene, but it was the easy play to make.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 8:01 AM MDT up reply actions
I think I might be on my Defend Duchene horse right now though.
How about a line of Landy – Radar – Duchene? Anybody else up for it?
Don’t fix what ain’t broken.. fine, fine. Radar’s line has been good (primarily b/c of Radar, but Landy definitely helps), but I don’t think their point production from games 2-5 is sustainable.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 8:05 AM MDT up reply actions
Duchene actually played very tough along the defensive boards. He looked strong there.
"I’m predicting 50pts in the NHL for Hensick next season. Anyone want to put $20 on it?" - DetAvs, Jun 18, 2010 3:45 AM EDT
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Oct 20, 2011 11:29 PM MDT up reply actions
It’s not his defense I’m worried about. He did look pretty good out there on D tonight… but not quite so much at the other end.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
You said he got beat up. He didn’t really get pushed around, rather the opposite.
"I’m predicting 50pts in the NHL for Hensick next season. Anyone want to put $20 on it?" - DetAvs, Jun 18, 2010 3:45 AM EDT
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Oct 21, 2011 6:56 AM MDT up reply actions
There were a number of times he got seriously pushed around when he had the puck. Off the puck, not quite as much.
His off the puck game was good. His on the puck game…. not quite as much.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
He needs outlets. Nothing is happening around him. The good scoring chances from that line seem to be generated by great individual efforts for the most part.
Duchene skates in with the puck, two guys pinch him and so he either threads a great pass for a scoring chance or he dumps it to cycle. The cycle promptly dies with a lackluster shot or a turnover.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 8:08 AM MDT up reply actions
Just got home, I agree with you. I’ll put up some detail tomorrow.
"I’m predicting 50pts in the NHL for Hensick next season. Anyone want to put $20 on it?" - DetAvs, Jun 18, 2010 3:45 AM EDT
by Hardshell_Taco_del_Lowayne on Oct 20, 2011 11:28 PM MDT up reply actions
I was at the game too and these are my thoughts:
- Pull your head out Duchene. You were horrid.
- Johnson, when the team pulls its goalie and you see the puck coming towards the blue line, stop playing with your fucking johnson and DO SOMETHING.
- Yo, refs. Just curious. If McLeod’s move was boarding, what do you call that thing that happened seconds before on McClement?
- LAZY ASS DEFENSE
I have never left a game so angry at our team before. They had every reason to lose that game. Great first period. The rest? Not so much. K. I’m done.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 8:54 AM MDT up reply actions
I’ll agree with you a bit on the boarding thing, but McLeod needs to stop retaliating like that. Face up a guy who did something you dont like. Don’t take a half ice run at him.
I liked the way Cody was playing the first couple of games. He’s back to being stupid Cody the last couple
Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!
My thoughts exactly. Blown call, but Cody had no business retaliating like that.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 9:02 AM MDT up reply actions
The retaliation ALWAYS gets caught, that’s been the rule of every sport I’ve seen since I was 7. I didn’t see the initial boarding, but I saw McLEod’s retaliation. It was an easy call, clear as day
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:13 PM MDT up reply actions
Their were a lot of blown calls (of course I watch with Avs glasses so I’m biased) but they missed a couple no brainer calls against the Hawks. Hell there was a too many men right after the Avs got called for it and Duchene even threw the puck at the jumble of Chicago players asking for a call…
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
The one that really killed me was the non-call on the delay of game. I cannot understand how they could say the puck was tipped, therefore negating the delay of game, and then have the face off in the Hawks’ zone. It seriously doesn’t make sense. If the Avs tip it, the face off comes out of the zone. If the Hawks tip it, it’s delay of game. The only ways I can see it happening is (1) if the Hawk tipped it outside the zone, but no one was there or (2) it hit the glass first and then went out, but I didn’t see a change of trajectory. I was at the game, so I very well could have missed it.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 11:22 AM MDT up reply actions
Was that the one in the third period? I remember McNabb mentioning it hit the top of the glass.
Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.
Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.
by Americanario on Oct 21, 2011 11:45 AM MDT up reply actions
If you’re talking about the puck off the glass..it hit the top of the glass, hopped, and then fell over onto the crowd side…I believe if it hits the glass before it goes out that negates it.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
Yup, that would be the one. Didn’t look like it hit the glass from where we were sitting. I feel better about that now. Thanks.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 11:56 AM MDT up reply actions
I saw it go out off the glass. What pissed me off was the non too many men calls when the puck hit one of the 9 hawks changing up. Twice.
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink
to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and
sticks when they've invented the lighter?
Salt in the wound was the fact Avs got called on that exact same scenario in the SJ Cup playoffs series in 2010, which led to a goal against.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 22, 2011 9:13 AM MDT up reply actions
- Yo, refs. Just curious. If McLeod’s move was boarding, what do you call that thing that happened seconds before on McClement?
The difference? McClement didn’t hit the boards. Plus, McLeod didn’t hit the guy who hit McClement.
But, there were tons of missed calls. All kinds of missed interference calls, etc.
EJ?
I agree with you that Chicago just has a lot more talent and it showed. That said, EJ is playing terrible. He’s minus 7 in 7 games, uh, I believe that’s a -82 pace which would be the nhl record. He’s third worst in the league. He has to start playing defense b/c he is on the ice for every goal the opposing team scores. He’s not Bobby orr on rushes but he thinks he is. It’s silly how much better keith is than him. He’s a 3-4th d-man. Give me stewart and shatty.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:20 PM MDT up reply actions
Ahem: EJ may be playing terribly (I’m not so sure, he’s certainly drawing the toughest assignments) but this is my pet peeve:
+/- is the worst stat of all time and extremly misleading. It is beyond useless in player evaluation.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:25 PM MDT up reply actions
could not disagree more
It’s a huge sign of a winning player. All the other top d-men play the same role as EJ so why is he on the ice for every goal. -7 is a disgrace for him when we are 5-2.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:27 PM MDT up reply actions
Plus minus totally depends on linemates; it isn’t a sign of an individual’s play at all. One guy can’t stop the entire team from scoring. He has to have support both from his partner and from his forwards to help out. If they don’t, then he’s sunk.
There are better ways of looking at individual achievement than just plus / minus.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
we can agree to disagree but why then is wilson a plus 5? He gets more support? EJ and Hejda are supposed to be our top pair so they should be the best defenders. Plus/minus is a key stat for d-men, period. Ask any hockey scout. There are lots of d-men who can score points in the AHL but they are defensive liabilities. Gonchar is an example for an NHL player, that’s why he got scratched the other night.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:38 PM MDT up reply actions
The players they face is different too.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Oct 21, 2011 1:38 PM MDT up reply actions
EJ and Hejda ARE the best defenders on the team. If Wilson was up against Nash, Datsyuk, Krejci, Plekanec, Kessel, Toews and Kane every night that # would be a lot worse. But your right. Our “Best” defenders would look great! They’d have fantastic +/- playing against bottom 6 forwards.
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:40 PM MDT up reply actions
really
Is that why Chara was plus 33 last year? I believe he plays against the “best” opposing forwards but you’re right if EJ ends the season -50 it’s not any sign of the year he had. Go ask 5 NHL scouts and then come back to this thread.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:48 PM MDT up reply actions
I’m not saying +/- is irrelevant. But overanalyzing the +/- of a defensman on pace for over 58 points when we are only 7 games into the season is ridiculous. If +/- is ever telling its got to over a longer period of games, and even then it doesnt tell nearly the whole story. Jack Johnson was a -21 on the year last season on a very good Kings team, you telling me you wouldnt want him on your team?
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:54 PM MDT up reply actions
he got a lot of heat about his defense for what that’s worth and I agree it’s early but even the post mentioned it today and I pomise you the coaches notice. the fact that he basically last in the nhl is not a good sign.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 2:00 PM MDT up reply actions
What do you think the coaches think about O’Reilly’s -4? Or Duchene’s +2? Who do you think the coaches think is doing a better job between those two?
duchene, because you win games when you score more than the other team. plus/minus is based on 5 on 5 play. So, you’re point is that ROR’s hot line who don’t play the power play have scored 4 less goals than when their opponent is on the ice is ok? I’m done with this conversation but if you think hockey people don’t notice when a guy is minus 30 and another guy is plus 30 playing the same role you are just wrong.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 3:15 PM MDT up reply actions
They aren’t taking the same role
O’Reilly is starting in his Defensive zone 2/3s of the time, Duchene is starting in the offensive zone 2/3 of the time. Duchene should have a better +/-.
On a side note: Here’s three games (selected at random) that shows head to head ice time:
TOR
CLS
MTL
Click on E.Johnson and R.Wilson’s name under those:
Here’s the forwards Johnson’s matching up against the most: Grabovski, KEssel Nash, Carter, Cole, Eller
Here’s the ones Wilson’s facing: Frattin®, Armstrong, Brassard, Vermette, Kostytsin, Deschanes
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 4:33 PM MDT up reply actions
I’m not saying +/- is irrelevant.
I am. It is completely unequivocally irrelevant .
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 4:20 PM MDT up reply actions
Case in point
Tim Gleason is the league leader in +/- at +7. TIM GLEASON.
Andrej Meszaros was +30 last year.
Useless.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 4:59 PM MDT up reply actions
Chara plays for boston. tim thomas and last years northeast which included toronto and ottawa and buffalo. Such offensive powerhouses night in and night out!
It's all about the O'
by SteveHouse on Oct 21, 2011 2:00 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Wilson is a plus-5 because he’s not out there against the other team’s top line night-in and night-out. He’s playing well, but he doesn’t face the same competition.
Furthermore, all of Johnson’s points have come on the Power play, which does not factor into plus-minus at all. If he had linemates that could score at even strength, his stat would be hella better.
If you want to look at a better stat, look at goals against while he is on the ice.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
vs
Case in point: -2 of EJs -7 is because of two EN goals he’s been on the ice for.
+/- is the most awfullest statistic in the entirety of professional sports, and I am cursing a pox on the person who is responsible for it gaining mainstream acceptance and credibility.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:37 PM MDT up reply actions
Why does Hejda get a free pass when EJ get’s thrown to the wolves?
Who’s sliding around the ice on his ass while EJ get’s to take care of two people at once?
This is the third fricking time I’ve seen in a week that Hejda goes, misses a block shot, and leaves two guys in front of Varly for EJ to defend again.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
Patrick Sharp GWG:
Sharp (covered by Hejda) centers Brunette shoots (EJ goes down to block) and then look at what Hejda is doing during the goal…watching behind the net even though the guy he’s covering has swing behind the net and gone around…and then decides to turn around and stand beside EJ (who is now covering an open Toews) only to realize that wait that’s his guy who then tries to skate back… only to have Sharp score while Landeskog is screening the goalie.
Too many times I’ve seen Hejda and I’ve wondering wtf is he doing…
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
Who’s giving Hejda a pass?
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 22, 2011 9:15 AM MDT up reply actions
Varly was at .931 SV% on the night.
He stopped 27 of 29. Pretty spiffy considering the game he faced.
If he keeps this up…. I think he’s our guy. Please, Varly, be our guy. And don’t break.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
I can’t make up my mind about what was more disappointing…our offense or our defense.
On one hand, we had shots but not enough lethal scoring chances like Chicago did.
And then we can’t get out of our zone again…Quincey was abysmal in our own zone and while EJ had some good plays…he was on the ice for both goals. Hejda needs to stop fucking sliding around and leaving EJ to take care of 2on1s in the blue paint.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
In case no one is in the second/third period thread anymore, DiD just posted this –
Oh, by the way, Dater says the Avs are interested in Rene Bourque, but it sounds like Elliott or Siemens are being mentioned in there, and he says he wouldn’t do it. Don’t know if he’s just speculating or what, so nobody freak out yet.
I’m not going to freak because, honestly, I figured that we would see one of Elliott or Barrie moved this year. And we all assumed that our top 6 would need help eventually, even more-so depending on Mueller’s situation. But I really don’t want the Avs to jump into something without really thinking about the consequences. I know that we are in a “win now” mentality, but we just spent a lot of time and energy trying to get ourselves out of a situation where we traded away our picks and prospects in an all-or-nothing mindset.
There will be more talent available down the line: from teams blowing themselves up, the trade deadline, and on July 1. It might behoove us to sit on it a while and see how things go before we start trading away our best prospects for guys that we might be able to get for cheaper or even sign without giving up anything. We might have to endure some more "almost"s and “not quite”s, but it may be worth it for the team that we really need.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
It’s news that the Avs are interested in Bourque. That means the Avs are almost definitely not making offers for Bourque.
It's all about the O'
Here is the tweet stream, all from @adater:
9Avsfan: @adater Yeah Flames rumored to be shopping Bourque!!
adater: @9AvsFan Rene Bourque would be a nice addition to Avs. Not out of question it could happen. But might take Elliott/Siemens to do it. Risky
adater: Personally, I would NOT trade Siemens or Elliott for Bourque, but Mueller saga puts renewed pressure on Avs to get left winger
adater: Avs have interest in Rene Bourque, yes. It’s a no-brainer. But I’d doubt they’d move Elliott or Siemens. And first rounder next year is gone
Avalangelist: @adater Could see Barrie or Rutkowski possibly though. Not as highly touted but still very good in their own right.
Avalangelist: @adater the #Avs best hope is that the Flames panic for a less-than-stellar offer to fill some holes.
adater: @Avalangelist Barrie/Galiardi single or combo a more likely Avs offer for Bourque than anything like Elliott/Siemens
Avalangelist: @adater that is just fine. Siemens, Elliott are considered cornerstones while Barrie not so much. However, you know Gali would KILL the Avs
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
i could live with galiardi/barrie for bourque. I’d be happy with that trade
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 11:23 PM MDT up reply actions
young enough to be a piece for years to come, but with a little more experience/steadiness that could really benefit the younger guys
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 11:31 PM MDT up reply actions
there’s a reason hejduk is one of the steadiest, most consistent players every night
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 11:35 PM MDT up reply actions
Oh yea, me too. But the Flames would have to be really desperate to do that, I think. Don’t see it happening. Maybe with the addition of a 2nd.
Flames have 1.7 mil in cap space. Borque’s cap it is 3.3mil$ til 2015-16. In the last three years – all with the Flames – , his point totals have been 40 (58 games), 58 (73 games), and 50 (80 games). Good size at 6’2, 211lbs.
I think that he would be a definite improvement over Kobasew, and we could handle the cap hit without blinking. I dunno man, if the deal could get done, it could be pretty good for us. So long as we don’t give up too much.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
i actually think he’d be a solid Duchene-wing, because of his finishing ability but yes. Price would have to be right. I would still do
Gali-Barrie-2nd
Bourque03rd
something like that?
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 11:35 PM MDT up reply actions
No doubt I would do that.
Would they want Gali? He hasn’t shown much. They might take Kobasew instead, but I hate trading a guy that just signed with us. Hes more of a proven commodity, at least. If the best forward option we could give up would be Gali, they would want a stronger D prospect, or another pick. Rene Bourque is pretty good out there, but he hasn’t lit the world on fire.
I actually just did some research, and here is what Scott Lepp from Matchsticks and Gasoline has to say about what he expects as a return:
If Bourque is to continue the trend he began last season, then I say, get rid of him while his back-to-back 27 goal seasons can still get you a decent return. The sample size of this season is small, but his current CORSI is -13.95 for this season, FYI. A 2nd-round pick would have to be the starting point as that’s what it took to acquire him and that was all based on potential. But, I would expect slightly more, somewhere in the neighborhood of a prospect or young NHLer AND a 2nd-round pick.
So maybe a Gali/Barrie combo would be enough without the second. Here is another snippet that describes the ‘problems’ that Bourqie began last season:
Bourque was given quite favorable ice-time and circumstances in his first season with the Flames and was very productive prior to his injury. In year 2, although his zone stars came down he started getting opportunities on the PP and remained a very solid and generally reliable player for the Flames. Aside from the numbers, his speed and forecheck continued to be a huge factor for the team. 2010-2011 started with a bang, a hat-trick early and 6 goals in 6 games, but it all went downhill from there as you can see by his possession numbers that fell right off.
I’ll bring up the comfort factor again that I think many of the Flames veteran’s have fell victim to. 2010-2011 was the first year of Bourque’s fancy new 6 year, 20 million dollar deal that he signed during the Vancouver Olympics. His play dropped off noticeably. We still get glimpses of his speed and tenacity but it seems to have been replaced for the most part by a lot of complacency. I was very excited for last season to see just what Bourque could accomplish. He was starting to take pieces of Jarome’s game and add them to his own; he was starting to look like he could become a legitimate perennial 35-goal scorer… he turned in a hugely disappointing season.
He goes on to talk about complacency and trading away good guys, as well as some talk about the curse of the ex-players. The comments also talk about how he floats, and looks disinterested sometimes. Not sure if that is enough to damn him, but I do hate floaters.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
Sounds a bit like Stewart.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
nope
stewart is exactly what they need and right now shatty is just as good as EJ, better offensively so it supports my disdain for that trade. The avs got fleeced in that trade. seimens is the only way that’s even close to eeven trade, if he develops into a good player.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:26 PM MDT up reply actions
shatty is just as good as EJ….
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:31 PM MDT up reply actions
Everyone relax.
One loss after five wins. To a very good team.
Rene Bourque is not the answer. If the Avs are going to add a wing, it should be someone with serious skill.
But before we do that, how about moving Lando to Duchene’s wing?
=================== 21 ===================
by BraxtanFILM on Oct 21, 2011 12:28 AM MDT up reply actions
I dont know why we would mess with the thing that is working best on the team.
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 12:29 AM MDT up reply actions
it makes no sense to me to get bourque at this time. They are not cup contenders so why give away the young talent now? I would say just sign a free agent next year when they are closer and lose nothing. God knows they have the cap space. Parise anybody? that’s what they SHOULD do, he would make them a top 8 team in the west no question
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:34 PM MDT up reply actions
They are not cup contenders so why give away the young talent now?
its important for the avs to finish with not a lottery pick though. I agree that if the “right guy” isnt available, the avs shouldnt force a trade for the sake of getting a winger. But they definitely are committed to improving their standings in the league this season. Parise and Giroux are my favorite players in the NHL today so I agree with you there but I worry its a pipe dream, I just dont see NJ letting one of the best players in the game walk
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:37 PM MDT up reply actions
I agree but I think they may have cap issues or simply have too much money tied up on a few players if they give him 7M a year. It’s worth a try for sure and not many teams have cap space like the avs. Also, they could trade some young guys for HIM (vs Rene) and it would be worth it as he’s in his prime vs another washed up chump (chucky)
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:42 PM MDT up reply actions
what “young guys” do we even have that could bring over Parise. That takes Brayden Schenn caliber prospects IMO
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:44 PM MDT up reply actions
elliot, mario lemieux, oops, I mean hishon, maybe a couple role players like gali and why not mueller as they won’t need him if they sign parise. I know it’s a long shot but they should try to breed some excitement that they really want to win.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:51 PM MDT up reply actions
No team would take Mueller or Hishon in a trade. Thats insane. Elliott is a possibility, but he’s not enough alone. Avs don’t have a first rounder so they would have to sell the farm if they wanted Parise. It would be Toronto Kessel 2.0
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions
Someone on here (I can’t remember who) did a short breakdown of the Devil’s upcoming expiring contracts. It was utterly convincing that they signed him to this one year deal so they can make him a big offer during the off season. They will have the room for it, altho it might make their team a little worse in the short run.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
That was me. Brodeur will retire and Salvador will retire or be allowed to walk. That’s over $8M right there. The rest of their forward corps, with the exception of Kovalchuk, are UFA/RFA in ‘13-’14. They only need to get through next year, then they have plenty of flexibility. Parise is off the market.
In Sherman we trust
by Busted Twigg on Oct 21, 2011 3:18 PM MDT up reply actions
Parise won’t make the open market, unfortunately.
I wasn’t saying that trading for Bourque now is the long-term answer, but something is going to have to be done so we don’t end up shitting the bed this season. We are one injury away from have a mostly terrible top 6, and young kids have a harder time developing when they have no support from their linemates.
I expect we keep riding it out, lookin at the younger guys, and maybe making a play at the trade deadline. If not then, then certainly in free agency.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
I hear ya all on the caps pick but does it really matter? We don’t have the pick anymore regardless and caps are at least in the east so to an extent who cares.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Oh, nothing really, except for the team’s confidence and morale. If we do poorly and don’t even have a good pick to show for it, the guys might start to get disheartened. We would become portrayed as perennial losers, instead of rebuliding up-and-comers, and we will scare away talent that might sign with us for the chance to be on a good team.
I mean, the team is going to do ok, and top-6 talent is really the only thing that I feel is missing right now, so im not panicking or anything. But its just a question of asset management: would we be better off getting a guy like Bourque now, trade for a guy like Boyes midseason, or sign someone like Doan in the offseason? I have no idea, but its worth examining the possibilities.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
they played the worst possible in last 40 games last year and are 5-2. I wouldn’t overhype the “morale” element as it is a myth and talent still wins. If they get a guy like parise it would make a huge difference, leaps and bounds. Also, money talks still so guys will go where the money is. I haven’t seen too many guys take big discounts and a shit team like Florida proves guys will sign for the big bucks.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:57 PM MDT up reply actions
Well, I see no way in which a trade with the Flames could go poorly.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 8:00 AM MDT up reply actions
Sarcasm?
=================== 21 ===================
by BraxtanFILM on Oct 21, 2011 12:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Very much so
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:14 PM MDT up reply actions
So the ‘Duchene’ line is now the 3rd line right? He and Hejduk looked horrible.
Chip, I'm gonna come at you like a spider monkey!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Oct 20, 2011 11:25 PM MDT reply actions
Anyone know if Mike is around here? I want to ask him if he knows why all my comments were deleted from the game threads.
Varlificent! Magnifeskog!
I argued the odds were against the Avs in doing the empty net, and that it was a bad decision for that reason. That’s probably what it was, but if that’s the case, it’s pretty sad. Someone posted this link to a document about odds on that same kind of situation, so I looked at it. Sure enough, odds 20% higher the Hawks would score on that empty netter. Not like I didn’t already know it was a dumb move, but there you go. So, whatever genius thinks their opinion is so much better than mine, that they need to remove all my (clean) comments, can just go back to kindergarten and grow up.
http://people.stat.sfu.ca/~tim/papers/goalie.pdf
Varlificent! Magnifeskog!
I already fully explained this. For one the 20% figure is balls and meaningless. For two the Avs are twice as likely to score on a 6 on 4 than a 5 on 4, and also HALF AS LIKELY TO GIVE UP AN EN GOAL THEN ON A 6 ON 5.
It's all about the O'
OK, Steve. You’re the man, because you have the magic powers to throw away statistics and call them balls. OK, I see…
Varlificent! Magnifeskog!
OK, so…
We were losing to the Wings, and they scored an empty netter…we still lost.
We were losing to the Hawks (one our PP), and they scored an empty netter…we still lost.
BUT…it’s was still a smart move to do that empty net today…and not only that, but the odds were in our favor there, even though it has flopped twice, and hasn’t worked once.
OK, that makes sense, if you live in fantasy land, but OK…
It’s real simple: Your percentage of games tied with an empty net has to be higher than the percentage of times you lost to an empty net. Here’s the troubling statistic associate with your claim:
Games lost with empty net: 100%
Games won with empty net: 0%
Power play percentage for the Avs is 31%, right now…7 goals on 22 shots taken. Those seem like better odds than 0%, but I guess you’re right. It’s better to take 0%, than 31%….mmmkay.
Varlificent! Magnifeskog!
though it has flopped twice, and hasn’t worked once.
your entire post is well…. just wrong. Avs scored to tie and eventually beat CBJ with the goalie pulled in the final minute. Honestly everything about this post is wrong.
Your percentage of games tied with an empty net has to be higher than the percentage of times you lost to an empty net
We’ve never lost a game to an empty netter. Thats moronic, no empty netter has been a game winning goal this season, pulling your goalie increases the chance to win.
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:37 AM MDT up reply actions
If you lose or do not tie (lose) with an empty net, then you lose to an empty net. It’s not necessarily losing because of an empty net, but it’s still losing with an empty net.
You’re right about the Blue Jackets. I didn’t see that game, so I’m wrong about that, but I wasn’t wrong about everything. The Avalanche were basically 50% on their chances of winning in that situation, and it went down to 33% after that (1/3). The problem is not pulling the goalie. The problem is pulling the goalie when you’re on the power play…it’s just dumb. You already have the advantage, and you’re good on the PP, so it’s just not necessary to leave that opportunity open for the other team. Besides, it’s pretty dumb to argue that it was a good idea to do something that has already failed.
If you were speeding on the way to work, and you crashed because you were speeding, you wouldn’t say that it’s still smart to speed on the road…unless your nickname is numb nuts.
Varlificent! Magnifeskog!
Im glad you know better than every coach in the NHL
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 22, 2011 12:16 AM MDT up reply actions
I speed every day. I haven’t crashed yet, in 21 yrs of driving. And if I crash, I won’t blame it on the speeding, and I’ll still do it. Speed doesn’t kill, stupidity does. Analyze that? Because I happen to think that Sacco and the Avs were 100% correct in that call. Yeah, it didn’t work. Sometimes that happens. Welcome to life.
Or to put it another way, 100% of the time speeding has gotten me to work faster (or wherever I’m going). If I get pulled over a few times every couple of years…… you now what, this analogy is stupid. I don’t agree with you and I’m pretty sure it’s because you’re wrong.
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink
to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and
sticks when they've invented the lighter?
I’m only being a dick because I don’t think you’re listening to reason here.
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink
to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and
sticks when they've invented the lighter?
The strategy changes from going for goals and not allowing goals in the first 59 min. to scoring the tying goal as priority, and not allowing goals is not a priority.
You are saying not to pull the goalie, which is fine if you are not trying to make a concerted offensive effort to tie the game. It has nothing to do with stats, because defensive hockey is not the priority, the only stat that matters is if you tie the game, which means to support that change in strategy, a team must do what it must to get offensive and try to tie. The percentage you should probably be looking at is strictly offensive, as in the difference in even strength vs. +2 player advantage.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.
Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.
by Americanario on Oct 21, 2011 7:48 AM MDT up reply actions
you’re forgetting a key point, it depends who you have as players in that situation. if duncan keith was our d-man you do it every time or if you have great forwards. The avs misplayed that 6-4 as they had possession but they didn’t keep on the puck. I’m pretty sure NHL coaches know the fucking odds.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 1:31 PM MDT up reply actions
Yup. You can run a 6-4 effectively as long as everyone does the job they are supposed to. Not everyone did last night, and it ended badly.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
When it’s 6-4, I’m a fan of putting three guys on the blueline to keep it in play.
Why the Colorado so few scores?
I have to watch the play again, but I suspect that our D was totally caught out of position from where they are supposed to be on a 6-on-4, and some forward or another that should have been keeping an eye out failed to.
Its not like most teams practice that sort of thing regularly, but theres really no excuse.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
that’s exactly what happened, one d-man went low and the puck came out. The strategy is to keep 2 forwards (or 3) on the puck so you keep possession. They haven’t been scoring so they needed to try to maximize their advantage. Maybe chicago with kane, sharp, toews, keith, etc. could stay 5-4, not the avs though. To me, the biggest concern is that stastny is not doing much as a number 1 center. You look at the number 1 centers in the west and he’s not even in the conversation right now.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions
In case it isn’t clear to you guys, he’s the one throwing stats out the window. He is looking at one tiny figure of the whole picture and using it to justify what can’t not be trolling at this point. The 6on4, statistically, in this analysis, is the most advantageous empty net situation, and I highly doubt we’re bitching about an empty net if there isn’t a power play.
It's all about the O'
by SteveHouse on Oct 21, 2011 8:23 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Sacco said he would do what he did 100% of the time. I’m with him on that one
Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!
Agreed.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 8:36 AM MDT up reply actions
Are you going to credit me for doing your research for you?
And as I wrote at the time, it’s not as simple as you think it is. You have to factor in the risk/reward of going 6-on-4 compared to the risk/reward of staying 5-on-4. Seems like you think you have your answer just by looking at the 6-on-4 part, but it’s not that simple.
And knock it off with the attitude, nobody thinks it’s interesting.
What comments do you think got deleted, by the way?
I see plenty of your comments right here, in the 2nd and 3rd period thread.
http://www.milehighhockey.com/2011/10/20/2504019/chicago-colorado-october-20th-the-second-period
Is this what you’re talking about?
I don’t show any of your comments as deleted
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 21, 2011 5:43 AM MDT up reply actions
what did that have to do with my comment?
Chip, I'm gonna come at you like a spider monkey!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Oct 21, 2011 8:06 AM MDT up reply actions
Couple things
Lindström’s first assist in an Avs uniform, but NOT his first NHL assist as the recap says :)
Radar / Landeskog / Winnik seem to have had more ice time than Dutchy’s line in almost every game, looks like it happened again tonight.
Speaking of Factor...
…nice blog post by Chambers about his reaction to the loss.
maybe this IS why he’s not wearing a letter. Takes the losses very hard already. Doesnt need added pressure from coach. For one of the Avs best players tonight, its amazing to see him taking the loss this way
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 20, 2011 11:43 PM MDT up reply actions
ROR has been our best forward so far this season, no doubt. And his attitude is fantastic.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:53 AM MDT up reply actions
Thats all well and good, its the lower lines that make me curious.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
Why are people so anxious to break up that third line? A part of the chemistry is the way the THREE work together. Take away one of them and you lose that chemistry. Leave it alone until it stops producing.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 9:00 AM MDT up reply actions
that’s your best talent all together on the top two lines. It makes sense. Duchene was a disaster defensively as a center last night.
I'll keep this brief.
No Kobasew?
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:14 PM MDT up reply actions
Was just coming on to post this. Our line talent was diluted, and that’s why we lost. I would prefer:
Landeskog – Stastny – Jones
Duchene – O’Reilly – Hejduk
Winnik – McClement – Kobasew
McLeod – Galiardi – Lindstrom
O’Reilly has taken the next step. It’s time.
I agree with the swtich
Though I’d probably lean towards keeping Landy and Radar together:
Duchene – Stastny – Jones/Hejduk
Landy – O’Reilly – Hejduk/Jones
McLeod needs to sit or go. I’d like for Gali to get another go at more ice time. If 4th line minutes is all he’s going to get with this team, he’s headed out the door.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 9:22 AM MDT up reply actions
This
Although I hope they try it out in practice for a while before giving it a go in a game. I don’t want us to break up the Thirst line unless we know that it’s replacement will work better.
And besides – we’ve only lost one game! And it’s only the 7th of the season! These guys are still getting to know each other – yes, maybe the chemistry isn’t there right now, but that doesn’t mean that Dutch and Lindy wont figure each other out and start lighting it up soon. They’ve only been together for, what, a week? It took Flash a bit to click with Matty D too if I remember correctly.
Kobasew – still not sold on him. He does some good things, but overall…. IMO, he’s been meh. In a perfect world, we’d put Lindy with Stazz and bring up Mueller or Olver or even Hishon to play with Duchene, but noooooo, they all have concussions. I don’t think it’s time for a kneejerk reaction – we’re not even 10% through the season – but I do think that we might be trading away one of our D-prospects for a top 6 Duchene Wing at some point before January.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
When Landeskog gets on a line with Stastny, look out. The 2 of them are going to mesh so, so well. Kobasew had 2 instances that all he had to do was be halfway on the same page with Stastny and it was a goal. Put Landeskog there!
I know I’m a bit of a Landeskog hater, but I have been impressed with his incredible ability to be in the right place and with his passing — it’s better than I thought for sure. Stick that with Staz and it’s a goal bonanza. Remember Smyth and Staz together? Yeah, that’s what it’ll be like. Only Landeskog isn’t half broken down like Smyth was here.
Just to make sure I keep my rep intact, Landeskog’s shot still sucks, it’s simply terrible.
I’m kind of against splitting Landy and Radar…but something needs to give…
We can’t keep the third line intact with the top two lines sputtering along…especially Duchene.
Maybe it’s too early to shake things up, but I wouldn’t mind seeing what slotting those two in the top two lines would do.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
it’s a very similar situation to the start of ‘09, when Stewie and and Jones were on the 3rd and that line was going like gangbusters — and the top lines weren’t. Moving them up was absolutely the right call, and it’s the same now with O’Reilly and Landeskog.
by thedoctor on Oct 21, 2011 10:36 AM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
This is the best argument I’ve seen about splitting up that line. Totally forgot about that Jones/Stewie thing.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 11:26 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
really good point. I was against it, but this is convincing
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:46 PM MDT up reply actions
I think that the way they had it set up would have been perfect if Mueller had regained full awesomeness. There would have been three potent scoring lines, and good defense. But now, with the changes… I don’t want to break up the third line, but unless something changes soon, we may have to.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
My thoughts exactly.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 10:04 AM MDT up reply actions
Which makes their whole strategy asinine, expecting Mueller to actually return. Banking on that was 100% stupid.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:45 AM MDT up reply actions
And cheap. Fuck Enos.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Yes sir. I hate to be an “I told you so” kind of guy, but… ahhh, fuck it. I definitely called this one.
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink
to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and
sticks when they've invented the lighter?
I want Landeskog on Duchene’s line at some point. Right now Duchene’s line’s biggest weakness is that there’s no one who can win pucks along the boards, and dig the puck out if it’s 50/50.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:16 PM MDT up reply actions
Holy cow…I’m shocked to see so many people agree with me on mixing up the lines!
Y I NO COACH?
Why the Colorado so few scores?
I mean, I hate breaking up both the 3rd and 1st because they ware working well, IMO. But Duchene’s line is getting killed
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:26 PM MDT up reply actions
I was at the game tonight and afterwards went to the after hours open ice.
First thing I noticed was someone in a black hoodie, shorts with an Avs logo, and a baseball cap pulled over his face sprinting up and down the stairs of the lower level. It was Ryan O’Reilly and he looked livid. He took tonight’s loss extremely personally and found the energy afterwards to sprint stairs for at least 30 minutes.
I don’t know this as fact… but I don’t think any other NHLer would run the stairs in the arena after a loss in pure frustration. This kid needs AT LEAST an ‘A’ but he gets my vote for captain.
He needs to remember it's an 82-game regular season . . .
and we want him to be fresh come playoff time. ;-)
History is a collection of lies, agreed upon -- Napoleon Bonaparte
by Schwerepunkt on Oct 21, 2011 7:05 AM MDT up reply actions
O’Reilly works out after every game.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 9:01 AM MDT up reply actions
I think everyone does…at least to get the lactic acid build up out.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
Always guys in the halls after games riding the bikes…at least that’s where they keep them in the UC for the visitors
Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!
No, I mean WORKS OUT. He does the aerobic stuff like everyone else, but he does a full hour workout with weights and stuff. At least that’s what the chatter has been on Twitter.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions
Extremely entertaining game, just like these two teams have put on the past two years.
I think goal 1 was on Hejduk, who simply got lost in the shuffle…
Goal 2 could be pinned on JOhnson and Hejda as Johnson was caught behind the net, and Hejda was following, leaving Sharp waaaaay to much time and room.
Varlamov was excellent
Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!
Hm. I watched their second goal few times. it looked like Landy lost his edge or was just hesitant to pressure Sharp. Should be on him.
Rycroft broke it down in the post game…It was originally O’Reilly’s man/job….but Landy got into the low spot first and the responsibility shifted to him. He looked hesitant or confused and that gave Sharp that extra second he needed. O’Reilly wasn’t able to get to Sharp in time.
Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.
Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.
by Americanario on Oct 21, 2011 7:56 AM MDT up reply actions
And Sharp can snipe with the best of them if given the room. He did…
Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!
Yeah, that was a beauty by Sharp. Toews had a really good game too.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 8:10 AM MDT up reply actions
That feed from Carcillo (who knew?) was something else, not to mention a roofed backhand. That whole play was awesome
Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!
Some Downer Dater, anyone?
adater
Avs will not score to tie. They will lose at home. why? Because they’re a bad home team. Night
10 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
to be fair, they didn’t instill much confidence in me that they were going to score
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 21, 2011 7:56 AM MDT up reply actions
not really with anyone at the game either.
Chip, I'm gonna come at you like a spider monkey!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Oct 21, 2011 8:06 AM MDT up reply actions
It looked like it was going to be a flukey goal off a nice bounce or nothin’ for most of the game, let alone the last few minutes. Lot’s of chances for the Avs, but Crawford only really needed to play a decent game to keep us off the score board.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 8:12 AM MDT up reply actions
Which was a flukey goal off a nice bounce too.
It's all about the O'
by SteveHouse on Oct 21, 2011 8:26 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, that was extremely weird. Couldn’t tell if it was a jinx tweet, designed to make the Avs score, or if he was just showing that he can make knee-jerk snap judgments along with the best of them.
“A bad home team?” After 2 games? Really?
I wonder if he’s looking pack at last year as well though. The Avs weren’t playing well at home last season either…and not just in the second half.
Then again it could have just been Dater…he did this kind of thing last season and then if the Avs proved him wrong he’d say he was just jinxing them (of course some of us do that as well).
Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.
Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.
by Americanario on Oct 21, 2011 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions
Defensive breakdowns
I felt last night that we had way too many defensive breakdowns, ie. letting the third man in sneak down the slot(toews goal) or we allowed second and third oppurtunities on shots(brunettes goal). Now the hawks are a good possession team, but last night I saw them keep us trapped in our zone far too long on a couple occassions. If you watch that first goal by toews, duchy was covering him near the point, but then he drove the net and duchy just glided.
by Bourque16w on Oct 21, 2011 8:44 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
What a shambles the Blackhawk franchise is with their big spending ways!
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:32 AM MDT reply actions
PS: If we don’t get a top tier winger soon, this season will absolutely start to resemble last season, only with better D and goaltending. Our top two lines absolutely SUCK.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions
The only problem with that, of course, is that you’re breaking up our best line so far this season, our 3rd line. But given the anemic offensive performances at home so far, maybe it would be worth a shot?
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:47 AM MDT up reply actions
I liek our top line. They’ve been pretty good, just snakebitten.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 1:17 PM MDT up reply actions
agreed
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:21 PM MDT up reply actions
like I said above, stas is invisible compared to the other #1 centers on the decent teams in the west. He has to step it up. You guys are all way too panicked about duchene, he will be fine. The third lins is staying together, promise you that. I have no idea why kobasew is on the team, Idon’t know one thing he brings to the table. Olver would be way better than him if healthy. Mueller healthy will help a lot so don’t forget about him.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 2:45 PM MDT up reply actions
I think you’ve got Duchene and Stastny confused. Stastny has hit a couple of posts and had open-net shots hop over his stick; Duchene just hasn’t been close more than a time or two.
It's all about the O'
stas is making 6.6M a year, he’s been in league for 5-6 years, is the 1st line center and there’s a reason he doesn’t bury his shots. Stas has not grit, that’s a big part of his problem, I wish we could trade him for richards. Duchene has started slow but he doesn’t have mueller and fucking kobasew/lindstrom ain’t the same so he gets keyed on by other teams. He will be fine imo.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 3:20 PM MDT up reply actions
How does Kobasew affect Duchene when they arent on the same line?
Stastny = creating offense
Duchene = Playing with the 4th liners in practice today because he had ZERO shots on goal last night.
If you want to use the “6.6million a year” argument, then lets also use the “3rd overall pick” argument. Duchene has played like shit thusfar this season, and while I am confident he’ll warm up. Its troublesome. We can excuse it say “he’s a slow starter” but you know what, he was a slow finisher last year, which amounts to poor play since about January? (whenever it was that Duchene hit the goal slump) He needs to change how he’s thinking on the ice, because it hasnt been working for a while now
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 4:07 PM MDT up reply actions
Jesus Christ…you watching the games man…
Stastny is actually hitting and being more physical along with the fact that he’ll always be a more gritty forward compared to Duchene who has more raw talent. Stastny is actually playing pretty well.
The games where Jones suddenly started playing more like Stastny were the games where Jones was actually scoring goals.
Duchene has been largely invisible. Except for the shootouts.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
jibble?
i agreed with all of those
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 5:44 PM MDT up reply actions
I was continuing the thread but responding to him…lol.
Sorry Cole…
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
no worries, i was just confused, i read my post and was like… i think i’m being clear right? I havent slept since tuesday, so i’m having a difficult time with this thread
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 5:52 PM MDT up reply actions
is the 1st line center and there’s a reason he doesn’t bury his shots
It’s called random chance, (or luck if you prefer).
Are you seriously trying to say that Stastny has hit posts, and not put them in, because he has no heart or grit?
Check the comments of this post, Stastny’s one of the few who reliably does bury his chances And he’s playing fine. He’s a few posts away from having a torrid start. Thus the curse of random chance on small sample sizes.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 4:39 PM MDT up reply actions
(or luck if you prefer).
Excuse me sir, I can answer that right now. That’d be no.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 22, 2011 9:19 AM MDT up reply actions
also, i agree that Olver should be up… but he is out with a concussion, so its sort of a non-issue
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 5:53 PM MDT up reply actions
I don’t see what good Olver would do. I mean we have Porter there who I think is a better player than Olver.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 9:45 PM MDT up reply actions
Speed is the biggest thing that he has over Porter…Porters a solid player…if he knew how to hit the net, he probably would be on the second line right now.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
I wouldn’t go that far. He’s a solid 4th liner though, and a better player than Olver.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 10:11 PM MDT up reply actions
Porter has a better all around game i agree but Olver made Duchene play better, which we need now, they had chemistry and we really created offense
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 22, 2011 12:17 AM MDT up reply actions
They’re both 3rd-4th liners and I think last year proved that. Our depth issues are on the top 6. I’m gonna go all dan here and say it’s silly to argue about which 3rd liner from the AHL needs to be played.
"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink
to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and
sticks when they've invented the lighter?
Wow
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:48 AM MDT up reply actions
Still, a pretty impressive little play.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:54 AM MDT up reply actions
EJ Spinning keep in to tie the game late > This.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
by amit916 on Oct 21, 2011 10:54 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Erik Johnson should watch that over and over and then hang his head in SHAME.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 11:46 AM MDT up reply actions
I also think that Johnson’s hold in on the TYING GOAL against Montreal was waaaay better than this.
No shame.
=================== 21 ===================
by BraxtanFILM on Oct 21, 2011 12:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Agree with those above about Dutchy being horrible last night. Saw him standing around watching plays way too often. I wonder what the heck is going on with him? And if Kobasew and Lindstrom are top line wingers, I’m the f’ing Pope.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:51 AM MDT reply actions
Someone is actually arguing that we shouldn’t have pulled our goalie to get a 6-4 late last night? Really?
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 10:57 AM MDT reply actions
That is getting into the F-in-Law zone of hockey knowledge.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 11:07 AM MDT up reply actions
speaking of
As he was cheering on the Canadians the other night, he told me what a disappointment ROR has been since his rookie season. I’m not making this up.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 11:08 AM MDT up reply actions
Did I start that? Lol… I was just pissed at the lack of scoring chances. I was just like “what’s the f’n point…”
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
Well… Duchene skating with the 4th line in practice today:
Landy-Radar-Winnik
Jones-Stazz-Duke
Gally-Lindstrom-Kobasew
Porter-Duchene-McClement-McLeod
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 11:37 AM MDT reply actions
Looks like Sacco agrees with all of you about Duchene. I really didn’t see it. He looked solid pressuring against the boards. There were 8 or so good defensive plays that got my attention: four from Radar, two from EJ and two from Duchene. Shows you how much I know.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
by MalachiConstant on Oct 21, 2011 12:05 PM MDT up reply actions
As much as I like that he’s battling it out from the boards and playing good defense (and trust me, I do like those aspects of his game), his job on this team is to score goals. The other stuff is good to have too, but we rely on Duchene to put up the points. And when he’s not scoring, our team’s not winning.
Hopefully this will get him (as well as Jonesy, Stazz and Duke) going and they’ll start putting the dang puck in the net.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
On the one hand, this surprised me. And then I remembered Liles’ experience two seasons ago and wasn’t so surprised. Hope this wakes his ass up.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 11:49 AM MDT up reply actions
At least they didn’t send him to the minors ALA Galiardi. I kid, of course…but something needs to wake him up.
Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!
good and bad
Our smoking 3rd line just became a pretty weak 1st line. That 2nd line could be good. That 3rd line could be a disaster. Could Dutchy end up on the trading block?
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 11:56 AM MDT up reply actions
7 Games here people!
I highly doubt we’re going to get rid of our cornerstone center just because he had a rocky start to the season.
My meter is chirping, but just in case that wasn’t sarcasm, SERIOUSLY, COME ON!
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Mainly just throwing shit against the wall with that last statement. My percent belief that it could be possible? About 1%.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 1:10 PM MDT up reply actions
good
put him where he deserves to play until he shows otherwise.
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by NastyNessy71 on Oct 21, 2011 12:08 PM MDT up reply actions
Hey Cole, where did you hear/see this? Did you go to practice, or did you hear it from Dater/Chambers?
saw it on Twitter, cant remember from who, someone at practice today though. They listed the jersey colors for all the players and this is how the lines shook out
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 1:23 PM MDT up reply actions
Me neither, but the third line does scare me a bit.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
It certainly wouldn’t scare any NHL opponent.
We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.
by Bob in Boulder on Oct 21, 2011 3:35 PM MDT up reply actions
well
last night was dissapointing. Duchene looked like he was lost out there. The offense struggled throughout the game. Honestly, Chicago is a great team and they are probably better than the Avs but I was dissapointed in a few players performances last night mostly Duchene. Radar, Landy, EJ they all looke pretty good but Varlamov… holy cow this kid is good. The glove save he had in the 3rd was unreal and I was really pissed it didn’t make ESPN’s top 10 plays. Anyways lets hope we can stay undefeated on the road and split the home and home.
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It made NHL’s top saves of the night, even made the “Save of the Year?” thing they’re doing this year.
Disagree on EJ. I think he was at best average.
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: a mean, junkyard dog looking for revenge
by Cheryl Bradley on Oct 21, 2011 11:59 AM MDT up reply actions
oh really?
that’s good at least. And yea I thought most of the team was mediocre but EJ looked the best on defense to me that is. Idk what his +- was but he looked okay.
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by NastyNessy71 on Oct 21, 2011 12:07 PM MDT up reply actions
That’s really frustrating. I feel like EJ has played pretty damn well, and yet he’s a minus 7 on the season.
On pace to be -82, but with 70 points! Ha ha ha!
Why the Colorado so few scores?
ha ha
see about 20 posts above regarding that, it’s -7, 3rd worst in league but per commenters above when you are on the ice for 7 more goals than your team scores it doesn’t mean anything. I figured you should rub it in a little as Neal is crushing it so far.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 2:51 PM MDT up reply actions
ha ha?
per commenters above when you are on the ice for 7 more goals than your team scores it doesn’t mean anything
You are completely wrong.
If you think you know something about hockey, you might be aware that +/- doesn’t directly correlate to goals scored, for or against, when you’re on the ice.
Johnson has been on the ice for 6 goals for, and for 8 goals against. Two of the goals against have been empty netters.
Take a look at the stats and educate yourself a bit before spouting nonsense.
you're kidding, right?
you are completely wrong. if you are on the ice and your team scores you are plus 1, if the next shift the opposing team scores you are 0. that’s how it works pal
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 3:25 PM MDT up reply actions
Johnson has not been on the ice for 7 more goals scored against than scored for. The number is 2, and that includes 2 empty net goals against.
You don’t get a + when you’re on the ice and your team scores a power play goal.
no shit sherlock, I am talking about even strength or short handed becuase that’s HOW the tally is taken. Just quit while you are behind. You are embarrassing yourself because as I was talking about +/- you should have known that.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 3:31 PM MDT up reply actions
You strongly implied in the following statement that Johnson has been on the ice for 7 more goals against than he’s been for goals scored. I’ve bolded the part I’m talking about so you don’t miss it:
ha ha
see about 20 posts above regarding that, it’s -7, 3rd worst in league but per commenters above when you are on the ice for 7 more goals than your team scores it doesn’t mean anything.
That is simply not true, and it seems that you know that now, because you are backpedaling strongly.
Erik Johnson is -7, but he has only been on the ice for 2 more goals against than goals for. Can you understand that?
Also, if you think the coaches are happier with Duchene than O’Reilly, then why has Radar been bumped to the top 6 and Duchene dropped to the bottom 6?
Good night, thanks for playing.
the post starts by asking what his +/- was last night. Like I said, quit while you are behind. You lose. Goodbye.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 3:46 PM MDT up reply actions
thomas? is that you?
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Oct 21, 2011 4:08 PM MDT up reply actions
also forgot another thing
you obviously have ZERO hockey knowledge because you are counting PP points which do not apply to +/-. Please apologize right now for this grotesque MISTAKE you made. I can’t imagine how embarrassed you must be.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 3:29 PM MDT up reply actions
To be honest, i’m embarrassed for you. You’re using +/- as a meaningful statistic and being rather emphatic about it’s value.
I'll keep this brief.
by Dario on Oct 21, 2011 3:35 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
no, I’m embarrassed for you b/c anybody in the hockey world will tell you they look at it and value it. It obviously changes in value if say you are on a horrible team but when you’re team is 5-2 and you are -7 in 7 games it’s not good. I’ll bet you my house Sacco and the coaches are aware of it. Kind of funny how the post also brought it up today. You’re saying that 5 on 5 or shorthanded EJ being -7 in 7 games is not startling. It’s early, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now but if he’s – 25 after 40 games you can hear about it on the NHL network, b/c they will be talking about it then. I can’t say the same thing over and over so I’m done with this.
by the cool breeze on Oct 21, 2011 3:44 PM MDT up reply actions
A few factors you fail to realize are
Ej’s time on the ice. when you play 25 minutes a game your more likely to have inflated +- numbers. When you are a key member to the blue line and are out in empty net situations, again your +- will be alterd more than the guys sitting on the bench. Fact of the matter is EJ is the best defenseman on this team despite +- and as long as the Avs get wins i could care less what his +- is.
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by NastyNessy71 on Oct 21, 2011 3:57 PM MDT up reply actions
And this is why +/- is the worst statistic of all time. Not only is it bad, but then people use it and claim it’s good. So you have to argue a point that has been proven: +/- sucks. SUCKS.
Here check this out: the Save % while Johnson is on the ice this season: .908 His teammates shooting % while he is on the ice: 2%. Basically the -7 is entirely a product of unfortuitous random chance (i.e bad luck)
Mr. Wilson, whom you list above, .979 Save % and a 12.2 shooting % while on ice. All 4 of those numbers are almost completely outside of either men’s control yet both strongly influence their +/-.
Both of which are unsustainable. Bascally, EJ has been unluck for at least a few GA, and Wilson
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 21, 2011 4:48 PM MDT up reply actions
My goodness, what a repellent personality you have.
by earl06 on Oct 21, 2011 4:43 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
are you talking about me in regards to
mr. Neal?
MOZGOD Enthusiast Member 71
Original Thugget Loyalists Member 71
by NastyNessy71 on Oct 21, 2011 3:59 PM MDT up reply actions
One goal in two home games. Our defense is good but no that good. Not looking nearly as tough as they did in the first game. First goal last nite was lesson in offensive zone puck possession.
by spokane-avs-fan on Oct 21, 2011 12:14 PM MDT reply actions
I really wish the Avs would name a captain
Right now, I would give it to Ryan O’reilly.
MOZGOD Enthusiast Member 71
Original Thugget Loyalists Member 71
Duchene
I know, take Matt out and shoot him. The loss is on him and he has absolutely no enthusiasm for the game. He is just taking the easy pay and doesn’t even care if he gets a bigger contract. In fact, I think I saw a tweet by him before the game saying go Hawks. He has no skills and is a horrible goal scorer Heck, he can’t even skate from goal line to goal line with the puck without getting tied up by three or so opposing players. I think we should trade him!
"Hockey is a man's game. The team with the most real men wins." - Brian Burke
Total bust. We should trade him for Evander Kane now. Maybe if we give up our first rounder in 2013 (another guaranteed lottery pick), Winnipeg will make that trade?
Why the Colorado so few scores?
Duchene
Send him back to the minors where he belongs!
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
My big impression last night: That was Galiardi’s best game of the year. I think he wants to play and wants the possibility of moving up if Lindstrom doesn’t work out. Unfortunately, that was also McLeod’s worst. Keep it up, Gali.
Dutch, man, it’s time to get going.
The turning point of the game, IMO, was Radar hitting the crossbar. The Avs were pushing hard early and came away with nothing. Chicago turned it around.
Other than being flat, the Avs were totally in there. It could’ve gone either way (but I wasn’t surprised at the empty-netter). Get ’em next time, guys.
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