Capitals at Avalanche, Game 33 Preview
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 17, 2011 6:06 AM MST
in Avalanche Previews
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The Avalanche and Capitals are in action tonight at the Pepsi Center. On the surface, neither team has much in common, but the ace team of MHH statisticians have found some amazing similarities between the two teams. If you dare, read on...and be AMAZED.
The Captials are 4-4 since firing Bruce Boudreau, a winning percentage of exactly .500. Meanwhile, the Avalanche are 1-1 since not firing Joe Sacco...a winning percentage that also equals .500. Shocking but true.
Bruce Boudreau was replaced by Dale Hunter. Hunter was once traded by the Nordiques for the draft pick that was used to take Joe Sakic. And Joe Sakic would later play for the Avalanche. In fact, he remains employed by the franchise to this very day. Shocking but true.
And Joe Sacco once played for the Washington Capitals. Woah! Shocking but true.
Both teams, of course, will play in this year's Winter Classic, the NHL's annual show to highlight a team from the east and the west. Oh wait...sorry, this one's not true. This one's just for the teams in the east. Shocking, but true.
Although both franchises date back to the mid-70s, neither team has had a player named Kennedy or Lincoln. Shocking but true.
The Avalanche logo is a capital A. Shocking but true.
Both teams are exactly 8-5-1 when scoring first. Shocking but true
Matt Hendricks once played for the Colorado Avalanche, but was let go for monetary reasons. Shocking but true.
Not many people know this, but this summer the Avalanche and Capitals were involved in a trade, with the Avalanche getting Semyon Varlamov. The Avalanche are laughing all the way to the bank, because their 3.09 GAA is a full one hundredth of a point better than the Capitals. Ha ha ha! Enjoy your lottery pick, suckers!
I know these facts are incredibly eerie and wholly unnatural. But facts are facts. Go Avs
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The Captials are 4-4 since firing Bruce Boudreau, a winning percentage of exactly .500. Meanwhile, the Avalanche are 1-1 since not firing Joe Sacco…a winning percentage that also equals .500.
Sack-o!
Because....fuck the Red Wings!
Avs are also 4-4 in their last 8 games….a matching the Caps at .500
Shocking but true…the Avs are 4-0-0 at home and 0-4-0 on the road during that span.
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 Dec 17, 2011 10:28 AM MST up reply actions
Well, at least they’ve improved their home record!
"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?
At most they’ve improved their home record.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 17, 2011 2:08 PM MST up reply actions
What time will people start showing up at Brooklyns today. I’m already here, waiting outside, maybe.
Andyray ArlyleCay
5 pm
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
Mile High Hockey
The Hockey Writers
by Cheryl Bradley on Dec 17, 2011 2:27 PM MST up reply actions
No, but the team will hang an Ovech-trick on us.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 17, 2011 8:21 AM MST up reply actions
Damn. Another one? That’s number, what, 5… 6?
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
at least the Avs will have a lot of candidates to choose from that has NHL experience. Don’t worry Quinn you will still be the front runner
by avalanchejef on Dec 17, 2011 9:36 AM MST up reply actions
I thought lefebvre was front runner, cuz you know he has done such wonders as an assistant
Our Universe is so Humongous Big - Illya Bryzgalov
Don't worry be happy right now - Illya Bryzgalov
by Freakoffaleash on Dec 17, 2011 9:39 AM MST up reply actions
tomato, tomato. I guess that doesn’t work on the written language
by avalanchejef on Dec 17, 2011 9:47 AM MST up reply actions
In the name of the god-awful bowl season, I dub this the “No you’re not getting a fricken top 3 pick” bowl. Come on Avs. Come on Varly. Think of the children.
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 Dec 17, 2011 10:21 AM MST reply actions
What are bowl games?
.
.
.
I’m boycotting the BCS this year. I will not watch a single bowl game.
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 Dec 17, 2011 10:29 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I may watch AF in whatever bowl they are in. But yes, the BCS sucks. Boise State is getting screwed royally again, I believe. But hey, that is the BCS way.
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 Dec 17, 2011 10:33 AM MST up reply actions
I don’t like the BCS, but I don’t see how Boise should get a BCS game. I really don’t think any conference should get an automatic.
by avalanchejef on Dec 17, 2011 10:44 AM MST up reply actions
They beat Georgia and their only loss was to a damn good TCU team by one point. And they have won every BCS game they’ve been in against one of the “big boys” over the past several years. Utah beat Alabama in one. TCU won the Rose Bowl last year. Boise State beat Oklahoma in one of the best bowls ever. But those teams have never been given a chance at playing for a title on the field. Boise State should be in one of the BCS bowls over at least half of the teams that are in them. Even based on the BCS ratings. The whole thing is a joke.
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 Dec 17, 2011 10:51 AM MST up reply actions
And they have won every BCS game they’ve been in against one of the "big boys" over the past several years.
And this is the reason they will not get an invitation unless they are #1.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 17, 2011 2:10 PM MST up reply actions
Having one tough game and a bunch of cupcakes is not a recipe of being considered being great. That OU team was say over ranked (I am an OU fan), Utah beat a bad Pitt team, TCU beat a mediocre opponent in the Rose. That is the whole reason why there should not be automatic bids. Have a playoff or if you are going to have a point system, then use it to determine who the best is. I think Boise is a good team but they are not in my top 8.
by avalanchejef on Dec 17, 2011 4:09 PM MST up reply actions
Alabama had a pretty cupcake games this year….hate the rematch. Hoping for a 3-0 Bama win in triple overtime, so it’s the most boring game ever.
Can't listen to Party Rock anymore....all I hear is 'Everyday lines are Shufflin'
And then you’ll really have a shitfest over who’s the Champion….
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 Dec 17, 2011 7:21 PM MST up reply actions
i must say my Pokes got screwed i feel. As a student at OSU I know I’m biased, but still. Orange Power
Can't listen to Party Rock anymore....all I hear is 'Everyday lines are Shufflin'
They did
but they lost to Iowa State. I’m pretty sure there’s an obscure rule saying that national champs can’t lose to Iowa State
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 17, 2011 10:21 PM MST up reply actions
The Winter Classic Thing
I did a comparison of January weather for every site the WC has been in and Denver, and Denver had more favorable conditions than every city in terms of average temp, low humidity, low chance of rain or snow, and wind. FU NHL. And for good measure, FU Enos.
It would be awesome to have an Av-RW WC in Mile High Stadium. Oh, and they suck in baseball stadiums. Too many seats way too far away from the rink. It looks ridiculous.
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 Dec 17, 2011 10:40 AM MST reply actions 4 recs
Misspelled. Post invalid.
And for good measure, FU Enos$.
Hope you had insurance.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
I dug up one post I made on the subject here, actually a fanshot of a pensblog post. But I couldn’t find the table I built comparing weather … maybe it never made it’s way to MHH.
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 Dec 17, 2011 10:52 AM MST up reply actions
I remember some one last year posted in comments section the table of comparisons it might have been you I don’t remember
Our Universe is so Humongous Big - Illya Bryzgalov
Don't worry be happy right now - Illya Bryzgalov
by Freakoffaleash on Dec 17, 2011 2:06 PM MST up reply actions
Could the Avs manage to get a crowd of 76,000 at Mile High? I kinda have my doubts. I would love to see CC/DU play and maybe the US women’s national team play before the big main event between the Wings and Avs.
I believe.
by Lost Winter on Dec 17, 2011 11:06 AM MST up reply actions
Folsom might be another incredible site. Smaller, but the stands come down almost to the edge of the field. Would be better for live viewing. The Flatirons would make an awesome backdrop.
I think it might also be interesting to do a more intimate game in Grand Lake or Evergreen on natural ice with stands built on a hillside. Could you imagine the images that would have for television? Locker rooms might be a challenge and accommodations for fans and teams, but that would be idyllic.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 17, 2011 2:16 PM MST up reply actions
Now my CRS f’ing mind is remembering more of the conversation. Folsom would be an unbelievable setting.
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 Dec 17, 2011 2:34 PM MST up reply actions
How many periods will tbey play tonight? My guess is one. Shocking but true
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
Pre-game stuff
Galiardi: 3rd period was “frustrating, but you gotta learn from it.” Need better puck possession to play a full 60 minute game. He feels like he can be better, but is feeling good.
Johnson: Need to keep the puck in Washington’s zone. Sacco says best defense is possessing puck in the offensive zone. It was annoying to win special teams 2-0 against SJ and lose. It’s “traffic… tips and screens” that generates PP goals. They say a 2 goal lead is the worst in hockey but “that’s not an excuse for what happened.” Needed to lock it down.
Sacco: Varly’s dealing with a “minor back injury,” “flared up during the last game.” Jiggy in net. Same group of forwards as last game. Wilson is making progress. Mueller skated with team this morning. Quincey out with a “minor groin injury,” Hunwick in. Jones making progress but didn’t skate. He sounds annoyed that Lapierre didn’t get any disciplinary action, kinda thinks it has to do with the league not knowing how injured Wilson was (which is bullshit -ed). Caps have good individual skill, need to not give away turnovers. Predicts an entertaining game due to sheer speed. Brophey centers VDG and McLeod, McC centers Malone and Gali. Yeah the road thing has flipped but “our main concern is to build on our home streak.”
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
MChambersDP Mike Chambers
JS Giguere to start against Captials tonight, Varlamov nursing back injury. Quincey out, plus Yip, Jones, Kobasew, Wilson and Porter
So does this mean we might see Barrie or Sir Cameron the Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by avalanchejef on Dec 17, 2011 11:51 AM MST up reply actions
nope hunwick
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
Quincy out with a groin injury. Can we get a Yoga master for the players.
by avalanchejef on Dec 17, 2011 12:41 PM MST up reply actions
Turris → Senators
Runblad and a 2nd → Coyotes
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
Caps website interviewed Varly after practice this morning. He was happy and all smiles, saying he liked living in Denver downtown 5 minutes from Pepsi Center, he likes the weather and the sunshine every day. He said the Caps and Avs are very different teams (systems, etc), but both great organizations. He went to dinner last night with Ovi, Semin, and Dmitry Orlov. He said he’s a little bit disappointed to not play against the Caps. Here’s the video.
quote from the Washington Post:
"Little bit [disappointed], but I will be backup today and I am always ready to go on the ice and play my game," Varlamov said. "I start my season better but right now I’m a little bit struggling. My statistics not that well and I’m not that happy about my statistic and my game. But NHL season is very long season and you always have time to change your game. Just keep working, try to play well."
Ovi spoke briefly about Varly. I know this was in the Denver Post but their video sucked and you could barely hear him. Here’s the Caps video that has good audio. The video.
Dale Hunter spoke briefly about playing for the Avs and about the game tonight. He was the coach of London Knights so he was familiar with Landeskog, so he also talked about him. Video is here.
Get ready to be jealous!
Sandie and I went on the Pepsi Center tour and our guide was thrilled with our enthusiasm and knowledge of hockey. So being the super cool that he – Eric – is, he took us rinkside and let us watch the Avs practice for about 15 min. Then got to watch Caps later on. (Gali and O’Brien were checkin us out, and O’Byrne is a fucking beast.!)
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
Mile High Hockey
The Hockey Writers
our guide was thrilled with our enthusiasm and knowledge of hockey
aka breasts
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 17, 2011 2:37 PM MST up reply actions 4 recs
That’s what I always look for first. Enthusiasm and hockey knowledge, that is.
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 Dec 17, 2011 2:39 PM MST up reply actions
Nice Bibble there Bradley!
And can you blame the guys for checking us out? Pfffttt!!!
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 17, 2011 2:41 PM MST up reply actions
nope, if you got boobs I would check them out
by avalanchejef on Dec 17, 2011 3:15 PM MST up reply actions
I think this is a good sign
I was at the Pepsi Center earlier today with my kids doing a little shopping, and when we walked in the front door I saw Walter Davis, the former Nuggets forward. I told my kids, “Hey, there’s Walter Davis.” They didn’t seem too enthused.
But they picked right up when we walked into the store and saw another celeb.
He couldn’t have been more gracious when I shook his hand, told him how much we appreciated his play, and then asked him to take a picture with my daughters.
He was doing some shopping. The employees I talked to said he’s a great guy (big surprise there) and that he’s been to the shops a couple of times.
I’ve got Landy breaking out with a goal or two tonight, just because.
by DiD on Dec 17, 2011 3:33 PM MST reply actions 4 recs
We must have just missed you!
We just missed him, we were busy talking to Moser when he came in. But I’m meeting him tomorrow so it’s all good. Glad you got to meet him.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 17, 2011 3:36 PM MST up reply actions
Wow DID I am actually really proud of your parenting skills
by avalanchejef on Dec 17, 2011 3:57 PM MST up reply actions
Not to be gay…
But holy fuck Landeskog’s a stud.
Like he’s ridiculously good looking…
Daaaaaaaaaammmn!
I am boobs.
by Thor the Clunge Destroyer on Dec 17, 2011 3:58 PM MST up reply actions
I gotta get one of those panda tooks.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 17, 2011 4:01 PM MST up reply actions
Lucky Girls and Do I smell optimism in your post? This does not compute!
Our Universe is so Humongous Big - Illya Bryzgalov
Don't worry be happy right now - Illya Bryzgalov
by Freakoffaleash on Dec 17, 2011 4:03 PM MST up reply actions
And what happened then?
In Denver they say- that DIDs small heart grew three sizes today.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 17, 2011 4:18 PM MST up reply actions 6 recs
I’m jealous Dan. Great, great pic. But remember, Landy is saving himself for my daughter in 15 years or so.
For as much shit as we give guys here on the blog, one thing to always remember. In general, hockey players are the most down to earth, genuinely great guys, so much more so than other pro sports.
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 Dec 17, 2011 4:59 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
Jacques Martin fired...
and Sacco still has a job.
Sacco’s record has been far worse than many of these coaches getting relieved of their positions, but yet he’s the one with job security. Pretty bewildered.
Sig.
Youngest team in the league, lowest payroll, low expectations. I don’t think there’s anything bewildering about it.
It is absolutely bewildering. Sherman has made strong trades to acquire players that have loads of talent, but has a coach that can’t get the most out of them (I firmly believe a lot of it is on the players as well, not just Sacco), not to mention the lack of a goalie coach.
And the Avs don’t hold the lowest payroll (according to Capgeek). They’re actually third lowest. Preds and Canes hold the top two spots. Canes have fired their coach because he wasn’t winning and the Predators are 16-11-4 through 31 games and good for 36 points. That places the Preds 7th in the west currently.
Sig.
Randy, what was your expectation of this team before the season began? You may have answered this already, sorry if I missed it. I figured they’d finish around 10th, not in the playoffs.
You can disagree, and you obviously do, I’m just giving you reasons why I don’t think it’s bewildering that he hasn’t gotten fired yet, that’s all.
I had them placing just a tad higher than you 8-9th. Most likely missing the playoffs but if they had barely made it it would be a first round exit. I figured Sacco would turn it around, that last season was a fluke. The pieces acquired via trade and free agency looked to be on paper that this team would be a lot more competitive than being a sub .500 team a third through the season.
Here’s what’s bewildering to me. If Sacco had this record (even counting his first season coaching) with any of the other bottom feeders in the standings, they would have released him. That the Avs haven’t fired him yet isn’t particularly bewildering just because of their lackadaisical approach. The front office hasn’t really shown that it cares about the team and are absolutely fine with them losing yet again this season. So is it bewildering that the Avs have held onto Sacco? Not in the slightest. Any other NHL team would have had him replaced however.
Sig.
Agreed. It comes down to this attitude of hiring within, which is problematic of a franchise that shows it doesn’t care about its own team, and its ability to actually compete. If they go from Sacco to Lefebvre or Quinn, it doesn’t give the young Avalanche team any real positive change in coaching, as near as I can tell. If the attitude was to try and actually win, they might never have hired Sacco in the first place. If the Avs wanted a change this season, they had Hitch staring them in the face, and didn’t bother giving him a sniff. You got Carlyle, among others as candidates, now, and the Avs won’t budge on Sacco. Sacco may or may not be the worst coach in the world, but he most definitely is not firing up the team in a way that this team needs on a consistent basis. I don’t feel his energy, and I’d love to see one of those 24-7 clips on Sacco. I think it’d reveal a lot, and I’m who thinks his
ability to communicate isn’t very strong.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Also touching on the youngest team in the league:
They are but only by .6 years (according to Capgeek). Leafs are 2nd youngest at 26.2 years of age. They’re winning.
Sig.
Not recently.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 17, 2011 10:23 PM MST up reply actions
Crap.
Varly, Jonesy, Wils, Kobasew, Quince, Yip, and Mueller are all out tonight with injuries. This SUCKS :(
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
and Hishon. and Crosby. and Giroux. Concussions are taking out the NHL.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Concussion: Wils, Kobasew, Mueller, Hishon, Olver
Groin: Jonesy, Yip, Quincey
Back: Varly
:( there are way too many concussions and groin pulls on this team.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
No kidding.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Also -
I greet you all tonight from Colorado and not Montana. Yay Winter Break!
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
by andidee15 on Dec 17, 2011 5:48 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
YAY
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 17, 2011 7:13 PM MST up reply actions
So Andidee, Sandie, and Beachie are all in Denver at the same time? Is any member of the Avalanche safe?
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 Dec 17, 2011 7:48 PM MST up reply actions
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