Blues at Avalanche Recap. Blueberries Squeak By Blues
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 2, 2011 10:48 PM MST
in Avalanche Recaps
Email
PrintWhew. They didn't win it in regulation, but the W flag flies high tonight just the same. It was a close, hard-fought battle that literally was decided by a few inches. For a while, it looked like Kevin Shattenkirk and Chris Stewart would be triumphant in their return to Denver, but Ryan O'Reilly and Semyon Varlamov led the Avs to a big win. The Avs win back to back games at the Pepsi Center for the first time since January.
First Period
This may come as a huge shock to you, but the Avalanche started out a little slowly in the game. The Blues had 8 of the first 11 shots in the period and the Avs mustered no shots on an early PP opportunity. Just under 8 minutes in, Paul Stastny put the Blues on the PP with a tripping call. The Blues at that point were 1 for 46 on the PP and the Avalanche had killed off 14 straight penalties. You don't have to be Alanis Morisette to know what happens next and you don't need to be Miss Cleo to know who'd do the damage: the Blues promptly scored on the PP with former Avalanche Kevin Shattenkirk making a beautiful shot from the point go in. Shattenkirk had a terrific game tonight and led all players in ice time. Thankfully, that was his only point of the night.
The Avalanche would knot it up exactly 5 minutes later. Milan Hejduk led the play into the zone, ahead of the rest of his linemates coming in on a change. Hejduk looked like Tyler Arnason against the Oilers, zipping in and out between 4 confused Blues players. After an extended shift deep in the St Louis zone, the Blues finally managed to get it out, but Ryan Wilson was right there in the neutral zone to drop it back in. He moved it up to Ryan O'Reilly who headed behind the net before kicking out to Hejduk, who scored his 9th of the year. Great shift by a fun new line of O'Reilly, Landeskog and Hejduk.
Blues 1, Avalanche 1. Shots STL 12, COL 8
2nd Period
I didn't like this period from an Avalanche perspective. Both teams got into a bit of a horse race here in the 2nd with lots of long, back and forth plays but not a lot of sustained pressure. But, while I felt the Avs held their own physically in the first, I thought St Louis had a decided physical advantage in the 2nd. It seemed like they were muscling Colorado around a lot, and nowhere was that more visible than on the lone goal of the period when Patrick Berglund, Chris Stewart and Ian Cole literally ran over the Avalanche defense and pushed their way to the go ahead goal. The Avs have had some brutal periods this year and this was definitely not the worst, but it wasn't their best either.
Blues 1, Avalanche 0. Shots STL 16, COL 11
3rd Period
The 3rd was the Avs best period. It took them a little while to get rolling, but the pressure built steadily until O'Reilly's wicked wrister tied it up about 10 minutes in. It was a simple looking play, with Hejda moving it to O'Byrne on the point who moved it up to Radar in the slot, but the shot was a beauty. I probably don't need to point out the obvious, but this O'Reilly kid can really play.
The Avalanche have to kill off a penalty in the 3rd (Stastny again, this time for delay of game), but Varlamov was just a rock after the Berglund goal. Jaroslav Halak was solid at the other end and made a terrific goal-line pad save (on O'Reilly again, of course) with just 2 seconds to go to send the game to OT.
Avalanche 1, Blues 0. Shots STL 7, COL 11
Overtime
The Avalanche appeared to win this one with 16 seconds left when Ryan O'Byrne's backhander hit Halak and bounced on the goal line. Halak scooped the puck out with his glove while the ref signaled goal immediately. Halak was confident that he had stopped it in time and the replay left little doubt that he was right. The Avs' big celebration was all for naught...Halak had yet again snatched victory away from the Avs at the last second
No Scoring. Shots STL 2, COL 5
Shootout
The Avs have been ridiculous in the shootout, winning 14 of their last 15 going into the game. It's now 15 of 16. Milan Hejduk flubbed his attempt and Matt Duchene couldn't get his shot over Halak's pads, but O'Reilly's forehand fake, backhand roofer was enough for the Avalanche, as Varlamov stopped all three attempts at the other end (note to other teams: you aren't going to get past those pads, so don't bother trying).
O'Reilly and Varlamov were the big heroes in the game, but lots of Avs not named Stastny had solid games - Duchene, Hejduk, O'Byrne and Wilson to name just a few. The Avs have crept to 4 points behind that final playoff spot and have a BIG week coming up (Detroit, @ Vancouver, @ Calgary, @ Edmonton). A few more efforts like tonight and they might just put a little roll together.
- O'Reilly. I had him penciled in at #1 even before he scored the tying goal and long before he scored the winner in the shootout
- Varlamov. Goals allowed in last 5 games: 2, 2, 1, 2, 2. Save percentage in those five: .940
- Hejduk. Toss up between him and Duchene. Captain gets the nod for that 1-on-4 clinic leading to the first goal
- Duchene, Mystery guy wearing #26, Jones
- Landeskog, O'Reilly, Hejduk
- Winnik, McClement, Kobasew
- Porter, Galiardi, Yip
- Wilson, Elliott
- Quincey, O'Brien
- Hejda, O'Byrne
- The Avs were 0-4 on the PP and mustered just 3 shots in 6:56 with the man advantage.
- Varlamov has stopped the last 10 shootout shots he's faced
- O'Reilly now leads the team in scoring, with 19 points
- The Avs blocked 1 shot in the first 40 minutes (O'Reilly, 15:57 of the 2nd) and 7 shots in the final 25.
- Landeskog is +7 (!) over the last 4 games and is now tied with Ryan Wilson for the team lead at +5.
The Avs go for three in a row on Sunday as they close out the home stand against Detroit.
203 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
___
Nice recap. I’m just happy to see Varly playing so well again. His season sv % is now .904 and climbing!
O’Reilly was very impressive.
One final thought:
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 2, 2011 10:57 PM MST reply actions 11 recs
Nice.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 2, 2011 11:28 PM MST up reply actions
I literally came down to the comments to point that celebration out.
"Noooo!!!" - Referee, Oilers @ Avs, 26.11.2011
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: there will be blood and there will be wins. Maybe.
"God I'm excited for those two to fail miserably." - SBNation writer Andrew Sharp on Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.
The Number Zero, for everything but mathematics. Blood and Thunder Record: 9-11-1 (Total Record: 10-14-1)
by Tempestuous Binary on Dec 3, 2011 12:17 AM MST up reply actions
Literally, as opposed to figuratively?
Go Avaranche!
by Sean Harsha on Dec 3, 2011 10:27 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Come on. Surely, someone got the Parks & Rec reference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xjka07o1-0
"Noooo!!!" - Referee, Oilers @ Avs, 26.11.2011
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: there will be blood and there will be wins. Maybe.
"God I'm excited for those two to fail miserably." - SBNation writer Andrew Sharp on Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.
The Number Zero, for everything but mathematics. Blood and Thunder Record: 9-11-1 (Total Record: 10-14-1)
by Tempestuous Binary on Dec 3, 2011 4:55 PM MST up reply actions
yup, my wife says this all the time now… usually on purpose
Mile High Hockey - No Tanks.
by CrankyPete on Dec 4, 2011 2:00 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
So worried he was going to tear something
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
by A.J. Haefele on Dec 3, 2011 12:27 AM MST up reply actions
Is he Tebowing?
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.
Or a 5 – 1 record as a starting QB.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 3, 2011 10:32 AM MST up reply actions
So, by that you mean that “Tebowing” is:
1. Running a high school offense in the NFL
2. Riding a ridiculously hot defense that keeps your team within a single score at the end of the game
3. You have all day to throw because the D-line is just trying to stay in front of you because they fear your ability to run more than the pass, even on third and long, yet you still throw the ball into the ground
4. Getting lucky in the last 5 minutes when your receivers actually catch your poorly thrown balls
Damn, that guy sure knows how to win. I agree with Elway.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 3, 2011 10:49 AM MST up reply actions
Getting lucky in the last 5 minutes when your receivers actually catch your poorly thrown balls
LOLOLOLOLOL are you even watching?
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 11:18 AM MST up reply actions
Last 3 games. The guy is a joke as a NFL QB. I’ll give you that he’s a football player, but he’s living off the success of the Denver defense.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 3, 2011 11:57 AM MST up reply actions
Ill agree with that. But to say he passed poorly last week is ignorant. He had as good a game as I’ve seen out of an NFL QB when he threw, the stats didnt reflect it because Eddie Royal and Co are pass dropping machines
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 12:29 PM MST up reply actions
Missed field goals in OT, recovered onside kicks, I’d say two of his wins are quite lucky. Take into account that the defense gives up just 15 points a game when he starts and in one game the defense was responsible for one of two touchdowns the Broncos scored, and I’m pretty sure Jibbles could easily put together some nice luck stats.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
The Man upstairs is looking after Little Timmy.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 3, 2011 3:50 PM MST up reply actions
I don’t look at football advanced stats much. All I know is that the best QB stat, as of a few years ago, was Yds/attempt.
But I do have a story. There once was a young QB who got thrown into the starters role because of an ineffective starting QB. The young QB relied heavily on his very good defense, and didn’t make a whole lot of mistakes. His throws were inaccurate, and most observers were baffled at his success. Yet his team kept winning games. In fact, he was described as “A winner” and a guy who just knew how to make plays that just win. The defense, however, kept on winning games as he just didn’t lose them.
Eventually the defense got worse, fans and management wasnted a QB who could provide more. He eventually went to a new team.
That QBs name: Kyle Orton.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 5:07 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I can’t Rec your story any harder, this is pretty much the story of all Denver QB’s not named Elway though right?
by Freakoffaleash on Dec 3, 2011 10:08 PM MST up reply actions
FFS.
"Noooo!!!" - Referee, Oilers @ Avs, 26.11.2011
The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: there will be blood and there will be wins. Maybe.
"God I'm excited for those two to fail miserably." - SBNation writer Andrew Sharp on Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.
The Number Zero, for everything but mathematics. Blood and Thunder Record: 9-11-1 (Total Record: 10-14-1)
by Tempestuous Binary on Dec 3, 2011 4:57 PM MST up reply actions
THREAD NEEDS MORE COMMENTS
QUICK SOMEONE SAY TEBOW
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
Hey everybody, guess what? The Avs beat the Blues!!!!
But it was a great game for what I paid attention to. Attaway O’Reilly and Varly! I thank you, and so does my fantasy team. :)
I do really like the Landy – Radar – Duke line. And as soon as Stazzer and Dutchy kick into high gear, we’ll be okay.
Now I’m back to homework. Wish me luck!
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
So if the Avs keep winning all these games I’m watching on GCL from Qatar, will ya’ll force me to stay here for the rest of the season?
I do love starting out the mornings this way.
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
I don’t have to be at work any more!!!! I think this may have been one of the few times they won while I was not at work this season.
"In the beginning the universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
-Douglas Adams The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
Wait… what the hell are you doing in Qatar?
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 2, 2011 11:28 PM MST up reply actions
There’s a seal on that particular court order.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Never seen a restraining order that requires an entire ocean separating the “protected” from the “disturbed.”
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 2, 2011 11:35 PM MST up reply actions
No kidding. You would've thought Toronto would've been far enough, right?
On the serious side, work sent me. My company is writing some tests for the Qatari govt.
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
by Cheryl Bradley on Dec 2, 2011 11:40 PM MST up reply actions
Is Qatar as nice as Bahrain? My sister was just in Bahrain and Kuwait for work (she’s a govt employee) and she had some really nice pics of Bahrain (apparently Kuwait City isn’t much of a tourist place). Very nice for you to be able to keep up with the Avs on your trip! I had to go to Jersey for a conference a month ago and of course the Caps game during my trip was a Versus game so GCL did nothing for me and my hotel didn’t have Versus so I hung out in the bar at the restaurant near the hotel to watch the game after arguing with a Rangers fan to keep the Caps game on.
Anyone know if Utah (between SLC and Provo) is in the blackout territory for GCL for Avs games? I’m going there for Christmas and I hope I’m not screwed and blacked out.
I don’t think my sister gets cable. I’ll have to check with her. Otherwise I guess I will have to search out illegal feeds. At least I’ll be able to watch Caps games on GCL. I got my little nephews to watch parts of Caps game with me last Christmas until my sister saw someone get hurt and a bunch of blood, then they were banned. I’m not sure if they liked hockey or they just felt cool watching it on the laptop with headphones on.
Just curious….where between SLC and Provo? My wife is from central Utah and we’ll be in Gunnison for Christmas (roughly an hour south of Provo).
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.
So, what are we at in the homestand now?
4-3-0? We’ll at least break even now. Not great, but fair enough I suppose.
Oh, and as a preemptive strike, FUCK THE RED WINGS.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Fuck.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 2, 2011 11:36 PM MST up reply actions
The.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 2, 2011 11:36 PM MST up reply actions
Wings.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 2, 2011 11:36 PM MST up reply actions
Comment whore.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Am.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 2, 2011 11:39 PM MST up reply actions
Not.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 2, 2011 11:39 PM MST up reply actions
I am so excited
for Shane O’Brien to come back. It’s gonna be awesome when Hunwick stops stealing his jersey to get playing time.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
I didn’t see much of the game tonight, but I did see where he hit the Blues player after the play down low in order to get his point across without taking a penalty. Pretty sweet move. Even in his off nights, there’s still a bit of Adam Foote’s attitude there. Even with some bad turnovers, I can’t dislike the guy at all. He does a pretty good job of keeping the riffraff off The Lawn.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Stuff like that
just doesn’t mean much to me. Lots of guys do it, it’s not a pro or a con for me, just part of the hockey mentality. Things with O’Brien that annoy me is how weak he is on the point of the PP, how he and Quincey can’t seem to communicate even a little bit, and when he does incredibly stupid shit like letting SHATTENKIRK forecheck him, pressure him into making a panic decision with the puck and getting it to Stastny who was rushing to clear the puck from the zone in a situation where it SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM and Stats ended up with a dumb delay of game penalty. Whole situation was just stupid. When EJ comes back, he’s my vote for the first guy to sit. I imagine it’ll be O’Byrne but I really think O’Brien could use a night off.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
O’Brien bothers me because he seems to take very inopportune rushes up the ice. The Ryder goal in the Dallas game was because he decided to head up ice (and Hejda didn’t cover for him well) and there was a St. Louis breakaway because he made the exact same play tonight. There’s no player on the Avs that sends me from happy to pulling my hair quicker than him right now.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 9:47 AM MST up reply actions
He’s just got to get back to playing his role. I think when Johnson comes back, he’ll either get it together or enjoy some nachos.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
Given that Elliott is going nowhere, Johnson’s return will force the other guys to step up their game or join Hunwick for nachos. Going forward perhaps we’ll see:
Quincey – Johnson
Wilson – Elliott
Hejda – ROB – SOB (rotation)
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 3, 2011 10:39 AM MST up reply actions
Roster limit is 23, so Lindstrom’s exit means they don’t have to send anyone down. Looks like Elliott is here for a while. I hope they can work on his focus and positioning in the defensive end. They also need to find his “Gusarov” when he starts “Ozolinsh-ing”. He had a couple of trips below the circles last night that left Wilson to hold down the fort.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 3, 2011 10:54 AM MST up reply actions
I didn’t see the delay of game penalty like you describe. The puck goes into the corner, and Shattenkirk and SOB arrive at the same time, and each go for the body, as the puck comes goes to the sideboards, and Stats gets it, and makes an errant defensive zone pass to no one, and Blues pick up the puck near the blue line, who gets bothered by Quincey and the puck ends up on Stats stick in an area where he has space and can make a decent play, but he errantly flips the puck over the boards. This was not on SOB. Stats made two really bad plays.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Just got back from the game (long, slow, slippery drive back to FoCo). Just a couple of notes:
- O’Reilly was terrific. Such strong play on the puck.
- I actually noticed Stastny a couple times… Yeah, I noticed when he tripped a guy while duchene was working his magic spin move. And I noticed when he shot it right over the glass from the d-zone even though he wasn’t pressured. I also noticed when he whiffed on a beautiful pass (from Jones or Dutchy I think) with half the net right in front of him. This guy needs to pull his 6.6 million dollar head out of his 6.6 million dollar ass.
- After Shatty’s goal (a beauty), the PK was really good. Particularly on the last chance. The puck wasn’t in our zone for more than a few seconds and the PK unit had possession whenever it was. Great work by McClement, Chuckee, and Winnik in particular.
- Duchene was hungry for one, and got robbed by Halak a couple times.
- Varlamov saved the D’s ass on several occasions, especially in the 1st and 2nd.
- The crowd was in and out for most of the game (just as the avs were), but after ORLY’s goal (another beauty), the Can got really into it. Loudest I’ve heard it for a very long time.
- My top Avs of the night: O’Reilly, Varlamov, McClement, Duchene, Landeskog, Hejduk
- Not so great Avs of the night: Stastny, Stastny, Stastny, Porter, and Stastny. (All Paul)
Really exciting game and my first win witnessed live in about a year. Glad Shatty did well, but more glad that he lost. GO AVS!
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
And I was most upset that Elliott’s point streak came to an end :( I wanted him to make some more history. He was so-so tonight. Created lots of offensive chances…. for both teams.
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
Great win, but from a personal standpoint, tomorrow is gonna suck.
Whiskey tends to make me high, and sad songs make me cry. Pretty women break my heart almost every night. I run on beans and nicotine; I'm a real, live buckaroo. And my heart's not pure, my boots ain't clean, and I never tell the truth.
By the way
I’ve mentioned it before, but I love Shane O’Brien.
Whiskey tends to make me high, and sad songs make me cry. Pretty women break my heart almost every night. I run on beans and nicotine; I'm a real, live buckaroo. And my heart's not pure, my boots ain't clean, and I never tell the truth.
Lawn Defender for the win!
His game isn’t as physical, but his attitude is 100% Foote. He’s awesome.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
I wonder what's up with Stastny?
I know that all players have good streaks and bad streaks, but this has been going on for a long time. I’m starting to worry about him. Stastny, why you no play like Stastny no more?
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
He played like shit
and he still managed to do a couple of nice things tonight. Maybe we should fire Sacco.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
by A.J. Haefele on Dec 3, 2011 1:05 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Wysh: 40 for the over/under on Stastny? 14(pts) in 24(games).
Marek: I’ll take over 40, he’s too good a player.
Wysh: I’ll take over 40 with the caveat he might get traded.
Marek: That’s a big ticket, dude…6.6, bro…for Stastny….
Wysh: ….yeah*sigh*….
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
I’d be surprised if Sherm wasn’t shopping though. Stazzer is an All-Star center and there aren’t too many of those around. His play has been slipping a bit lately, but I think if he was traded, it would be the kick in the butt he needed to go back to his .9PPG self. With O’Reilly showing he can be a legit Top 6’er, we probably can afford to move Stastny for a real left winger and maybe even some forward prospects.
I hope we keep SOS – the idea of 3 legit scoring lines once we figure out our wings is a tantalizing one. But I bet that if Sherman could get a good deal on a star wing, I would bet he’d be willing to make that move. The only question is are there clubs out there that are willing to take the chance on Stastny and his $6.6?
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
We could try offering Pickard or Desjardins and Barrie for Michael Grabner.
Or maybe try to pry Bobby Ryan away from the Ducks with a combination of Stats and SOB, David Jones and Yip for Ryan and Andrew Cogliano.
If we had both Ryan and Grabner, and Hishon plays in the future, even with the eventual retirement of Duk, the top six could look like Ryan-Hishon-Duchene, Landy-ROR-Grabner, and a core of defensemen that would include Elliot, Wilson, Quincey, EJ, Seimens and Gaunce, with Varly and either Pickard or Desjardins, in goal.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Wowow....
We could try offering Pickard or Desjardins and Barrie for Michael Grabner.
That’s way, way, WAY too much. Maybe for Okoposo. But Grabner? No thanks.
Or maybe try to pry Bobby Ryan away from the Ducks with a combination of Stats and SOB, David Jones and Yip for Ryan and Andrew Cogliano.
Ryan is going to be a duck for a while. They made their choice, and Carlyle took the fall. Unless they tailspin some more, they’re gonna keep Ryan for as long as possible
ummmmmmm what?
Okposos: 212 Games – 47 Goals – 76 Assists – 123 Pts – and -30
Grabner: 119 Games – 46 Goals – 28 Assists – 74 Pts and a +12
.58 PPG vs .62 PPG is pretty close. But I’d MUCH rather have Grabners speed than Okposos lazy ass. Okposo is like a lazier Chris Stewart with a cool name
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 11:25 AM MST up reply actions
Agree that Grabner > Okposo, but Barrie and a keeper for him? NO THANKS!
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
agreed
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 1:20 PM MST up reply actions
>_>
I’m not sure we can keep both Barrie and Elliott and right now Elliott obviously has the inside track on the NHL gig. Trading a goalie not even in the NHL and an excess D prospect for a legit top 6 forward who is tailor made for playing on a line with Duchene isn’t a really bad idea. I’m not sure why this is seen as some huge overpayment…
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
I see your point, but I’m not convinced that Barrie is as “excess” as you state. I think his chances of being a legit NHL player in the next two years are as good or better than any of O’Byrne, Hunwick, hell, even maybe O’Brien and Hejda. Throw Quincey and Wilson into that pool if this 1/4 season is more tease and their “real” NHL personas are those that we’ve seen far too much of in the recent past.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Oh
I think Barrie is going to be a legit NHLer. I just don’t think we should immediately return to the type of defense that employees two smallish dudes who struggle to play defense but have intriguing offensive upside, especially with guys like Johnson and Quincey perfectly capable of providing consistent-ish offense. Look at the defense we have right now. They’re one of the league leaders in points scored. Where does Barrie fit in that, especially with Elliott already here? I think the kid has a bright future but if a team with a Top 6 winger called us and asked for him as a primary piece of a trade, I’m listening very closely.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
My biggest problem with the trade is saying “Pickard or Desjardins” . Desjardins is a 26 year old AHL journeyman goalie, Pickard is a 19 year old 2010 draft pick high on the prospect list.
They aren’t exactly interchangeable parts in a trade.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 5:12 PM MST up reply actions
The only reason I put it that way was that Desjardin has played very well for the Monters, and could be given a chance in the NHL, today. The Islanders always seem to have goalie problems, and it’s a scenario of now vs. the future. Value of trade commodities vary with the situation. Desjardins might be a good NHL goalie, remember how late a bloomer Tim Thomas was.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
Oh, Desjardins could be a good NHL goalie if given a chance, I dont’ know. Goalie Guild really likes him.
But his trade value is no where near Pickards
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 6:24 PM MST up reply actions
LOL!
I got a message this message on another site. Made me LOL.
Go Avs huh … I liked the old Avs, the Forsberg/Roy/Sakic era. Matt Duchene and Paul Stastny are awesome young guys, but where’s the chip on their shoulder? That’s what made Forsberg so tough to play against. And their goalie situation is in turmoil. Varlamov? Please … Cedrick Desjardins is an incredible goalie, yet he’s idling in their AHL affiliate when he should be getting all the starts.
FOPPA!!!!!!
R.I.P. Wade, Rusty and Scratch
MHH - Home of the troll-ku
I thought the Stastny line (Stats, Duchene, Jones) had a great night, to be honest. They started slow, and ended the 1st period with a really good shift. From there they really turned it on. Duchene had 6 shots, most of which were quality chances that were off the pass of Stastny.
If Duchene manages to find twine a few times, Stastny has a 2-3 point night and everyone talks about how well he played finally.
And just so people don’t think I’m being a Stastny homer, heres what I’m talking about:
Chance #1
Chance #2 – This one in particular was all Stastny, great play here.
Another nice pass
(And there were two from Duchene to Jones that were nice plays by that line as well).
Also, Stastny, Duchene and Jones had ridiculous puck possession numbers
In fact the top two lines were both superb last night, and St Louis is a very good team. I thought last night was a great game top to bottom. The defense could have been a little tighter (I haven’t counted chances yet, but I imagine the chances/shots ratio for both teams was better than 1/3) .
Varlamov. Goals allowed in last 5 games: 2, 2, 1, 2, 2. Save percentage in those five: .940
The Avs are 3-2 over those 5 games, this is not a coincidence. Someone predicted they’d start winning games if they kept playing the same way and the goaltending shored up…
A month ago this would have been a 5-2 loss. The Blues had a ton of great chances, and Varlamov made stops, some very nice ones that he wasn’t making a month ago. The Avs need him to play well, he did and they have started to win a little more.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 9:45 AM MST up reply actions
I can correlate this phenomenon directly to a transaction I made in one of my fantasy teams. I picked up Varly right after the first road trip, then dropped him two weeks ago. Sorry to have taken so long to drop him.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
Thanks for your sacrifice.
I thought it was me. He was atrocious before I called him out was .840 in his previous 5-6 starts. Since then he’s had 5 starts and Dave posted his stats (.940)
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 10:42 AM MST up reply actions
I have to agree with Jibbles on this one. I thought Stastny had a good game last night. That line had a lot of great chances, but Halak just seemed to have their number.
Last couple of games I though Stastny played well on the defensive side, just no so much on the offensive side.
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 3, 2011 10:26 AM MST up reply actions
Right there with you
I thought last night was one of his better games of the season overall
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
Proud GM of the PRMLB Cincinnati Reds!
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
If Duchene wasn’t stonewalled by Halak a few times, Stastny has a 2-3 point night and everyone talks about how well he played finally.
Halak committed larceny against Duchene, and a few other Avs, last night. Stastny had a strong game, hopefully this is the light at the end of the tunnel for his play.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 3, 2011 11:01 AM MST up reply actions
Halak was great, and so was Varly. That probably should have been a 4-4 game or so. I can’t wait to go count scoring chances on this one. It might be the highest for my data so far
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 11:05 AM MST up reply actions
I’m with you Jibbs. Many times last night I saw Stastny use his body down low to protect or take away the puck then make a smart pass. He had a number of tick-tack-toe plays with Duchene and Jones and frankly should have had a goal and an assist without Halak’s outstanding play.
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 11:33 AM MST up reply actions
Shitsny
Shitsny errrr Stastny is terrible out there. I think he is playing his way out of Denver. There are a lot of non-top 10 teams with the cap space to accomodate him… It’s not impossible at all to move him.
Do I want Stastny traded? Nope. He’s a great player that needs a new home. I feel he is frustrated that every winger of his gets traded. Smyth, Stastny & Hejduk had sick chemistry. The best since the Forsberg days. Smyth = traded. Stewart emerged for the Avs on Stastny’s wing. Traded the following season. In the last 6 years he is one of the only survivors aside from Hejduk. Can you imagine how frustrating it must be? Stastny has ‘it’, but I just don’t think he will again for the Avs. Peter Stastny was right when he trashed management for breaking up the team. With last seasons offensive production through December, one season later with a rebuilt d corps through FA and a healthy Quinny & Wilson improved, FA in Giggy, Varly for picks, the offense would’ve stolen some points a week ago and the Avs would be right in the thick of things. Instead they got D-man that was overhyped and struggling for a producing Shatty, scoring Stewart who was just getting back from breaking his hand beating faces for his team.
Meanwhile Stastny is stuck with streaky, inconsistant linemates and is being shit on for being a 6.6mil man on a team hugging the cap floor, that signed retards like Hunwick & Kobasux0r just to reach the floor.
Can you blame Stastny? Nope. I rather the Avs find a way to bring in a coveted power forward winger to play with Stastny. If that fails, find him a new home.
by JoeSacc0wn3d on Dec 3, 2011 2:15 AM MST via mobile reply actions
scoring Stewart
apparently you haven’t seen Stewart’s stats this season.
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
by Cheryl Bradley on Dec 3, 2011 2:35 AM MST up reply actions 4 recs
I hate to rip on the guy, but was invisible last night. In fact, he looked like the Stewart the Avs sent down to the AHL. I wonder if Hitchcock’s system prevents Stewart from using his skill set.
To wit: I wonder if he is trade bait for a player that fits their system more. This is total and complete speculation, but he looked dead lost last night and I wonder if the Blues would be better with a different, but equally skilled, player.
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
or maybe this is who Chris Stewart is?
He sure does “look lost” an awful lot. If it happens so regular, you have to wonder if he truly is a lost player.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
Proud GM of the PRMLB Cincinnati Reds!
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
I would like some Blues fans’ commentary on this since my view is cursory based on a few games.
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
With Perron coming back today, the lineup in St. Louis is getting crowded. What they do with Stewart will be very interesting.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
I would totally pick Stewie up on waivers.
I don’t see them doing it though.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
I’m not going to lie…but that’d be fucking awesome to pick him up lol.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
I think they’d trade him before that happened, but, just wow, he looks atrocious.
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
http://interact.stltoday.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=847056
Some post game chat by Blues fans about Stewart.
Are there really that many people who think that opinions on Stewarts play can be fact or false when it’s a personal view that CAN’T be fact or false? It boggles the mind doesn’t it?
wat
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
That guy needs to take a logic class. Yes, your opinion can be wrong, dumbass.
Whiskey tends to make me high, and sad songs make me cry. Pretty women break my heart almost every night. I run on beans and nicotine; I'm a real, live buckaroo. And my heart's not pure, my boots ain't clean, and I never tell the truth.
Well that’s just your opinion, which can’t be wrong… wait…
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 4, 2011 4:37 PM MST up reply actions
I know what you’re saying and I’m not sure, but I will tell you that if I had to pick a coach that would virtually ensure (through his system) that Stewie would suck, it would be Hitchcock.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
So what happens?
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
In my happy happy funland version? STL waives Stewie, we pick him up and plant him on the 3rd line (sorry Porter, but Mr. Hunwick ordered extra tomatoes and jalapenos, just like you wanted). Stewie is inspired by the Avs’ faith in him and goes an a life altering tear that makes Cam Neeley blush in envy.
What really happens? Shit, I don’t know. He’s stuck on the STL 4th line and pressbox for most of the rest of the year and is either not signed at the end of the year or stashed in the AHL forever if he is.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
I don’t like basing everything on the small sample size or exactly one play, but when Landeskog stripped Stewart of that puck, I knew which one I’d rather have.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 5:13 PM MST up reply actions
Stewart’s point was the result of a really weak play by Jones, who couldn’t outmuscle Ian Cole along the boards in his own defensive zone.
by DiD on Dec 3, 2011 5:15 PM MST up reply actions
Stewarts point was the result in the Hex of the ex Avs
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 5:27 PM MST up reply actions
The same thing can be said of Duchene, except his wings usually leave due to injury. And it can also be said for O’Reilly, although his usually get called up to replace the traded/injured players on Dutch and Stazz’s lines.
Right now, our winger situation sucks for everyone, but it’s the next order of business of the rebuild. I bet we find some stable ones either during season or on July 1.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Can you blame Stastny?
I don’t care who his line mates are. He is getting out-played by guys barely making 1mil.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 3, 2011 9:13 AM MST up reply actions
I think he was mediocre in the previous 4 games (Vancouver, EDM, DAL, NJ). Last night he was fantastic (see above)
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 9:50 AM MST up reply actions
His passing is still working. He hit Duchene in the slot in tight traffic in the only spot Duchene could have got a shot off. Halak made a great save on the play. I just think he’s a step slow to the puck right now.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 3, 2011 10:27 AM MST up reply actions
You call whiffing on shots, getting beat to pucks “fantastic” all because he was terrible 4 games in a row before this?
Brosef, clearly you are just trying to see the good in all the bad. Unless you are contributing in a physical way, creating space and creating chances that inspire battles in front of the net, or changing momentum… ending the game with no points, whiffing on shots and still getting beat to pucks is not a fantastic game. He was simply ‘not as terrible’ as the previous 4 games.
Stastny is not lacking skills or game. He obviously has something going on in his head, bitterness towards the rotating wingers, playing in front of shit goaltending minus Andy/Varly, all the rumors, trades, his pops big mouth…etc. Notice how Stastny ISN’T being benched or having his ice time drastically cut? I think the coaching staff may know what’s going on and they aren’t blaming him. Stastny can’t play alone.
by JoeSacc0wn3d on Dec 3, 2011 12:07 PM MST up reply actions
Well
I guess that’s another perspective. Of course, my perspective has statistical and video evidence backing it up (see above)
Brosef,
1st, do not ever fucking call me “Brosef” ever again.
clearly you are just trying to see the good in all the bad
Clearly you are trying to see all the bad in the good. Stastny was a great Halak night away from a 2-assist night. Second, I’m not how you can watch this play and say any of those things about Stastny’s play last night. Also, he’s been going to the front of the net, a ton lately. It hasn’t been effective, but he’s been going there.
Unless you are contributing in a physical way, creating space and creating chances that inspire battles in front of the net, or changing momentum
All of which he did. The Stastny-Duchene-Jones shift towards the end of the 1st period (I notice the links I posted above may not have gone to the exact highlight I was trying to point out). But if you look at the highlights their shift essentially started with the David Jones shot at 17:19 in the period, and it stayed in the St Louis zone until Duchene’s shot at 17:46. That shift changed momentum, as St. Louis was outplaying the Avs to that point. Then, there’s Duchene’s shot at 5:04 in the second where Stastny outmuscled the guy off the puck and fed Duchene in front for a great chance.
So he only did everything you said he didn’t…
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 5:24 PM MST up reply actions
Homesizzle,
1st, do not ever fucking call me "Brosef" ever again.
Can I call you my homesizzle instead?
Clearly you are trying to see all the bad in the good. Stastny was a great Halak night away from a 2-assist night. Second, I’m not how you can watch this play and say any of those things about Stastny’s play last night. Also, he’s been going to the front of the net, a ton lately. It hasn’t been effective, but he’s been going there.
Stastny has been in front of the net ‘a ton lately’? Replaying the one play multiple times during a game only counts as 1. But let’s say you are right that he has been going to the net ‘a ton lately’. You even admit it has not been effective. Let’s be serious here. Homesizzle, when the bad outweighs the good, what is the good worth? Nothing.
All of which he did. The Stastny-Duchene-Jones shift towards the end of the 1st period (I notice the links I posted above may not have gone to the exact highlight I was trying to point out). But if you look at the highlights their shift essentially started with the David Jones shot at 17:19 in the period, and it stayed in the St Louis zone until Duchene’s shot at 17:46. That shift changed momentum, as St. Louis was outplaying the Avs to that point. Then, there’s Duchene’s shot at 5:04 in the second where Stastny outmuscled the guy off the puck and fed Duchene in front for a great chance.
So he only did everything you said he didn’t…
An entire paragraph of chatter about Stastny changing momentum, and he isn’t mentioned until the 2nd to last sentence. Very minute, much like his presence on the ice lately.
Sincerely,
Brosef
Homesizzle is better.
I had an entire blog post about the Dallas game where he went to the front of the net at least 3 times. Plus the one against Brodeur, plus a few in the game against the Blues. So I’d qualify that as a ton.
Also if you notice the Duchene shot (mentioned in the 2nd sentence) was set up by a good pass by Stastny. So in a 3 sentence paragraph I mention him twice and indirectly allude to him once.
So I’m not really sure what your point is, other than you clearly aren’t even looking at what I’m talking about and are perfectly happy in your warped reality and no evidence that contradicts your point of view is admissible.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 4, 2011 4:42 PM MST up reply actions
Radar's the #2 star on Puck Daddy.
Good for him.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Great-great game! 2-0 for me watching not the live game, but replay, maybe I should keep doing that.
We can see how much EJ’s injury hurt our PP.
What a game! Don’t get to many, but we picked a great one. My daughter’s friend watched her first game with us tonight. Instant fan, but perhaps high expectations.
by Rapierwhitt on Dec 3, 2011 7:31 AM MST via mobile reply actions
Not really sure what happened
Was expecting a 0-3 shutout, but instead got a solid effort and nice win against a strong opponent. We’ll see how we do against another tough team on Sunday
"Put stick on ice, put puck in net"
Elliot didn’t start in goal. That’s why we didn’t get shutout.
Forever grateful that Joe Sakic isn't a raging dick hole like Brett Favre.
by Rather Dashing on Dec 3, 2011 9:32 AM MST up reply actions
meh, not so sure
Saw us getting lots of good chances throughout. Wouldn’t have mattered who was in goal. We were even shut down for most of the first period, and then somehow managed to turn up the intensity.
"Put stick on ice, put puck in net"
I wonder if the Avs are just really young, and learning how to win. I see improvement happening.
Small defencemen? What small defencemen?
well, we all know it’s definitely not the coaching staff…
:-|
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
Proud GM of the PRMLB Cincinnati Reds!
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
The avs have owned StL lately right?
Spoon!!!!!!!!
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 3, 2011 9:47 AM MST reply actions
yes. Even during the last season’s dredge they managed to beat St Louis a couple times.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 9:51 AM MST up reply actions
St Louis was one of the few teams they beat in the first half of 2011.
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 3, 2011 10:27 AM MST up reply actions
I love how the Avs go to center ice and recognize the crowd after a home win. Although I loved the Bang Bang dance this of course is the more classy and mature version. Does anyone know how this came about and who started it?
Constant lurker, occasional commenter
IIRC, it was O’Brien’s idea. That could be utter speculation, though, because I’m not sure of the source.
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
by Cheryl Bradley on Dec 3, 2011 10:07 AM MST up reply actions
I like this too
And I expect to see it twice in person.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 3, 2011 3:37 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Easily the most important statistical analysis metric of the year
Well, Detroit is top-5 again. Look at that.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 10:06 AM MST reply actions
uh…wow.
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 3, 2011 10:30 AM MST up reply actions
Surprised there are enough habitable street addresses near the Joe.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 3, 2011 11:05 AM MST up reply actions
Pot calling the kettle?
Just saw this while updating my Yahoo fantasy teams…
Clutterbuck was injured Wednesday when Edmonton D Ryan Whitney extended his knee and tripped him, an uncalled infraction Clutterbuck said wasn’t “clean.” “It would be nice to kind of have guys be held accountable for those things, but obviously somebody felt it wasn’t necessary,” Clutterbuck said. “I just (wonder) if that happens to Sidney Crosby, what kind of uproar is there?”
This coming from the guy that two-handed McClement in the head a few games back.
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.
In other news,
Hitler complains that Stalin is a mean person.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Well,
Hitler was a vegetarian, he didn’t want to be mean to animals.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 3, 2011 3:38 PM MST up reply actions
O'Reilly's takeaways.
I noticed it a few times, but there was one in particular…
In the 3rd, when it was 4-on-4, the Blues were taking it out of their zone across the red line (either on a turnover or steal). Radar was on his horse chasing the guy. They were coming right at me. He was staring at the Blues’ player’s stick like a hawk, waiting for when he could best reach and try and lift the stick. His timing was remarkable and his focus was intense!
It was amazing.
I don’t know how I could like a player more, but he ups the ante on a regular basis!
I'm such a huge fan of the Avs I can name who our goalie was FOUR seasons ago! Crazy, right?!
IMO one of the biggest differences on this team when they are playing well vs when they’re not is Jay McClement. He’s been a factor in every game we’ve won of late and seems like he’s getting more confidence offensively. His pass to Winnik (i think) on the two on one which drew a penalty was absolutely gorgeous.
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 11:36 AM MST reply actions
This is a brilliant comparison. I watch a lot of Bruins games and I cannot believe I never saw the similarity before. It’s amazing and totally accurate. Bergeron, I think, has a higher offensive ceiling that O’Reilly at least at first. We really don’t know Radar’s ceiling since it keeps getting moved.
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
His offense is 100% based on his aggression
Far too many times you see O’Reilly get the puck and immediately pass it away. Sometimes it’s the right move, a lot of times it leads nowhere. You see the last couple of games he started hanging onto it a bit longer and letting play around him develop and his line is scoring goals. This isn’t a coincidence. When he’s assertive on offense is when he’s dangerous. When he’s playing his wily nily super passive “eeeek it’s a puck!” style, he’s the guy who scored 52 points in his first two NHL seasons. If he ever turns this corner permanently, hahaha good luck, NHL.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
I think he’s just reverting to what he was in juniors. For his first two seasons, he’s been primarily occupied with trying to be a Selke candidate because that’s what he was told the team needed. Now that McClement is on board and the team needs offense desperately, the coaches have turned him loose and it’s showing. :)
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
McNab or someone was talking about this the other day, saying that he was an offensive force in Juniors and his play was finally starting to look like juniors out on the ice
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 2:05 PM MST up reply actions
Doesn't really mean a lot to me
LOTS of guys are great offensive players in juniors and never translate that to the NHL game.
If you watch his goal reel from his first two seasons, you see the vast majority of them come in transition, typically off a great defensive play he made. Look how he’s scoring recently. In the offensive zone, wearing teams down with relentless play, making things happen ON OFFENSE. The coaching staff challenged him and he’s responding. How far this goes we have no idea but it’s definitely cool to see he might be finally turning that corner on offense.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
I’m just saying we know the talent is there. I’m agreeing with you for the most part. I’ve always been amazed watching him in practice, some of his stickwork and shooting practice just look like they are at an elite level. I remember watching him flip pucks one handed into the top shelf forehand then backhand from just below the circles nicking the crossbar 8/10 times in a practice at the end of last year, and I’ve always been shocked that his talents wouldnt translate to goals. I think your right, now that he’s got it in his mind that he can score, now that he’ll be relentless on offense i think we’re in store for a lot more production
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 2:16 PM MST up reply actions
If O’Reilly can combine his current game with becoming a more consistent scorer of goals, he’ll be a top center with plus alpha defensive ability, aka, a Selke trophy candidate. His play with Hejduk has taken off to a new level, as his line has been the first I’ve seen in a long time that actually possess the puck and a big difference I see is how his and Landy’s play(tough hard nosed, winning pucks…is this kid really a rookie teen ager?) has opened up areas for Hejduk to use his under rated puck handling skills. The captain has had some wicked sick moves, of late, and gets those quick, blistering shots off…the Duke of old. When you got a player with the smarts and ability of Hejduk, who can take a puck and hold it, it enables the other two to not always be scrumming for pucks, and this line can systematically set the puck up to score, occupying the attack zone for lengthy amounts of time. This line actually spreads the ice, as we see the opposition chasing them around, and getting turned around. It’s great to see the Avs do that to the other team, for a change. And to get the excitement of beginning to feel that this line can score every time it hits the ice.
...holy freaking f*ck, snakes!
the vast majority of them come in transition
I think that was true for almost the entire team the last 2 years. We’ve started to see some puck control developing this year, and that’s what will make the Avs dangerous. The improved faceoff percentage is giving them first shot at possessing the puck and they’re doing a better job of hanging onto it. Once their passing through the neutral zone improves against the trap, there will be a significant uptick in scoring.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
Not quite
He said he was a playmaker, as in, an assist man. One of the other Altiboobs was telling him to not worry about goals, keep working on making plays and goals will follow with points in general.
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
No he’s right they were talking about it another time, they said his first couple seasons of Juniors he focused on his faceoffs and Defensive play and then became a point scorer after that. Which it seems is the same trajectory he is taking in NHL.
Of course I paraphrased because I can’t remember their retarded babble as I have tuned it out more and more as of late. I think it was in pre-game for Oil game but not sure.
by Freakoffaleash on Dec 3, 2011 10:58 PM MST up reply actions
Can’t ignore that that his line finally has a legit finisher. No offense…but Winnik is no Hejduk.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
Okay
Don’t watch the things that are making him successful then.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
by A.J. Haefele on Dec 3, 2011 5:55 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
i really like this
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 12:29 PM MST up reply actions
Besides being bad, Stastny was actually pretty good
He showed some signs that he’s closer and closer to breaking out of that slump. A physical play to set up Duchene, and another nice pass or two to set up Jones, who unfortunately displayed the shooting touch of a young Stephane Yelle. Winnik!
The offensive zone penalty was unnecessary and lazy, the giveaway in his own zone and subsequent delay of game penalty was atrocious, and the whiff on what would have been the game-winner in OT was embarrassing.
But he’s showing signs, and that bodes well, very well indeed, for the offense. Beware, Jimmy Howard. Beware.
Those penalties were lazy…but that delay of game was part bad luck where he just tried to get it out and caught it on edge.
Stastny seems a lot more feistier… I saw him lose a puck and cross check a guy in the back. He stands infront of the net while his two line mates spin around and lose the puck. Whereas he gets the puck, he makes a sweet pass to Duchene about twice. He could’ve had a 2-3 point night if his line had any finish.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
Stastny’s delay of game came directly after he gave the puck away in his own zone. Part of his “bad luck” came from rushing to clear the puck after he hurried to try to atone for giving the puck away in his own zone.
Besides that, you and I are saying the same thing.
by DiD on Dec 3, 2011 5:13 PM MST up reply actions
Agree with you
I certainly wasn’t trying to say he was perfect last night, he wasn’t. And he wasn’t one of the best 7 or 8 players on the ice. I thought his line was great overall though. And he had some really nice plays.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 5:26 PM MST up reply actions
I am still confused
why no one is talking about how O’Reilly is clearly the best center on this team and it’s time to sell high with Duchene and trade him for a stud winger.
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
Because we won.
A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day.
Mile High Hockey : Where B- is different than C+
Duchene + Barrie + a 2nd for Rene Bourque
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 3:20 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah, that's a bad trade
and the last thing I want to see is Duchene in Calgary.
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
Proud GM of the PRMLB Cincinnati Reds!
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
Your meter is bourqued.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
At least add Pickard and Hishon to the trade to make it fair
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
Proud GM of the PRMLB Cincinnati Reds!
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
So… Duchene + Barrie + Pickard + Hishon + 2nd in 2012 + 1st in 2013 for Bourque and Bowmeester?
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 3, 2011 5:24 PM MST up reply actions
At the moment, O’Reilly is the best player on this team as hinted at by his team leading point totals. Listening him talk to Julie-san as the first star last night, I was reminded of a young Joe Sakic (with Forsberg’s scraggly beard). He doesn’t have Joe’s shot, but he has that understated confidence about him.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
Because Duchene has looked filthy dangerous at times in the past two games?
He aims his shots just slightly differently and he would have 2-3 goal easily
I wish he would play more with his head up. His spin moves are impressive, but he spends a chunk of that spin with his back to the rest of the ice, and often he’s unable to find anyone to pass to. He’s been trapped up against the blue line several times resulting in a turnover. I’d like to see him simplify his game, play more with the team, and stop trying to do it all himself.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
I think that will happen as he gets used to being where he is. I agree he still needs work but I’m of the opinion his play has been improving over the last few games. He and Stats may be in a long slump (if you can still call it that at this point) but they are both still young and have time to rediscover their swagger.
I guess it would depend on what winger we were getting back if a trade did end up happening
Oh.. sorry. Wrong team… Wrong sport.. Wrong level of competition… But my alma mater high school is in the 5A football state championship game. And winning as underdogs!
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
My alma mater played in the 3A game
And won!!! Always proud to be a Windsor Wizard, baby!
Whiskey tends to make me high, and sad songs make me cry. Pretty women break my heart almost every night. I run on beans and nicotine; I'm a real, live buckaroo. And my heart's not pure, my boots ain't clean, and I never tell the truth.
The Wizards have a long history of being the real deal. Saw a comment from Sonny Lubick recently that Greg Myers might have been his favorite player ever, which is interesting because Myers was an Earl Bruce recruit and Myers wasn’t especially happy when Earl got fired. But Myers, who was amazing in high school, stuck around and was great in college.
by DiD on Dec 3, 2011 7:23 PM MST up reply actions
We've definitely had some athletes over the years
I just remember how terrible the football team was when I was there. A great high school coach (and Chris Jones is a great coach, make no mistake) can make worlds of difference. It also takes great athletes, and the kids at Windsor right now are certainly that. But if the coach isn’t great, the great athletes may not go out.
Windsor has a rich athletic history, mostly in the realm of boys basketball. Hell, that’s how we became the Wizards. Wrestling has also traditionally been very good in Windsor. It was great to be able to watch the football team today, and I got a chance to watch the previous two games in person.
You move on, but I gotta say that I love my hometown, and I’ll always be a Wizard. We were always proud of our athletes that went on to college greatness (most notably Greg Myers and Nate Kvamme, whose dad was a teacher and coach at Windsor High School for many years), but we have a great community. Hopefully the members here don’t mind my taking pride in my hometown boys today. I’ll always be a Wizard.
Victory for Windsor High
Victory for corn and wine
Shout her praises ever
Spirits daunted never
Keep all standards high will be our cry
Victory for Wizards so bold
To sportsmanship we’ll ever hold
So let us fight for right
To keep our record bright
Three cheers for Windsor High
Whiskey tends to make me high, and sad songs make me cry. Pretty women break my heart almost every night. I run on beans and nicotine; I'm a real, live buckaroo. And my heart's not pure, my boots ain't clean, and I never tell the truth.
Landeskog slewfoot?
Look at the comment at the end of this very complimentary story about Landeskog. The comment isn’t from the author, looks like it’s from a St. Louis fan. Did anyone happen to hear anything about this? I was at the game so I didn’t exactly have the best view.
http://blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2011/12/03/gabriel-landeskog-is-kind-of-good-too/
I saw the comment, and I have no idea what he’s talking about. Also, the St. Louis fans I follow on twitter (St Lois Game Time, Hildy Mac, Meltyourfaceoff) never mentioned it.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 3, 2011 11:51 PM MST up reply actions
I'm sure there are some very interesting comments posted above
but I just control A’d all of you because I’m so sleep deprived reading has become near impossible. I’m in my 3rd consecutive all-nighter. Luckily, its all over tomorrow at 5, so I can sleep after watching the Wings game. Hopefully we win, but the last time I watched a game this sleepy, well, let’s just say that game doesn’t exist in my mind in more ways than one now.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
You should have shift-A’d, not control A’d. Stupid sleep deprivation
"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?
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Mile High Hockey
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
