Avalanche at Wild Recap: Here's a New One...The Avalanche Win on the Road, 4-2 over the Mild Wild
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 26, 2011 7:49 PM MST
in Avalanche Recaps
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PrintFinally. After winning eight straight games at the Pepsi Center, the Colorado Avalanche welcomed back an old trick to their repertoire: winning on the road. The Avalanche won their first road game since October 22nd, dropping the Minnesota Wild in convincing fashion 4-2. Ryan O'Reilly, Gabriel Landeskog, Jan Hejda and T.J. Galiardi scored for the Avs, and Semyon Varlamov turned aside 20 of 22 shots to extend the Avs' winning streak to 5 games.
In the preview, I noted that there was some chippy play in the last game and tonight's game started right where they left off the last time. The Avalanche recorded some solid hits on the very first shift, and Shane O'Brien ended up with an interference call just 37 seconds in for his hit on Cal Clutterbuck. Unfortunately, things turned a bit ugly a few minutes later when Cody McLeod hit Jared Spurgeon hard into the boards from behind, earning him a 5-minute major and a game misconduct and knocking Spurgeon out of the game with an apparent leg injury. Frankly, the hit looked ugly and Shanaban-worthy, although Mark Rycroft did deftly point out during the intermission that Spurgeon strangely appeared to lock up his skates as he was getting hit, greatly exacerbating the severity of the hit. True or not, I would be really surprised if Cody Mac avoids a suspension here.
In many games, that play would spark a great deal of nasty play, but, strangely, that wasn't the case here. The Wild seemed uninterested in pushing the physical stuff any further, and the Avs followed suit. There were a lot of penalties in the game, but nothing of a particularly nasty nature. Overall, there were just 27 hits in the game.
The Wild did score during McLeod's major penalty. Overall, though, the Avs penalty killers turned in another solid performance. Each team spent about 13 minutes on the power play and each team had 1 PP goal. But the Avalanche PP had 15 shots, but the Minnesota PP managed just 6. The Avs' PK continues to be a real strength...and, yes, it feels really strange to type that.
I thought this game was a really solid effort throughout for the Avs. The score was tied 2-2 entering the 3rd, but the Avs were the better team through the first 40 minutes and turned it up a notch in the 3rd period. Jan Hejda scored the winner at the 10 minute mark and T.J. Galiardi sealed it with a nice shot through traffic three minutes later. Semyon Varlamov, starting for the first time in 5 games, was solid in net. He didn't have to be spectacular, which is a testament to how strong the Avs are playing defensively as of late (again, feels weird to type that).
The Avalanche have pulled back into the playoff race with solid goaltending, good defense and excellent penalty killing. Depending on how the later games go tonight, the Avalanche could be in a position to crack the top 8 tomorrow night in Denver. Even if the chips don't fall the right way tonight, this is a different team than the one that laid an egg in western Canada three weeks ago. Man, I'm sure glad that anticipated coaching change never happened!
- Ryan O'Reilly. In game 37, O'Reilly matched his career high of 26 points
- David van der Gulik. The new dad had his first 2-point game in the NHL
- T.J. Galiardi. Two points including a big goal to seal the game for the Avs
- Landeskog, O'Reilly, Hejduk
- Duchene, Stastny, Winnik
- Malone, McClement, Galiardi
- McLeod, Porter, van der Gulik
- O'Brien, Johnson
- Hejda, O'Byrne
- Hunwick, Elliott
Kyle Quincey continues to be a healthy scratch, raising the ire of Matt Hunwick haters. I know some think Quincey is sitting because there's a deal waiting to happen once the roster freeze is over, but don't discount the fact that the Avs are winning. Maybe Sacco just doesn't want to mess with what's working? Oh, and Hunwick is playing solidly, in my opinion.
- We all know about the 8-game home winning streak. Tonight's game was also noteworthy. It's the first time an Avalanche team has had two separate 5-game winning streaks in a season since 2000-2001. Honestly, after stumbling on that stat, I had to check it twice to be sure as it really surprised me.
- van der Gulik is +4 in 5 games with the Avs
- The reported attendance was 19,290. Did they renovate the Xcel Center? I thought their capacity was about 18,000?
The Avalanche are home to play the new Jets in Denver tomorrow before facing the old Jets on Thursday.
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Great game by almost everyone
EJ had the one mistake that lead to the goal, and Gali was a little lazy on the PK in covering his man over there, but overall a good game. Varly made big saves when he needed to and he kept us in this game. I agree that Hunwick has been solid. He had some good defensive plays in this game and he is playing more physical. McLeod needs to sit, send him to the minors or trade him, I don’t care. If he gets picked up on waivers oh well, he is a liability to this team and luckily the Avs bounced back after the major and had some great penalty killing. If the Wild go up 2-0 there, it’s a completely different game and odds are, a game with a different outcome.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
Where are the fire Sacco folks?
You were active when we were down, didn’t hear much from you by the end of the game.
it’s that whole argument that it’s Sacco’s fault if we lose, but not his fault if we win… gotta love it. I’ve said a few times that maybe firing Sacco wouldn’t be a bad idea, but not with just the wins, but how he has the team playing as of late, I easily recant those statements.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:05 PM MST up reply actions
I still want Sacco fired. I won’t back away from that.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 26, 2011 8:06 PM MST up reply actions
What if we win the cup?
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:07 PM MST up reply actions
Fire Sacco
Al Arbour is a hockey coach, Joe Sacco is a traffic cone.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 26, 2011 8:10 PM MST up reply actions
Al Arbour had middling success when he didn’t have Trottier, Bossy, Billy Smith, Potvin, Gillies, and Ken Morrow. What a surprise that he was so successful when he had a handful of Hall of Famers.
Arbour is currently second in wins and games coached behind Scotty Bowman in NHL history. Many hockey publications rank Bowman as the best coach in hockey history and Arbour as number two. This ranking is not without controversy, however, and those who believe Arbour to be the best ever point to his work turning struggling teams into champions, while Bowman usually took over teams that were already championship contenders. Arbour’s team won the final playoff matchup between the two coaches in 1993.
Quoted from the Wiki link you so thoughtfully provided.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 26, 2011 9:21 PM MST up reply actions
You’re right. Keep Sacco, it’s obvious that we are winning the cup this year. Quincey agrees with you.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 26, 2011 8:12 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
You never know
But even if not, what if we make playoffs?
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:13 PM MST up reply actions
We’re already headed for the playoffs. We can get there faster if we sit Radar.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 26, 2011 8:15 PM MST up reply actions
you have confused me
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:17 PM MST up reply actions
Check your sarcasm meter. It should be registering about 9.5.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 26, 2011 8:40 PM MST up reply actions
yeah, I figured, sarcasm is harder to catch via internet
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:42 PM MST up reply actions
The Quincey thing is weird, but it seems like it’s one of those things where Quincey could play if necessary, but is being held out because: He could use the recovery time, and Hunwick is playing well so why rush it? And the Avs probably aren’t interested in calling up (and paying) a young defenseman to sit in the pressbox.
Now that’s just speculation, but if that’s the case, wouldn’t this be the exact right move? besides, if you can build up Hunwick’s trade value in return and maybe get a player as good as Colby Cohen in the process why not?
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:15 PM MST up reply actions
I firmly believe that a better coach would get more out of the talent on this team than Sacco has in the past two seasons.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 26, 2011 8:19 PM MST up reply actions
Last year… maybe. This season – they are playing really, really well. They have been good this season. Not sure why this season is being held against him.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:21 PM MST up reply actions
Who exactly do you want more out of? I can only think of 1 or 2. But 5/6 who would be stifled under other coaches
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:21 PM MST up reply actions
I respectfully disagree. This team is young. They’re still building. And they’ve really played well most of this season. I’ll keep a coach that makes a contender out of a team in the middle of a rebuild. And I firmly believe that the Avs are more of a contender this year than the standings imply.
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
The standings are the only measure of contenderiness.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
*standings so far
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
by Pyotr09AVS! on Dec 26, 2011 11:26 PM MST up reply actions
My desire to switch the man behind the bench had/has everything to do with the culture surrounding the team during his tenure. Whether that’s just the result of a young team and me casting a wide net looking for a reason other than the obvious, I don’t know.
This team has had long stretches of complacency while losing. Last year, and this year. I’ve questioned his one or two trick motivational ponies (grinders get ice time, others get doghouse, etc.), his handling of goalies at times, and some of his odd personnel choices. All of those can be explained away to an extent with the age of the team and managerial constraints, but it’s more a “sum of the parts” type argument from me.
Question for the peanut gallery: If you take umbrage with the lack of Fire Sacco chants during a winning stretch, aren’t the Fire Sacco opinion-istas obligated to renew the call as soon as the team dips? Why do we have to call each other out at all?
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Extremely true & valid point...
I agree with your statement wholeheartedly. We all root for the same team and wish to see it have a lot of success.
by quietstorm560 on Dec 27, 2011 8:23 AM MST via iPhone app up reply actions
Honestly, Sacco is lucky to have a job. The Avs should have lost. He doesn’t coach well enough and his players take stupid penalties AND the penalties are obviously due to his lack of emotion on the bench, not taking to refs, and total lack of any in-game adaptation A good coach would have won this game by AT LEAST 7 goals.
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.
I agree, he should definitely take the hammer of Thor to the refs.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:11 PM MST up reply actions
I think he’d make for a great assistant coach but not head coach.
Yup...
by AvsSqueek on Dec 27, 2011 1:37 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I’ve been back and forth on the issue all season, and in the end I’ve decided that the best opinion for me is to not have an opinion on him, if only for my own sanity.
The team is doing exactly what we thought it would. We’ve been extremely high and we’ve been extremely low. This season is a trial season to see what we want to keep and what we want to improve on. I know everyone was/is mad about management/coaching but I will attempt to reserve judgement till the start of next season. We can only speculate on the outside and all I can hope is that Sakic and the Accountant know what they are doing.
On a side note, fuck the Mild
Probably just waiting for us to lose again.
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 26, 2011 9:28 PM MST up reply actions
I like Sacco
So I don’t know if I’m a “fire Sacco” guy, but I am very surprised he’s still here. I hope Joe Sacco coaches the Avs forever, as that would mean that he was a resounding success. That being said, I’m amazed that he’s still the coach of this team, and the game a few weeks back (Pittsburgh, maybe?) where they got destroyed in the 3rd period I thought was a fireable one, given the context of where it fell.
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.
Or maybe they realized that maybe, just maybe… Sacco just isn’t going to get fired? We were a few points up on Columbus a few weeks ago… so theirs no point harping on that.
Sacco won’t get fired, and I pray to the gods he isn’t resigned and we go with a coach with a better track record than him.
Is that guy currently on the market? I don’t know, but for once we need to actually address this stupid need to hire from within.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
No. I’m talking about the one in particular who was flapping his lips earlier in the game. He has a habit of disappearing when they’re winning.
I’m sorry that I can’t always be here to keep my “lips flapping” has I have a bad habit of actually going to some of the games, and unfortunately I don’t have unlimited smart phone data nonsense nor the time while attending the games to keep up with an in-game thread. Some of us lead lives outside of MHH, I know it’s difficult for someone as cranky as you to realize this, but I assure you it’ll be okay—we’ll take care of your lawn real good for you.
by quietstorm560 on Dec 26, 2011 11:41 PM MST up reply actions
This is bad English.
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 26, 2011 11:45 PM MST up reply actions
How so? Please let me know so I can clarify and/or correct anything that you’re struggling to comprehend.
by quietstorm560 on Dec 27, 2011 12:15 AM MST up reply actions
Quietstorm goes to games
His smart phone can not
Be bothered by you
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 11:51 PM MST up reply actions
i have failed at the 'ku
too tired
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 27, 2011 12:21 AM MST up reply actions
even though I didn’t watch this game (early), I’ve been seeing the team play exactly how I’ve wished in this last stretch. We’re winning puck battles, putting people in front of the net, shooting more and looking for rebounds, passing east-west, and finding good line combinations and sticking with them. There’s more, but basically we’re playing pretty well. I’m not sure what Sacco did, or even how much he contributed to this turn-around, but I like what’s on the ice right now. I’m also still not convinced Sacco is the right man to coach next year. Right now I’m in a wait-and-see mode.
"Put stick on ice, put puck in net"
by HeyPeterman on Dec 26, 2011 11:10 PM MST up reply actions
See, I see the team playing pretty much they have all season; it’s just that now, they’re winning the games instead of coming up against goalies who are having Vezina worthy games and teams that are having bounces go their way.
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 27, 2011 10:55 AM MST up reply actions
I fully agree with this, with the addition that the Avs are riding some seriously hot goaltenders of their own right now. The team doesn’t impress me much on offense, but giving up 2, 1, 2, 2, and 1 goal over the last five games will make you think the team is doing something right.
If that’s Sacco’s doing to make the goalies great, awesome. But I hold reservations. I worry the Avs are in a situation like the Stars were to start the season.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
I think it’s an indication that the rebuild is on track. The offense will be the focus this off-season. If they can continue to flourish defensively, then adding in the missing offensive pieces this summer will put the team right where they should be.
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 27, 2011 1:00 PM MST up reply actions
Sorry…went out for buffalo wings…glad to see my Altijinx worked well though…
If I keep calliing for it and they keep winning, I’m happy with the results…
by quietstorm560 on Dec 26, 2011 11:32 PM MST up reply actions
Glad you remembered me during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season DiD…
Santa gave you that Avalanche stocking cap I sent to the North Pole for you, right?
by quietstorm560 on Dec 26, 2011 11:37 PM MST up reply actions
Keep in mind that the OP is Dan Winkler. I am contractually bound to disagree with everything he says. Especially when he says it with a seemingly smug sense of self righteousness.
Andyray ArlyleCay
VDG is a small guy, but he plays hard and is a very smart player, was getting top 6 minutes by games end. His hard work led to 2 goals.
O’Reilly is a beast.
Hunwick, on a late game PP, took the puck into the Mild zone, skated behind the net- didn’t pass, didn’t shoot, lost the puck. He sucks, put the Q back on the ice.
Landy with a clutch goal, hard work and quick hands.
Varly!
Hunwick had a solid game
If one turnover is justification for taking him out, then Quincey should replace every player on the ice. He played real solid defensively for us. We keep winning and I see no reason to replace him until we lose or until he has a horrible game. One turnover is not justification for the hard work he has given to us in this stretch.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:07 PM MST up reply actions
The justification for putting Quincey in is Quincey has been our best and top scoring D much of the season. Hunwick will never score a goal as an Av (Backstrom proved that tonight). You wouldnt hold Pronger out because Andres Lilja had a few not awful
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:14 PM MST up reply actions
alright, so that comparison is a little extreme to say the least. Pronger is an all-star shut down defenseman, Quincey has put up good numbers through about 30ish games give or take. It sucks to lose position due to injury, but Hunwick is playing well. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:16 PM MST up reply actions
Hunwick is playingwellok
He’s still matt hunwick
He’s 100% less effective on the PP
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:20 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
He has averaged 1:30 PPTOI in his 9 games. You’re comparing him to last year’s Hunwick which is an unfair comparison. He has worked his way back into this line up with solid play. So he doesn’t have a power play point, ok. The majority of his time isn’t on the power play and our power play hasn’t particularly been the Avalanche’s weak point.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:25 PM MST up reply actions
I’m just saying that IF Quincey is 100% truly. I hope they arent keeping Hunwick in for pure momentum. I can’t think of one thing Hunwick does better than Quincey. It’s silly to keep him in unless Quincey is still hurt
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:27 PM MST up reply actions
Help the team win 5 in a row, that’s one thing. It does sound silly but have you ever known a hockey player to be non-superstiscious?
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:28 PM MST up reply actions
JS Giguere, Ryan O’Reilly, TJ Galiardi, Jay McClement, Erik Johnson Dan Winnik, and Gabriel Landeskog have helped the Avs win 5 in a row. With nods to Duchene, Stastny and Hejda (who has been MUCH better of late) and VDG
Hunwick has been a neither good nor bad placeholder, like Brad Malone 70% of the time or Evan Brophey. He’s a warm body. Quincey makes a difference and makes this team stronger and more dangerous from the blue line. So yes, I think doing it for superstition is silly
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:32 PM MST up reply actions
you win as a team and you lose as a team. Hunwick’s solid defensive play has contributed, albeit not directly on the scoreboard.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:39 PM MST up reply actions
Agree to disagree i guess. But in my mind Quincey will always be >>>>>>>>>>> Hunwick, no matter what momentum there is.
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:40 PM MST up reply actions
agree to disagree good sir.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:41 PM MST up reply actions
You sir are a gentlemen and a scholar
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:42 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Fight! Fight! Fight!
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
ahahahahaha, that just made my night
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:45 PM MST up reply actions
I agree with this. If they are keeping Quincey out for “we are doing well why change things” purposes, that’s superstition and I disagree with it.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:28 PM MST up reply actions
it’s part superstition and part recognizing that these 20 players are playing well as a unit, and you want to keep them together as a unit.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:33 PM MST up reply actions
Avs have had some luck over this winning streak. I’ll more than take it with some of the bad luck theyve gotten, but not recognizing it is somehwat of a mistake.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:41 PM MST up reply actions
oh they have definitely had “luck”, but I also recognize that it’s not just all luck.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:42 PM MST up reply actions
Again, as said above, what if Quincey could play but Sacco’s giving him more recovery time because he’s not quite 100%.
I know the Avs say he is 100%, and NHL teams never ever lie about their teams upper and lower body injuries.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:16 PM MST up reply actions
Its the comments from Chambers and Dater that Quincey is frustrated that he’s being held out that make me feel this way. If he wants to go, play him
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:19 PM MST up reply actions
Maybe he is like 95% and could easily go, like many hockey players do, but they are being overly cautious because Wilson is out for forever.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:21 PM MST up reply actions
we’ll see…. I’ll give him benefit of the doubt a few more days I suppose
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:22 PM MST up reply actions
Quincey nearly had his career ended due to shoulder surgery last season… not the worst idea to slow down recovery.
Again, I am in pure speculation mode, but there’s plenty of reasons he could be held out that is good coaching (that wouldn’t be apparent to an observer)
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:22 PM MST up reply actions
fair enough
ill give it time
what makes you say the injury was nearly career ending? Just curious
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:23 PM MST up reply actions
There was an article before the season where he talked about possibly having nerve damage and it almost ended his career. I remember it, but don’t expect me to find it.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:24 PM MST up reply actions
No thats fine. Interesting I think I missed that one. That makes me even more grateful to have BMF back this season. I’m just antsy to have him back in the lineup
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:26 PM MST up reply actions
ME too, love me some Quincey, but I can’t imagine them leaving him out of the lineup for a good reason. Rather have him 100% in MArch April than getting hurt again in December
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:27 PM MST up reply actions
As long as its not a doghouse situation then great. He is so important for us, and I really think we’re missing him on that 2nd PP unit
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:33 PM MST up reply actions
Yes, he also couldn’t even lift a two-pound dumbbell. I had it in some Cupcakes… I’ll look for it.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 7:50 AM MST up reply actions
Just over a year ago, that simplest of celebrations wouldn’t have been possible. Quincey took a hit that dislocated his left shoulder so severely, it stretched a nerve running just under his armpit to the point where he lost sensation and range of motion.
Doctors were fearful Quincey might never regain feeling again.
For weeks, his shoulder basically dangled at his side as the nerve attempted to heal. For weeks, Quincey hoped for the best yet braced for the worst — his career just might be over.
“It was a little bleak there for a week or so,” the 26-year-old Quincey said. “The doctor said the retirement word a couple of times and that was scary.”
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 7:51 AM MST up reply actions
By best, I hope you mean best at scoring…
He’s horrid among the boards, get’s outmuscled way too often for some reason… he looked fine early on in the season, but as the season progressed, he seemed to really get pushed around easily by forwards.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
That’s just the most glaring example of his uselessness. It’s not the turnover, it was the complete inability to generate any offense on a speed rush. He has wheels but not hockey skills.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 26, 2011 8:14 PM MST up reply actions
yes
because a DEFENSEman’s job is to create OFFENSE
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:16 PM MST up reply actions
Hunwick won’t keep his job if he only plays defense.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 26, 2011 8:18 PM MST up reply actions
he will if he played as well as he has lately
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:19 PM MST up reply actions
And that makes me sad.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 26, 2011 8:22 PM MST up reply actions
AND
even more willing to fire Sacco.
Keep shuffling the lines, that will fix it.
by Tony Trujillo on Dec 26, 2011 8:23 PM MST up reply actions
Aren’t you happy we’ve won 5 games in a row with this motley, floor-humping, young, underperforming team? I am.
by DiD on Dec 26, 2011 8:45 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
An offensive defenseman, on a PP, is expected to create offense, that is correct.
Varly!
by niwotsblessing on Dec 26, 2011 8:18 PM MST up reply actions
With an offense like ours
you’re god damn right offense needs to be in a defenseman’s repertoire if he isn’t very good at defense.
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 26, 2011 9:06 PM MST up reply actions
Hunwick has made his trade in the NHL by contributing to offense. Suddenly being a defense-first guy might not be the best career move for him.
The reality is that he’s seeing minutes with a PP unit that he hasn’t been with all season and there could be some chemistry issues there, who knows.
Also, taking a puck deep on a PP is decent play, if that’s the only play you have. Better that than an ill-advised shot off a leg pad or boards that bounces back out to start a rush the other way…
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I have the feeling that he’s going to change his game to become Brett Clark 2.0
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 27, 2011 9:23 AM MST up reply actions
Brett Clark is a goalie with substandard skating skills at this point of his career though.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Yes, but he’s made it into his 30’s in the NHL.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 27, 2011 9:41 AM MST up reply actions
and, I can’t stress this enough, Hunwick was the worst player in the NHL last year.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 27, 2011 9:42 AM MST up reply actions
LEBDA
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
by SteveHouse on Dec 27, 2011 9:43 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
I respectfully disagree.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 27, 2011 10:01 AM MST up reply actions
Don’t make me turn the car around, kids.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 10:11 AM MST up reply actions
__
Nice win by the Avs. I’m glad that I chose to watch this game instead of the Caps. Also nice to see Varly get a win on the road. Hopefully it gives him some confidence.
by vtcapsfan99 on Dec 26, 2011 8:19 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
I’ve been Varly’s biggest critic here (note: I don’t hate him. Sometimes criticism gets mistaken for that). He played well tonight. I’m more than happy about it.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:20 PM MST up reply actions
I know, your negative Varly tweets make me sad. I’m glad that he had a good performance tonight and you commented on it. It seems only fair to comment on the good along with the bad. I just made the mistake of reading the comments on the DP blog post about Varly starting. Lots of crazy comments on there, like saying Varly couldn’t mentally handle being the #1 with the Caps or Avs. No mention of his injuries being the real reason he lost the #1 job. Varly has been very inconsistent this season. I hope he’s on a good run again.
Giggy is playing amazing lately, the Avs are very fortunate to have him. He seems like a great leader as well. Contrast that with Vokoun, who has said negative things about the team and their play, although he will also admit to playing bad. He gives some killer stink eyes to other players after goals. He doesn’t seem like a good leader or mentally steady this season, I really notice it in contrast to Giggy.
I think even Craig Anderson could win behind this defense
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 26, 2011 8:39 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
or Brian Eliot
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:40 PM MST up reply actions
Absolutely. I think he’ll be better, his career suggests it. And tonight he was. I want him to be great, Avs gave up a lot for him.
Hope him and Giggy continue to play well.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 8:40 PM MST up reply actions
I think Giggy is a great role model for Varly to go off of. Varly knows he will eventually be our #1 goalie, so instead can just take time to learn from one of the best.
Gotta wonder if the language barrier hurts Varly communicating with the defense though
eh, his english seems very solid
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:44 PM MST up reply actions
It is getting there true, just curious how much it could affect it.
never played with someone with English as the second language so I’m curious since communication is so huge between goalies and Defenders
Honestly, I think at this level the guys are used to it. He isn’t the first guy on the team that doesn’t have English as a first language. Hell, from what Dater has said Hejduk could barely speak English when he first got on the team. And he did just fine his rookie season.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 7:55 AM MST up reply actions
Grasp on the language is different then actually using the language. I remember being in Morocco and being asked by a man,
“Hey American, you wanna get your cheese stick greased?”
When I said “What?”, He replied with, “You know the bango bango, coochie, coochie.”
In unison: "Wonder twin powers Activate!" Varly: "Form of Goal"; Giggy: "Shape of Tending."
Where do they teach you to talk like this? In some Panama City “Sailor wanna hump-hump” bar, or is it getaway day and your last shot at his whiskey? Sell crazy someplace else, we’re all stocked up here.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Just saying knowing words and using them properly are two completely different skill sets.
I think too many of us forget Varly is only 23, his athleticism is superior to Giggy’s but Giggy has the experience. I think Varly will be fine as he watches and learns and is exposed more to the game and the players.
As for where people learn to talk like that, I blame Baywatch syndication and Charo.
In unison: "Wonder twin powers Activate!" Varly: "Form of Goal"; Giggy: "Shape of Tending."
Gotta wonder if the language barrier hurts Varly communicating with the defense though
I wonder about this all the time. Rather, I wonder what the hell is difference between Giguere and Varly’s communication with the defense that leads to so much chaos when Varly is in net.
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 26, 2011 9:09 PM MST up reply actions
I’d guess it’s not communication but rather a stylistic difference. Varly’s unpredictability vs Jiggy’s consistency may make the D not know what is going to happen next, hence the chaos. Just a guess though.
"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?
Well
I see in a lot of situations the goalies do the same things but the results are different. It’s obvious Giguere is just flat out a better puckhandler than Varly is but is that really all there is to it?
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 26, 2011 9:51 PM MST up reply actions
I’m not sure. I’ve been trying to watch for this but I haven’t really come to any other conclusions than the one above. I don’t really DVR the games and go back and study these things, because I have, you know, a life, but if I did maybe something would jump out at me. Maybe Mike can shed some light (or at least his perspective as a goalie) on this.
"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 don’t really DVR the games and go back and study these things, because I have, you know, a life
:(
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 26, 2011 9:58 PM MST up reply actions
Ok, so maybe not much of a life, but re watching games is not something my ADD can readily handle.
"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?
Yeah
I usually do it in the middle of the night when specific portions of the game are tugging at me and I want to re-check something. With my roommate still out of town I was able to do it during the game and re-watch all of our PKs and caught back up on the commercial breaks. That was nice.
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 26, 2011 10:04 PM MST up reply actions
what the hell is difference between Giguere and Varly’s communication with the defense that leads to so much chaos when Varly is in net.
"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?
Giggy rolls his R’s and Varly tends to pronounce his V’s as W’s. You wouldn’t think it was a big deal, but it’s surprisingly confusing.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Is rolling of the R’s that big of a deal? I can teach Varly how it’s done…
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 12:35 PM MST up reply actions
I would give Giguere the nod in positioning as well. Varly will learn that more as he gains more ice time. His save % is climbing and is getting back to his career average.
In unison: "Wonder twin powers Activate!" Varly: "Form of Goal"; Giggy: "Shape of Tending."
I’d give him much more than a nod.
The view from my completely amateur seat on the couch tells me Giguere is in almost total control in the crease for the first save, then the rebound, then the scrum. His weakness is side-to-side reaction. Meanwhile, Varly makes the first save, then reacts like a cat to yarn for the second, assuming he doesn’t slide completely out of the crease during the first save.
Varly seems better in shootouts because he can focus on the shooter and one shot and has the reactions to shut it down. Giguere is better in traffic because he’s big and takes away most of the net. The good part is you can learn positioning. Not really so much with reaction time.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
My seat is amateur as well, I think we are in agreement on the differences in their styles. I am just wondering how much of it is due to age and the decline of quick reaction side to side movement vs young kid with better mobility. I often think we see the difference between cocky (Varly) and confident (Giggy). Basically we have Luke Skywalker or Han Solo able to go in net for us. I have loved Giggy for a long time being a Ducks fan until the year after they won the Cup. And being an older goal keeper (in soccer mind you) I love thinking of him as a smart, cantankerous old man. I am hoping i soon hear him say in an interview ; “Age and treachery will always over youth and enthusiasm”
In unison: "Wonder twin powers Activate!" Varly: "Form of Goal"; Giggy: "Shape of Tending."
If I was Vokoun and I had to deal with some of the shit that is being thrown at me on and off the ice in Washington, I’d totally call the team and management out on it. He’s an elite goalie. Has been his entire career. Can you say the same thing for the group of defensemen in front of him? Are you seeing a lot of stellar two-way play by the Caps? I sure as shit haven’t this season. He’s had his stinkers of games though and he’s owned up to them. He’s a veteran player and if he says something negative about the team, I doubt it’s for selfish reasons. More likely it’s the truth.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Man, how pissed do you think he is right now. Between how they are doing and this summer. Not the most stellar six months in his life.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 8:33 AM MST up reply actions
You might say that they’ve been less than outstanding.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Anyone see the hit on OV by Regehr last night? Literally picked Ovetchkin up (230+ pounds) and pressed him to the boards. Wobbled him too. All legal. It was beautiful.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 27, 2011 12:24 PM MST up reply actions
I’m STILL bitter about the trade that sent Regehr to CGY.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
I’m one of them.
"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 hope it was obvious I was adding myself to that list?
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 2:38 PM MST up reply actions
Not much different than the Avs though.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 12:32 PM MST up reply actions
love that .gif
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:46 PM MST up reply actions
orearry?
I’m glad that I chose to watch this game instead of the Caps
/waits for “vtavsfan99” to join MHH
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 26, 2011 9:26 PM MST up reply actions
That was a pretty fun game to be at...
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 7:57 AM MST up reply actions
With all these not-so-outstanding records we’re breaking, I feel like we’ve never had a good team here…
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
I know. wierd
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 26, 2011 8:35 PM MST up reply actions
FYI
According the brain trust at Ockey Wilderness, the only reason the Avs won is becau Spurgeon was out. Had he been in, his combination of Lidstrom/Chara skills would have stopped all 4 Avs’ goals.
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.
nice
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 26, 2011 8:34 PM MST up reply actions
Obviously that’s delusional, but that hit hurt them a lot. Spurgeon had been playing top pairing minutes and was doing very well. Not dissimilar to us losing Wilson – in more ways than one.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
true
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:50 PM MST up reply actions
Except the injury was a knee, and his skate digging into a rut contributed to the knee injury and his face splattering into the low glass. That not withstanding, it was a stupid play by McLeod. I’m guessing nachos after his suspension.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 26, 2011 8:50 PM MST up reply actions
Can you blame McLeod much? Thats his job. It’d be nachos if he doesnt finish his check too
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:51 PM MST up reply actions
He had both hands on the guys numbers 5 feet from the glass and didn’t let up. No, if he makes the smart play and keeps the team out of a 5 minute major, he keeps playing.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 26, 2011 8:55 PM MST up reply actions
What’s the smart play? Don’t hit the guy and give the other team a free shot at possession? Pretty sure coach ain’t gonna like to see that and McLeod gets yelled at if he doesn’t hit the guy there. I think the hand on the back and almost looking like a push is what is going to get him extra games there though.
"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?
Even the Wild announcer said “It’s not that bad”.
"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?
exactly…… at some point the players on the receiving end have to own up to the fact that they are intentionally putting themselves square to the boards, knowing a hits coming. The only thing I could see McCleod doing differently is to either avoid the hit altogether, in which case people would be ripping him, or b) try to alter the angle, which is exactly what Spurgeon would’ve wanted him to do.
I actually think he did try to alter the angle, slightly, while still hitting him. Didn’t work out that way, and I could be wrong, but at least in slo mo it looks like he was angling off to Spurgeon’s side.
"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 saw a pic when I was getting the Cupcakes together
It looked kinda like what you were saying. 
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 8:00 AM MST up reply actions
Nice find.
"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?
Cody looks like he’s already doing the sad Charlie Brown walk.
No problem. When you said it, it kinda clicked in my head that I saw that before.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 12:34 PM MST up reply actions
Looked to me like he was trying to let up, he had his skates turned sideways and was slowing down leading into the hit. Guy has to protect himself better in that situation but he couldn’t because he toe picked.
It was a perfect storm of a stupid, dirty hit and a toe pick to make it look worse. It’s suspension worthy.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I agree, it wasn’t as dirty as I thought it was last night, probably 2 or 3.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 27, 2011 9:42 AM MST up reply actions
Shanalogic
If the injury is to the knee after a hit to the back into the boards, then eight game suspension.
If Spurgeon was out indefinitely with a concussion, then precedent says no penalty and no suspension, and free goals for the offending team.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
the biggest difference being, McLeod will get slapped silly by the banhammer while Lapierre walks free
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:51 PM MST up reply actions
because of the injury, and the two past boardings on wild players that have not drawn suspensions, i think he will
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 11:17 PM MST up reply actions
Still pissed about that one.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 8:01 AM MST up reply actions
Just throwing it out there….. Sometimes I really miss Chuck Kobasew on the PK. Guy was solid. But VDG and the reborn Galiardicus are helping me forget
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:35 PM MST reply actions
You know, he really was solid but to be honest, before you mentioned him, I had completely forgotten about him. Hmmmmm
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:36 PM MST up reply actions
I’d take him over Malone or McLeod any night though. Provides a little extra depth
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:37 PM MST up reply actions
not to mention
rare veteran leadership, heh. McLeod need’s replaced. I’d almost have Hunwick as forward (which was pretty bad) than him there.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:38 PM MST up reply actions
Cody Mac has been better of late. And I’ll admit I was scared tonight with him out and Gillies in on the other side…. but yeah, he’s nearing his end i think
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:39 PM MST up reply actions
he’d be so much better if after every good thing he did, he didn’t do something completely fucking stupid.
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:40 PM MST up reply actions
If by better you mean a gift goal and another gift goal? Sure…he still takes terrible penalties, and provides little else. I think Kobasew is a better all around player, and provides more…everything
Goalie coach? We don't need no stinking goalie coach!
I agree 100%
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 27, 2011 10:28 AM MST up reply actions
Not sure what’s up with the Malone hate. He’s been playing well, filling his role, especially as a rookie only a month into his NHL career. He started out pretty invisible – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – but he’s brought on a lot of hustle of late, making that
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 27, 2011 11:09 AM MST up reply actions
(weird computer fail)
…making that fourth line a solid pest line.
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 27, 2011 11:09 AM MST up reply actions
Someone wake DDC
He’s got some fixin’ to do.
Ryan O’Reilly, Gabriel Landeskog, Jan Hejda and T.J. Galiardi scored for the Wild
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
how the fuck…?
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 26, 2011 8:40 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
RWD becoming HWD?
Hockey Wilderness Dave?
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:41 PM MST up reply actions 4 recs
ahahaha
That's nobody's business but the Turks
by ProfessorOak on Dec 26, 2011 8:43 PM MST up reply actions
how the fuck…?
You have kids, surely you know…
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I’m not going there.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 8:40 AM MST up reply actions
Don’t look now.. but Chris Stewart passed Jay McClement in the goal scoring race with an empty netter. FUCK YOU SHERMAN
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 8:48 PM MST reply actions
You mean the player that is supposed to be a top 6 power forward is barely ahead of the Avs’ bottom 6 center?
I can deal with that if Johnson is playing well.
by JackAvsFan on Dec 26, 2011 8:58 PM MST up reply actions 3 recs
Check meter.
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.
It’s an absolute joke… Silent Jay needs to fucking pick up his game god damnit.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
what a square peg. clearly has no place on this team
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 11:18 PM MST up reply actions
Question: What’s a good Wild blog where I can get the perspective on the game from the other side? Usually just hit up the one on SBN, but obviously that isn’t always an option.
"Colin Campbell doesn’t have the balls to eject Semin." -StiflersMom
Wild Puck banter is excellent, but not a game by game basis. Most of the blogs I liked from a few years back are defunct now.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 9:00 PM MST up reply actions
Like Jibblescribbits?
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.
by c6hor8 on Dec 26, 2011 9:01 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
Totally unfair
he posts way more often than me. Give him some credit.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 9:01 PM MST up reply actions
Blake Benzel and Wild Nation does a good job covering the Wild as a blogger.
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.
Nashville and Dallas both lost tonight. Avs could conceivably be in tie for 7th after tomorrow.
or, as low as 12th
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Dec 26, 2011 8:57 PM MST reply actions
Tied for 7th in total points maybe, but their ROW tiebreaker against the Stars will keep them down. Dallas also has 2 games in hand.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 26, 2011 8:59 PM MST up reply actions
That’s “Ms. Downer” to you.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 26, 2011 9:29 PM MST up reply actions
To think that you’re single after all these years – and with such inherent charm, too.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
The title “Ms.” provides no indication as to my marital status. If you must know, I am married to Mr. Donald Downer, and after I took a phenobarbital we evidently conceived our little Danny.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 26, 2011 10:01 PM MST up reply actions
My few points
1) I understand what Rycroft was saying, unfortunately, accident or not, Highlander made contact with his guy in the back and he went head first in the boards. I think it would be justified to be a suspension. I know if it was Cluttersuck that hit Elliot like that I would want a suspension.
2) Duchene and Radar seem to be switching roles a bit. Duchene defensive skill has gotten a lot better. Radar is a scoring machine. I am really wanting Duchene to blow up on the scoring sheet. I feel that he is getting closer.
3) Van Der Gulik has played 11 games for the Avs and have 6 points. I really want him to stay up with the Avs. Very effective player. Smart. Never a liability. Better then Yip, Poter, Kobasew, Highlander in my opinion.
4) Quincy is 5th on the team in scoring and has been playing really tough. I hope this is not one of those the team is winning so lets not change things up. I am really intrigued on what is really going on here. Hunwick is playing well but not as good as Quincy on an average day.
5) Radar is a stud. and I love beating the Wild. Can’t wait until we cut four of those games a year.
Oh, and one more thing
I got a Roku today and I think the thing blows. Thanks for understanding.
What the h is a Roku?
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.
It’s a little box that allows streaming of video content, primarily Netflix.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Ah. I prefer streaming video content of little boxes myself.
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.
I got one too…
It’s called a fucking PS3, Dan.
Get with the times.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
I’ve got one of those but I wanted the Roku to stream Amazon stuff. But I got it today and it’s sure not worth it at all.
Wow
The Hockey Wilderness recap has so much anger and bitterness towards the stats community you’d think it was an MHH recap from two years ago.
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+
Noticed that, too. He is not just butthurt, he’s I Ate Two Huge Bags of Flaming Hot Cheetos and My A-Hole is Killing Me hurt.
by DiD on Dec 26, 2011 9:16 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
/biting my tongue really really hard not to make a comment about BRey
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 9:18 PM MST up reply actions
I mean
I totally get the frustration that comes from your team winning a lot of games in flukey ways and you just don’t want to listen to wave after wave of angry nerds waving their calculators back and forth with such vigor their hands catch on fire but you’re only going to draw more mocking when you’re the same fucking guy who takes absurd moralistic stances about right and wrong and spent an entire season two years ago crying about how bad the Avalanche were and now faced with the same situation stand on the complete opposite end of the spectrum and act a fool.
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 26, 2011 9:21 PM MST up reply actions 8 recs
Rec'd
and not just for the Faulknerian sentence.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Dec 26, 2011 9:22 PM MST up reply actions
It was a dark and stormy night…
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 26, 2011 9:31 PM MST up reply actions
i love you
you should be here more
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 11:19 PM MST up reply actions
Fiery shit that’s funny.
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
by SteveHouse on Dec 27, 2011 8:34 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
This was pretty funny to me at least though.
Not sure how the stat folks are going to get any usable information out of this. You know, since only the game played at even strength and tied matters.
"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?
You know what the Wild's slump reminds me of?
Our meltdown last year, although I’m kinda hoping they limp along enough to end up at about #19 overall, which means no playoffs and a non-top 10 pick.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Not nearly that dramatic
They’ve had some injuries to their top offensive guys and on an offensively challenged team that’s going to hurt. They still have great goaltending, though, something the Avs…uhh…didn’t get. You actually look at the games they’ve lost and it hasn’t been nearly as bad as some people want to pretend. I’m sure it’s frustrating, of course, but it isn’t this helpless omg WTF OUR SEASON WHHHHHYYYYYY kind of streak. Of the 7 losses they’ve had in a row, only 1 stands out as a bad loss. Losing at home to the Islanders is really bleh but they managed to get a point out of that one. The Edmonton loss is ugly because the Oilers have been struggling a ton lately but funny things can happen when you walk into a young team’s arena and let them feed off the energy. The rest of the losses are pretty reasonable. Vancouver, Colorado, Chicago are all playing good hockey, Winnipeg is a tough matchup in Winnipeg, and Calgary on the road on the second night of a back-to-back is understandable. It sucks for them but it isn’t like their losing streak is happening against bad teams.
That said…they better right the ship in a hurry because their schedule after this week gets real tough real quick.
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 27, 2011 1:37 AM MST up reply actions
Yeah, but you still are looking at injuries to a team with gaping holes in their line-up that, against all Corsi, was winning a lot of games.
Regression happens.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 27, 2011 12:34 PM MST up reply actions
One game over .500!
Huzzah.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
19 wins 18 losses.
One game
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
To me, OTL is still a loss, just an incrementally less offensive one.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
It’s window dressing to make your stats look better.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 26, 2011 11:07 PM MST up reply actions
Somebody has to keep you down.
Away, peasant!
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Help Help I’m being repressed!
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
10 Thoughts.
1. I love O’Reilly. He deserves to be our All-Star representative. I just ordered my #37 lettering kit today.
2. The Hunwick/Quincey situation concerns me. Why is our #3 defenseman sitting?
3. Sacco still probably isn’t the right guy moving forward but does deserve some credit for where we are right now.
4. I love the Varly/Giggy tandem. It’s probably the best two-goalie tandem this team has ever had.
5. We still need a goalie coach though unless a certain #33 is coming back to coach for us next year.
6. Duchene looks good on the point. He’s been good on D as well. Now all he needs is a Sakic-esque shot and we’ll be set.
7. It’s good to see the real Galiardi back.
8. I don’t think Cody Mac’s hit was that bad, nor was it his fault. He’ll still probably sit 2-4 games though.
9. Clutterbuck may have a fun name and a nice mustache, but I still despise the Wild. At least tonight’s game was easier to watch than the last.
10. 5 games in a row. That’s actually pretty good. Think we can keep it going? Dare I say… playoffs?
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
#3? Q is #2 who else would you put ahead of him?
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 11:39 PM MST up reply actions
Please don't say O'Brien.
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 26, 2011 11:46 PM MST up reply actions
O Byrne.
But not because he’s been horrible… his name just sticks out for some reason… not really sure why though, he had a rough 3 games when we lost and that game against San Jose was not his best at all.
Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.
Defense nerd talk time :D
Doing some thinking about this and replying to this sub-thread in general, not specifically to you amit, but I think it’s a pretty interesting conversation. I think I would put our D so far this season like this:
-Wilson
-EJ
-Quincey
-Hejda
-O’Brien
-O’Byrne
-Elliott
-Hunwick
The pretty amazing part is I don’t think any of those guys have had a bad year so far.
Before the injury, Wilson was one of the leading scorers of the team and was on pace for nearly a 40 point season while also being our most physical, tone-setting D. Muzia may not be able to stand him but I can’t really see any debate where Wilson was not our best D before the injury.
EJ has really struggled with the puck but some of the work he does nearly every game on defense is simply immaculate. While I think EJ SHOULD be a true #1 D capable of scoring 40 points and being a shutdown D, I think he’s a lot closer to the shutdown role than he scoring 40. Barring injury, he ought to come close to 30 and if he continues to play the way he has recently on defense I honestly wouldn’t care if he scored a single point the rest of the year. He’s really turned his game up and even when he was bad, I thought he consistently found ways to contribute. The PP never would have gotten to the lofty goal it did without EJ.
Quincey has just been rock solid on offense or defense. Nothing spectacular and I can’t remember any stretches where he was terrible, either. Exactly what I wanted from him. Some offense, consistent defense and the occasional bit of nastiness. BAAALLLLLIIINNNNN.
Hejda was billed as a strict defense-first, no screwing around with that dang puck physical kind of guy. Obviously that’s not quite the case as he has produced meaningful offense, with 1 GWG, one icing on the cake goal, and 1 GTG (his other goal came in the 6-1 lolfest against the Devils) and his defense on Ovechkin was hottttt. His play has been uneven but I find him contributing a lot more good than bad.
O’Brien…sigh. I’m most likely his biggest detractor. He does a lot of things really well and I love his physical, U STFU OR I EAT URFACE kind of play style. It’s awesome having that attitude on your blue line. He does an awful lot of dumb shit, though, especially with the puck. He rolls up the ice like he’s Sandis Ozolinsh and tries to deke dudes at the line and dump the puck in. I dislike dump-and-chase as much as the next guy but when the alternative is freaking Shane O’Brien acting like Bobby Orr…uhh, I’ll take dump-and-chase. He takes the occasional dumb penalty but so far it hasn’t been nearly as bad as I expected. He was tailor made to be an Av, though, because he has major struggles on goalie-defender exchanges (regardless of the goalie) and clearing the puck can be a real frustration. More good than bad but his mistakes are usually the kind of game-changing shit that costs games. At least he’s hot, I guess?
O’Byrne I feel about about putting down this low because he really hasn’t been bad. He just hasn’t provided the kind of upside the guys above him do and he’s found a very nice home in Colorado as an 18 minutes per game guy who doesn’t make many mistakes but doesn’t do much of anything that makes you remember he exists, save that bad ass hit on Chara in Boston because that rooooooooocked. He’s a lock to either pass the puck along the boards or take a weak wrister on net when he gets the puck on the blue line but he typically makes good decisions and has found chemistry no matter the partner this season. I don’t feel strongly one way or the other about him.
Elliott I only put this low because he’s still only appeared in 15 games but everyone knows what kind of potential he has. He’s turned into the go-to man on the PP and his passing, creativity, and filthy wrister are going to allow him to carve out a long, productive career in the NHL. His defense is still pretty shaky and hitting people is always going to be an “overcome your fear!” kind of experience with him but at least he’s good with his stick (hawhaw).
Hunwick hasn’t been bad by any stretch of the imagination but for the same reason as Elliott (playing time), he’s defaulted to the bottom of the list. He has to be below Elliott because his offensive contributions haven’t been nearly as impactful (1 point in 9 games, heh) and his defense hasn’t been light years ahead of Elliott’s.
Overall, I’ve been ultra pleased with the development of our defense this season. They’ve gotten much better as the season has gone on and really settled into a groove. Only time will tell if these guys are playing over their heads (I think so but not by much at all) but there is absolutely no doubt this group is worlds better than the one we had in here last year.
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 27, 2011 12:38 AM MST up reply actions 5 recs
I miss Wilson :(
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Hell yeah, me too.
I really hate that his career year was probably ended on a cheap play by a douchebag and there was zero punishment for it. I hate that he was developing into a legit Top 4 and now has multiple concussions on his track record and a guy who played the game the right way may never be the same again. I hate that a guy who was about to make some serious money as a result of his hard work might have to take some bullshit 1 year deal worth $1 million with his livelihood in question every time he hits someone. It’s just really, really shitty to see such a good guy who is easy to root for get screwed over so hard.
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 27, 2011 12:56 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Add in his personal story, and you just can’t help but cheer for the guy. It seemed like finally it was all starting to come together, then he’s literally blindsided. It SUCKS when bad things happen to good players that wear their heart on their sleeve the way Wilson does. I just hope that eventually he (and Mueller) can find their way back to hockey safely.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
and hishon, and olver and kobasew
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 27, 2011 1:06 AM MST up reply actions
Oh, Mueller
A couple of people close to me know I have this completely irrational faith in Peter Mueller. For some reason I just believe the guy is going to make this awesome comeback and develop into a really good NHL player down the road. Of course, I’m also the same guy who named Mark Olver as my sleeper pick of the year, so…
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 27, 2011 1:07 AM MST up reply actions
:( mark olver is a guy I really have high hopes for
as for Mueller, I need him back. If my peter mueller stick ever breaks….. how will i replace it?
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 27, 2011 1:10 AM MST up reply actions
Both Wils and Mueller are on my fantasy team, so I’d love to have both of them back for more than just one reason (although I mostly just want them back so I know they’re okay). Wilson was quickly becoming my second favorite player on the team and I’ve seen the highlights of on-his-game Mueller. We could desperately use them right now.
Olver and Hish are needed badly as well. That’s our organization’s top 6 depth right there – 100% concussed. Kobasew didn’t impress me much, but I still don’t wish a concussion on anyone and hope he makes a rapid and full recovery.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
That is why I actually do not take shots at management as much as some people. I think Hishon and Mueller, at least were in the plans for this season in their minds. I know that is what I was thinking.. With those two healthy and contributing we have 3 pretty dangerous lines.
Unfortunately Jones just does not seem to be fitting in on that top line. Hopefully he was just trying to play through a minor injury and finally got sat. If he comes back swinging like he has in the past then I will be a lot more quiet when it comes to asking for a forward to be added at or before the deadline. Even with Jones next year it would be nice to have two wingers added plus hishon making 3 killer lines again and a fourth line that is better than a lot of teams 3rd.
I want Gali McC Winnik!! =)
The problem with that is counting on two concussed guys isn’t smart.
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
by SteveHouse on Dec 27, 2011 8:41 AM MST via Android app up reply actions
Honestly, the whole Jones thing has been weird. His entire career has been freak accidents, great talent, something off happening. I love the guy, I really do. But he always seems to have bad luck.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 8:50 AM MST up reply actions
Oh wait, it’s Hunwick! Thats why Quincey is still sitting
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 26, 2011 11:51 PM MST up reply actions
3. Sacco still probably isn’t the right guy moving forward but does deserve some credit for where we are right now.
Why isn’t he the right guy moving forward? Simply because he isn’t animated enough? I think he’s been straight cleaning up over the last month and people are just way too happy to point the crooked finger at him. He still does things I think are mistakes but this team has been playing damn good hockey more often than not this entire season. I’m probably his biggest fan these days.
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 27, 2011 12:01 AM MST up reply actions
Uh Don’t give credit to Sacco where credit is due to Giguere.. Hes the one that gave the team the talk at center ice. I haven’t seen Sacco do anything different than he normally does other than playing with the lines a little less.
Oh forgot to mention Giguere playing well to.. I love the wins and the boys look rejuvenated but I am not going to live in fantasy land and believe we still don’t need another top 6 forward and tell myself the coach is absolved of being a lame duck yet.
It’s obvious Sacco is going to be around so I accept that. I still want a move to be made to make us stronger going into the second half.
Like I’ve said all along, I think Sacco’s a good skill/motivation/practice coach, but he does some very strange things when it comes to on-ice strategy and occasionally player ice-time. I’m just not sure how much of the credit is his and how much of it belongs to Giggy/Varly awesomeness, other voices in the lockerroom (Hejduk, Giggy, O’Brien, etc), or the young guys just finally getting over whatever mental block they seem to have had for the past 12 months. I’m still on the fence about Sacco.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
This is what I'm talking about
I say I think he’s been cleaning up over the course of a month and the only counterpoint I get is to not give him credit for a talk Giguere had with the team.
What about the matchups in key situations? Putting O’Reilly and McClement on the ice at the same time late in games in case one gets tossed from the dot? Who made the decision to scrap the dump-and-chase PP and switch back to the curl play that worked so well for the Avs last year? Who made the call to put Dutchy and Elliott on the points of the first unit, which has helped the PP show serious signs of life in recent games? You hear players talk about the recent success of the PK and they mention Sacco preaching aggression. When is the PK at its absolute best? When its attacking, forcing mistakes, and not sitting back in the passive diamond that was getting us shelled earlier in the year. When Galiardi started playing out of his mind, what did he do? He revamped the lines and has started putting Gali out there on a consistent basis. He’s rewarding guys for working hard and playing well and punishing those who aren’t and he doesn’t base his conclusions off two whole games. He gives things time to play out. It can be a double-edged sword but I’m a lot happier with a coach who exhibits patience and trust in the players to make it work than tinkering like Q did. You think it’s an accident the Avs went with Varly in the first game of a back-to-back and saved the calming presence of Giguere for the hectic back end? That’s all coaching, dude. He isn’t perfect by any stretch and there are things he does that drive me nuts but this concept that he’s the one holding the team back is bullshit.
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 27, 2011 12:50 AM MST up reply actions
Your right and I don’t hate him.. Which is why I used the lame duck comment. I just don’t see any of those moves really standing out because it’s fairly simple based on the type of players your talking about and their skill set. I think most coaches would of done the same thing but that is speculation and your right he deserves credit for some of those decisions. But YOU figured out why it was a good idea to start Varly the fist game. Another post I read made a comment that if Varly plays poorly Sacco just goes back to Giguere. If Varly plays good.. He just goes back to Giguere because its a back to back. “Hard to lose when the decision looks like that huh?”
I just don’t feel he actually adds to the success to the team more than he has hurt it. Duchene in the dog house.. Garliardi in the dog house.. Usually you can figure out why but in Duchene’s case you don’t put a player like that on the 4th line. Especially a young guy.. You don’t stick a great utility player that put on weight in the off season for the team into the dog house.. for.. What reason? Galiardi did not get a chance to show much before he was put there.
Ive made comments in the past as to how juggling lines could mess with a young teams confidence because it’s not always completely clear whats going to happen or what their role is.
I just think he has not helped all that much and has done more in the end to cause confusion or hurt the team as a whole.
Hes also not getting outright credit for us winning recently because we lost so much before hand. Its too much for coincidence that right after Giguere gives the team a talk and we get new blood in the locker room things turn around. The only identifiable thing I seen was a bag skate and then the team at center ice with the veterans and mainly Giguere speaking. Also watch the way Jiggy talks as he talks about the team and not himself.. Sounds like he speaking to the team even when he talks to the media.
From what I have seen most of the credit goes to Giguere and the energy the call ups brought as well. And.. Giguere.. If we had even been starting to turn it around before that I would feel better about giving the coach more credit.
So...
You’re saying don’t give him the credit when does the right thing? I have no problem with how he handled Galiardi at the beginning of the year. He played like shit last year, was coming off injury issues, and needed some time to get his legs under him. He was decent at the start but when he started turning it on, he was rewarded with playing time. Duchene…eh. I didn’t agree with the 4th line shit at all but I think he’s trying to establish a long-term sense of accountability and when Dutchy played like ass and got demoted he sent that message.
Handling goalies is such an enigmatic process because unless you have one of the elite ones, trying to pick the right guy every night is just a total crapshoot. He’s established a pattern of riding the hot player and giving rest to Varly when he’s struggled. Why would we hold it against Sacco that when Varly struggles he has a reliable backup in Giguere he can turn to? Wouldn’t it be MUCH more damning if we had Giguere and never played him and forced Varly out there every night even when he’s struggling?
Personally, I struggle to give anyone tons of kudos for things that happen off the ice. Everyone thought we BADLY NEEDED A CAPTAIN and when Duke was named, we went out the next night and got blown off the ice in the third period in Pittsburgh. Outside of the Western Canada Nightmare and a third period meltdown against San Jose (Where was Giguere then?), the Avs have played some pretty quality hockey for quite a while now.
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 27, 2011 1:26 AM MST up reply actions
Got ya, I guess we will see. Trust me if we continue winning and I don’t mean this streak. I won’t have anything to say.. I will say this.. If we can make the playoffs I will be interested to see how Sacco handles that. The last time we made it we gave a powerhouse team a run for their money. Hopefully that was not all just Mr. Craig..
I will chirp this like a bird until it happens.. Regardless of this coach if Jones does not return to form fast we need a winger and their are a few UFA’s we could grab to give us the extra push. That would also help Sacco out with the amount of talent he has to work with.
Regardless of what happens we need to make a statement to the league this year and the possible FA we need for next.
Mosdef
I’m only Sacco’s primary internet white knight because I think people have given him WAY too much shit and been far too quick to ignore the things he does well. If the team tanks again, get him the hell out of here. I’d lovelovelove to sneak into the playoffs and get this ultra young organization some playoff experience.
As for the wingers and off-season stuff…hoo boy. That’s a whole different 4,000 word per person discussion.
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 27, 2011 1:48 AM MST up reply actions
Yeah, good news is.. LA did us a favor and kept the 8th seed at 40 points by beating the yotes. We play the jets next and LA plays Chicago next.. Then we play the yotes.. If we had an opportunity its now.
Oh and the preds got beat as well.
haha
Still way too early to be worrying about other teams. We climbed out of what could have been a pretty big hole and now we’re in the thick of it. We get through February and we’re still in the hunt, then it’s time to worry about positioning.
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 27, 2011 1:57 AM MST up reply actions
haha
You’re talking to the guy who writes a weekly column looking at the standings and trends of all the teams in the division. Looking at standings is mai lyfe
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 27, 2011 2:31 AM MST up reply actions
You can thank me for the LA win apparently. I am at the game and the Kings suddenly break past the 2-goal mark. My friends are starting a collection to fly me out for all their games. lol
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 27, 2011 11:26 AM MST up reply actions
I haven’t seen Sacco do anything different than he normally does
Dude, why aren’t you doing Fan Posts about your incredibly fortunate and exclusive locker room access? I think I speak for everyone when i say we’d all LOVE to get your insights about what’s being said behind those closed doors!
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 27, 2011 11:21 AM MST up reply actions 3 recs
Seriously Cheryl.. Grow up..
You know damn well that statement is based on watching games and media coverage. If you think hes doing something magic in the locker room. Why don’t you just say it instead of a low ball attempt at making me look stupid?
Stay classy.. ..!.,
...lol
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 27, 2011 2:32 PM MST up reply actions
If you say something like this
Don’t give credit to Sacco where credit is due to Giguere
…then you can expect a reaction like hers. I rec’d it.
by DiD on Dec 27, 2011 2:37 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Cheryl and I talked to Moser, and I asked him point blank “don’t bullshit, who’s the best guy for the Avs”. “Sacco, he has the teams’ respect, the guys all like him and they understand what is expected of them”.
IMO. The fact that the organization has, thus far, stood behind Sacco makes me think that they aren’t going to be changing it anytime soon. The fact that this team is so young, and overall has a serious lack of NHL experience… whether that’s in actual games, or just being asked to play above their position is going to be reflected on the score sheet. Sacco can’t make a guy like Gali turn into a guy like Sakic. I like Gali, don’t get me wrong, but he isn’t a Top 3 guy. Same thing with Winnik. Everyone knows I love Winnik, but the fact is that he is the kind of guy that should be a third-liner. The fact that Sacco has no one else to put into the Top 6, shouldn’t be held against Sacco. That’s management. There is only so much Sacco can do.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 2:45 PM MST up reply actions
I know and some of that is in the discussion between A.J. and I.. as well as comments I made on the team needing another forward if Jones does not come out swinging. Most of that discussion started because of the comments like. “Where are all the fire sacco people now that the team is winning.” I just have not seen much that would change my opinion of him. (OUTSIDE of the locker room =)
A.J. pointed some things out and I conceded to that. So it’s wait and see for me but I am not ready to like him just yet. Especially because I think it’s been more public that Giguere has stepped up even more as a leader.
On a positive note.. Jones is one of the few players that seems to come back from injury with a vengeance. Almost every time hes been out for a long time he came back and put up points. Hopefully he does because there is a glaring hole without him in the lineup.
BTW – This is really good to hear from a source like that.
Avs". "Sacco, he has the teams’ respect, the guys all like him and they understand what is expected of them".
Honestly shaking the lines up constantly and the way we were playing made me question that.
I told him to stop feeding me the company line, and he said he wasn’t. That it’s actually what was happening.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 3:14 PM MST up reply actions
4. I love the Varly/Giggy tandem. It’s probably the best two-goalie tandem this team has ever had.
Obviously a matter of opinion, but any pairing that includes #33 is the best the Avs have ever had.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
by Busted Twigg on Dec 27, 2011 12:37 PM MST up reply actions
Yeppers
Roy made all the tandems something special.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 12:37 PM MST up reply actions
Roy was the best. Period.
But as far as 2 goalie systems, I don’t think his backups were anywhere near as good as Giggy/Varly. I’m certainly not complaining about our goalie situation for the first 8 years of this team’s existence (and I never will), but right now, we have a more balanced tandem than we did back then.
However, if I could trade Varly and Giggy in for Roy in his prime and some guy off the street that could barely play hockey, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs.
Varly: you're awesome. We love you. Please don't break.
Craig Billington was about as solid a backup as you could ask for. And Roy is the best ever. SO I’m still going to put that tandem above our current one. I do, of course, like this year’s tandem better than the last few years’.
"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?
Anybody see this quote?
“I didn’t like the hit one bit,” Wild coach Mike Yeo said. “On top of that, it was something that looked like they were targeting him. They hit him from behind two shifts before that. Twice in five minutes into the game he gets hit from behind? That one was ugly.”
Is Yeo seriously saying we had a game plan to go out and injure a player?
Yea, cause Splurgeon is the guy they’d target and not some fuckwad like clutterbuck.
Peter McNabb thinks I'm outstanding.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Dec 27, 2011 9:31 AM MST up reply actions
After the last game he had against us Spurgeon deserves to get nailed like that, I mean that non hit he lays on people, or the way he gets over the boards on shifts are just a disgrace to the game.
by avalanchejef on Dec 27, 2011 10:27 AM MST up reply actions
I’m looking forward to your expert commentary.
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
This is some of the best passing I’ve seen out of the Avs. Ever. They look, like, good.
Andyray ArlyleCay
Awesome, I’ll head over\.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 3:17 PM MST up reply actions
Don’t think he’d be willing to accommodate me?
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 3:20 PM MST up reply actions
Maybe after the game. It’d be a lot to ask for him to take you to the beer garden between shifts.
Andyray ArlyleCay
I’d make it worth his while?
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 3:24 PM MST up reply actions
I can roll my "R"’s after all.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 3:24 PM MST up reply actions
Can you help me with a development idea I’ve got? Buddy drama about two retired hockey players who go into law enforcement…only they don’t always see eye to eye with their by-the-book captain (I’m thinking Mario Bello, but I could be talked out of it). Working title is “Shaner and The Teej.” Thoughts?
Dude,
Les Boys.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 4:47 PM MST up reply actions
Ha ha ha!
Je ne pa de parle vous Franchais! This is the American version I’m talking about!
LOL
Whatever, while the rest of the world was lining up to watch Titanic, Quebec was lining up to watch a hockey movie. Seriously, it’s the only place – that it opened- that it wasn’t number one in the world.
It's all about Winnik
by Sandie Gauthier on Dec 27, 2011 4:52 PM MST up reply actions
What are we going to do tonight Shaner TROZ? Same thing we do every night Teej, try to ruin the Avalanche!
Andyray ArlyleCay
Pinky and the brain is always relevant. Always.
At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?
by SteveHouse on Dec 27, 2011 5:42 PM MST via Android app up reply actions
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