Avalanche at Flames Recap, Colorado Gets Burned By The Flames 3-2

by Derek B on Dec 8, 2011 9:42 PM MST in Avalanche Recaps

There are generally only two ways a team will come out after the kind of...well, beating the Avs received on Tuesday against the Canucks. The Avs chose to come out and play incredibly physical and extremely smart defensively. One other thing that I am noticing, and am really happy about, is how much T.J. Galiardi has picked up his game over the past week or so. Altitude analyst Mark Rycroft even showed a couple examples of how he was throwing his body around and making himself, and the Avs, a much more difficult team to play against.

Another player who stood out during the first period for his defensive play was Milan Hejduk. It seemed every time the Calgary Flames were getting some sustained pressure in the Avs zone, it was business as usual for The Captain.

Had it not been for the puck just barely rolling off of Matt Duchene's stick toward the end of the first period, this would be a 1-0 game.

Heading into the second period the Avs had to kill off about a minute of Daniel Winnik's "cross-checking" penalty. With just 3 seconds remaining on Winnik's penalty, Jan Hejda was given a double-minor for high sticking Jerome Iginla in the mouth. Not too sure about the reasoning for the double-minor though as it didn't appear that any blood had been drawn. Nevertheless it was business as usual for the Avs penalty killing how has been playing outstanding over the past several games.

During the send period there wasn't much action to speak of, unless your a Minnesota Wild fan that is. Then all of a sudden a great keep in at the point by Jan Hejda, he sends a pass to Matt Duchene who wheels into the slot and lets a hard wrist shot go. The shot appeared to glance off a defensemen's breezers or shin pad and past Miikka Kiprusoff for his 10th goal of the season and give the Avs a 1-0 lead with just under 5 minutes to play in the second.

Shortly after Duchene's goal Erik Johnson was called for holding, but the Avs penalty killing would come up huge again and killed off the Flames fifth power play in a row to that point of the game. It should also be pointed out that thru two periods, the Avs were being out shot 20-9.

After a tremendous offensive chance where Ryan O'Reilly sent a hard wrist shot off the cross bar, Galiardi was called for high-sticking Mikael Backlund. It would be the Avs second double-minor for high-sticking in the game. Unfortunately the Avs weren't able to kill off the double minor. Even worse it came with 14 seconds remaining on the first minor so the Avs would still have another two minutes of penalty to kill off. Unfortunately the Avs weren't able to kill off that penalty either.

The first power play goal was scored off a shot by Lee Stempniak, but to me, the key to the goal was the screen Curtis Glenncross set in front of Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Even more disturbing to me is the fact that Jan Hejda, even with all of his size, is playing like a certain type of cat. I'm pretty sure you know what I mean. It is just unacceptable to me, especially as an assistant coach now, to have my defensemen play that soft in front of our own net.

Soft play in front of the net is what led to the second goal on the power play as Curtis Glenncross was just allowed to stand in front of the net and send a shot into the top corner passed Giguere. And just like that the Avs were down 2-1.

Now as a goalie, I honestly have no idea what it feels like to sit in the penalty box and watch as goals are scored against your team while you sit, and as they say in the movie Slap Shot, and feel shame in the penalty box. It seems like an old hockey cliche that if you want to get back at the other team, then do it on the scoreboard. And that's exactly what T.J. Galiardi did. Continuing to play some of his best games, T.J. Galiardi took advantage of a poor change by the Flames and sent a wrist shot right thru the wickets of Kiprusoff and tied the game at 2 just over two minutes after the Flames had taken the lead.

I really have nothing to describe the Flames 3rd goal of the game. All I will say is who in the name of all that is holy, do you send four out of five of your players in the zone, after one player? I know it was Jerome Iginla, but come on. If you want to break it down even further, you could point to Ryan O'Reilly taking one of the Flames players "ticket" as he blew by O'Reilly in the natural zone. That was the play, to me that really got the play going for Flames to gain entry into the Avs defensive zone. Either way, Iginla sent a great pass to Olli Jokinen who didn't miss, even though Giguere gave him practically nothing to shoot at.

The Avs did all they could at the end of the game, but still managed to come up short.

It should be noted that the Flames were somehow given 8 power plays in this game. Yes, EIGHT.

MHH Avalanche 3 Stars of the Night

1 T.J. Galiardi continues to play some of his best hockey. He had another goal tonight.
2 Matt Duchene, scored his 10th goal of the season
3 Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Gave the Avs a chance to win the game. Unfortunately his D gave him no help.

Lines

1 Hejduk-O'Reilly-Landeskog
2 Yip-Duchene-Galiardi
3 Winnik-McClement-Kobasew
4 Hunnwick-McLeod-Jones

1 Johnson-Elliott
2 O'Brien-Quincey
3 Hejda-O'Byrne

Quick Hits

1 Avs have to shake off this tough loss and get ready for Edmonton tomorrow night.
2 It is beyond me how there can be such a disparity in the amount of power plays given to each team. I will never use the refs as an excuse, but it can definitely take a team out of a rhythm, and wear certain players out faster when certain guys are constantly killing penalties.
3 The Avs MUST play stronger and much more physical in front of their own net. You are not going to win in the NHL if you continue to allow players to stand in front of your net and screen your goalie, and or bury garbage goals.

NHL.com Recap & Highlights

NHL.com recap

Game Summary

Event Summary

Next Up

After tonight's game the Avs will hop on a plane and fly to Edmonton to take on the Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle and the rest of the Edmonton Oilers tomorrow night. It should be noted that Taylor Hall is still out with a shoulder injury he sustained in his last game against the Avalanche.

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Comments

The Avs MUST play stronger and much more physical in front of their own net. You are not going to win in the NHL if you continue to allow players to stand in front of your net and screen your goalie, and or bury garbage goals.

but also not take penalties

Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results

by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 8, 2011 9:45 PM MST reply actions

I agree, but holy hell, we touch a guy and they call us for a penalty. I watch the Bruins and they will maul a guy in their crease and get away with it. We cannot move a guy that is sitting on our goalies. What can you do?

by avalanchejef on Dec 8, 2011 9:51 PM MST up reply actions

Not to mention our guys get bear hugged and no call is made.

Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.

Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.

by Americanario on Dec 8, 2011 9:51 PM MST up reply actions

Or a cross check when the sticks not even touching the player…

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 9:56 PM MST up reply actions

Never knew you could have a one hand cross check. That was a first.

by avalanchejef on Dec 8, 2011 9:57 PM MST up reply actions

Or a followthrough can result in a double minor…

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 9:59 PM MST up reply actions

Those ref should never be allowed to call a game again.

I don’t want to harp on the refs but who knows how that game would have turned out. 16 minutes of being down a man is insane. I wish I could gripe at how the Avs played, but how can you. They were bone tired. I do think Sacco should have tried to put some other players to relieve the PK unit some, but they were shit hot before that

by avalanchejef on Dec 8, 2011 9:56 PM MST up reply actions

It was certainly too late to make any difference, but I would like to point out that Quincey took exactly the same sort of high stick as the two the Avs were called for with about 20 seconds left in the game. No penalty.

by Andy_ on Dec 9, 2011 1:13 PM MST up reply actions

The list of players I give a fuck about is coming down to a handful…

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 9:55 PM MST reply actions

I listened to Mose on the way home (heard Gali’s goal) and caught the last 5 minutes on TV (Jokinen’s goal).

Why was Joki so wide open when the Avs had numbers? Why did Giggy take so damn long to get over? That’s a situation that can’t end in a goal with the game tied and the 3rd winding down.

THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!

by Pyotr09AVS! on Dec 8, 2011 9:56 PM MST reply actions

O’Brien didnt care to cover anyone

Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results

by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 8, 2011 9:57 PM MST up reply actions

He thought I’d be awesome to double team the guy Quincey was covering… it makes no sense…just none.

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 9:59 PM MST up reply actions

Looking back at that replay it looks like O’Brien gets tangled up with the guy cutting in towards the net. Not an excuse, just another look at the play. A generous ref may have called that against the fLames. But as pointed out, we did not have generous officiating tonight.

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 10:03 PM MST up reply actions

Giggy got over pretty quick and did a great job of getting as big as possible in net and leaving Jokinen little to shoot at. When I watched it I thought it was more Radar’s fault for not picking up the backside offensive player, his responsibility being the 3rd defenseman.

by cush52 on Dec 9, 2011 9:14 AM MST up reply actions

Eno$Ku

Salary floor team
Can’t compete with anyone
Fuck you Eno$ K

We see a wonderful sun-soaked city nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Enos sees nickels and dimes.

by Bob in Boulder on Dec 8, 2011 10:00 PM MST reply actions

Last game was a game where you could say fuck you Enos… they got beat because they didn’t have the talent.

This game they had no work ethic.

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 10:01 PM MST up reply actions

really? Who was all the talent out there tonight? Ya they didnt play too hard, but its not like every pass was tape to tape with shots on target

Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results

by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 8, 2011 10:02 PM MST up reply actions

9 shots. We got 9 shots against a Flames team that doesn’t have Reghr or Giordano. Their top 2 defenseman.

Chris Fucking Butler played the most amount of minutes with Jay Bo following…

We have enough talent to scrap together more than 9 shots…it’s an absolute disgrace to put up those kinds of numbers…especially after you vowed to take back respect in your division.

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 10:05 PM MST up reply actions

We have enough talent to scrap together more than 9 shots

Doesn’t help that Stastny, Porter and Wilson are out. Yip had a couple of good chances, but nvm

"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin

by Nemesis44UK on Dec 9, 2011 8:25 AM MST up reply actions

Part of the low number of shots can be put on the huge amount of PK we had. I think the other problem is the team is just plain gassed right now.

One of the announcers pointed out at the end of the second that they were skating around with there hands on there knees sucking wind. Also it was a good point to mention that tonight is the 8 game in 14 days. As well as against Vancouver we played with only 3 lines and this game was played half the time with only 3 lines.

by cush52 on Dec 9, 2011 9:18 AM MST up reply actions

Hard to sustain work ethic when your opponent is granted over 14 minutes more of PP time than yourself. This roadie was bound to be this rough…last game and tonight’s game sure showed some glaring flaws on this team. Tomorrow night’s game will be hard…second of back-to-back games, rested Oil, and fragile young psyche. #saccologic

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 10:05 PM MST up reply actions

#what?

At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?

by SteveHouse on Dec 9, 2011 12:07 AM MST up reply actions

My kids are at an impressionable age

Start winning some damn games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by avalanchejef on Dec 8, 2011 10:01 PM MST reply actions

Those fucking ass licking shit eating goddamn ball biting titty sucking fart smelling 4 minute minors were ridiculous. Aren’t you supposed to be bleeding?

by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 8, 2011 10:04 PM MST reply actions

I especially liked the run that O’Reilly took from Jokinen after the Gali goal…that was classless and wasn’t called.

Then there was the high stick that Quincey got to the face with 40 seconds left in the third. Again, no call, but why bother those refs just wanted to get a beer and relax.

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 10:06 PM MST up reply actions

The fact that pisses me off even more?

This team seems to not care some nights…theres no fire in this team…

Some nights their on, and they lose, other nights their just god awful and they lose.

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 10:07 PM MST up reply actions

See I was unable to watch the first two periods, so I can’t really comment on that. Even when you take away the 8 minutes of double minor, that’s still some very lopsided officiating. I’m sorry, but we’re not that horrible of a disciplined team right?

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 11:32 PM MST up reply actions

The refs were actually members of the #OccupyPrince’sIslandPark movement.

They had to hurry back to stop homeless gentlemen and the police from taking their tents.

I am boobs.

by Thor the Clunge Destroyer on Dec 8, 2011 10:08 PM MST up reply actions

dat sig

At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?

by SteveHouse on Dec 9, 2011 12:08 AM MST up reply actions

Double minors only require bleeding when in the territorial United States

Yes, gentlebeings, I am Captain Lando Calrissian, in the flesh and hopeful of remaining that way

by LandoCalrissian on Dec 8, 2011 10:09 PM MST up reply actions

This league is turning into a fucking joke… I just saw the Leino hit, and how the fuck was that not more than 1 suspension?

How the fuck is a blatant spear not a suspension?

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 10:09 PM MST reply actions

Don’t understand the Leino hit either.

I’m assuming you’re referring to the Ovechkin spear? That’s easy: he’ll never be a repeat offender if you don’t suspend him.

If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!

by Mike @ MHH on Dec 9, 2011 9:35 AM MST up reply actions

But wasn’t he suspended for the hit on Campbell a couple years ago?

Aebischer. Nope. Salo? Ha! Sauve? Nah. Theodore. Meh. Kolesnik? Hey bud, nice shootout against the Devils, but no. Budaj? You kidding? Anderson, close, but no cigar. Elliott? GET THE TANK!!! Varlamov and Giguere? To the playoffs...AND BEYOND!!

by chiavsfan on Dec 9, 2011 9:38 AM MST up reply actions

yeah, but Shanaban’s made references to long stretches of time between suspensions mitigating some of the repeat offender stuff.

If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!

by Mike @ MHH on Dec 9, 2011 9:39 AM MST up reply actions

Ovechkin is a repeat offender…everyone is just afraid to do anything about it.

by chiavsfan on Dec 9, 2011 11:10 AM MST up reply actions

In the last 3 divisional road games, the Avs have scored 2 goals. All tonight.

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 8, 2011 10:11 PM MST reply actions

Fuck this team.

I’m so sick of this shit. I think the only team in their division that they’ve beaten in 2011 is Edmonton.

I’m fucking out. I’m serious. Waste of time. Fuck you, Kroenke.

When does the hurting stop?

by BraxtanFILM on Dec 8, 2011 10:28 PM MST reply actions

Good thing the Broncos are exciting… Oh and the Rockies made a trade! (woo hoo no more Ian Stewart)… Don’t worry I’m not depressed enough to give a shit about the nuggets… yet.

THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!

by Pyotr09AVS! on Dec 8, 2011 10:40 PM MST up reply actions

You are correct. Edmonton is that lone win, when our D exploded for 3 goals—1 by the recently called up Elliott.

Your frustration is correct. And you’re entitled to it. Right after you share those pitchers in your photo with the rest of us.

I wish we could actually compete in our own division this year. Can we petition the NHL to let us join Conference C or D next year? I’ll take that travel time if we can continue to beat teams in the East.

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 11:37 PM MST up reply actions

Later, man.

by DiD on Dec 9, 2011 12:07 PM MST up reply actions

That confidence poll was getting a little too confident if you ask me.

by Pinchy The Lobster on Dec 8, 2011 10:56 PM MST reply actions 1 recs

I intentionally skew it. Cuz I’m passive aggressive like that.

Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120

by Cheryl Bradley on Dec 9, 2011 12:32 AM MST up reply actions

Duchene's got a lot of sick moves that he cannot execute

maybe needs more practice?

"Put stick on ice, put puck in net"

by HeyPeterman on Dec 8, 2011 11:03 PM MST reply actions

Hey, everyone. I just wanted to mention something I think is pretty interesting. Not that I don’t think the Avs need to play better than this, but the officiating is something that has really bothered me before. When I saw all the comments, and read that even Sacco mentioned the lopsided officiating, I had to look up this guy’s name (who I know from making shitty calls in the past). So, here’s a nice little piece of info on that ref., who I’ve noticed in the past, from Wikipedia…

Dan O’Rourke (born in Calgary on August 31, 1972)

Varlificent! Magnifeskog!

by AlexanderH on Dec 8, 2011 11:29 PM MST up reply actions

Evidently, he’s also widely respected, having been called to officiate for recent Stanley Cup Playoffs…pretty sickening, if you ask me.

Varlificent! Magnifeskog!

by AlexanderH on Dec 8, 2011 11:31 PM MST up reply actions

…and the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals.

Varlificent! Magnifeskog!

by AlexanderH on Dec 8, 2011 11:32 PM MST up reply actions

It was a fix.

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 11:33 PM MST up reply actions

…or a break, depending on how you look at it. Pretty messed up, though…the stuff that just blows away like a fart in the wind.

Varlificent! Magnifeskog!

by AlexanderH on Dec 8, 2011 11:35 PM MST up reply actions

That was Dan O'Rourke???

He’s usually a LOT better than that… who was the other?

At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?

by SteveHouse on Dec 8, 2011 11:44 PM MST up reply actions

The other ref was Greg Kimmerly…probably another dip shit. Let’s see where he’s from…

Varlificent! Magnifeskog!

by AlexanderH on Dec 8, 2011 11:51 PM MST up reply actions

He’s from Toronto, and he’s about 10 yrs older than O’Roarke. So, I guess his age makes him more at fault, since he should be the one with more experience and balls to call it right.

Varlificent! Magnifeskog!

by AlexanderH on Dec 8, 2011 11:53 PM MST up reply actions

the TOILOI was all with Calgary tonight.

"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?

by TheRed on Dec 9, 2011 12:44 AM MST up reply actions

This is a game

We ain’t talkin’ ’bout practice

THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!

by Pyotr09AVS! on Dec 8, 2011 11:50 PM MST up reply actions

Anyone else just want to push Jokinen down 3 flights of stairs? The guy is just creepy looking. I think that it’s because he’s got no eyebrows or something. Creepy creepy creeper…

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 11:34 PM MST reply actions

Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results

by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 8, 2011 11:44 PM MST up reply actions 3 recs

Oh my goodness…I about choked from laughing so hard at this. Ha ha. See, no eyebrows…

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 11:45 PM MST up reply actions

Rec’d every time. Can’t ever stop watching it.

THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!

by Pyotr09AVS! on Dec 8, 2011 11:46 PM MST up reply actions

He looks a bit like Morgan Spurlock from Supersize Me

"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin

by Nemesis44UK on Dec 9, 2011 8:29 AM MST up reply actions

A creeper???

That sure is an nice tie game you have there
Be a shame if something happened to it ssssss

At exactly what point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise?

by SteveHouse on Dec 8, 2011 11:44 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

i’m recing you. because this post should clearly be green

Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results

by Cole D Hamilton on Dec 8, 2011 11:45 PM MST up reply actions

Here’s the dip shit I’d like to push down some stairs…

Varlificent! Magnifeskog!

by AlexanderH on Dec 8, 2011 11:44 PM MST up reply actions

Fair enough…

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 11:46 PM MST up reply actions

Dr. Jones

So his Occupy:Sacco Doghouse punishment is to be saddled with the likes of Hunwick on the fourth line? Goodness, where did this kid’s game go?

by quietstorm560 on Dec 8, 2011 11:47 PM MST reply actions

Let's look on the bright side....

The Avs beat the Red Wings just a few days ago!

"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?

by TheRed on Dec 9, 2011 12:45 AM MST reply actions 2 recs

Why

We didn’t use Duchene and O’Reilly on PK why?

by Ilkinio on Dec 9, 2011 2:42 AM MST reply actions

Duchene should not be on the PK at all.

And O’Reilly is used on the PP instead to reward his offensive play.

"Noooo!!!" - Referee, Oilers @ Avs, 26.11.2011

The 2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: there will be blood and there will be wins. Maybe.

"God I'm excited for those two to fail miserably." - SBNation writer Andrew Sharp on Josh McDaniels and Tim Tebow.

The Number Zero, for everything but mathematics. Blood and Thunder Record: 9-11-1 (Total Record: 10-14-1)

by Tempestuous Binary on Dec 9, 2011 3:34 AM MST up reply actions

Well seeing that the Avs had such limited PP time,

it doesn’t hurt to use O’Reilly’s defensive abilities on the PK.

Sig.

by Randy Time on Dec 9, 2011 3:36 AM MST up reply actions

You could tell the PK’ers were gassed by the third period, it couldn’t have hurt to spread the ice time a little more, even to guys who don’t normally play on the PK.

Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.

Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.

by Americanario on Dec 9, 2011 7:42 AM MST up reply actions

In other words…another loss to the Flames. The refs are to blame for all of i because one was from Calgary so obviously the fix was in. It had nothing to do with 18 shots on goal, or poor finishing/execution that’s been plaguing the Avs all year.

Am I getting this so far?

by chiavsfan on Dec 9, 2011 4:00 AM MST reply actions

-The Avs did screw up royally on the third goal. You can’t double team the puck carrier and allow the pass to a wide open trailer.

-Hard to get shots on goal when you literally spend a third of the game on the PK and you are juggling the lines the rest of the game trying to find guys who aren’t tired/worn out.

-It also hard to shoot/score when your guys are getting knocked down and bear hugged in front of the net and no calls are being made.

-So no the penalties against the Avs weren’t the only reason….but the disparity in the call played a very large part in this outcome of this game.

Datsyuk may have done it first, but he learned it from Peter Forsberg.

Thanks for everything Foppa!
Footer: We'll miss seeing you clear the riff raff off your lawn.

by Americanario on Dec 9, 2011 7:46 AM MST up reply actions

You can’t double team the puck carrier and allow the pass to a wide open trailer.

“Play your game, do your job, trust your teammate.” Someone needs to post this on the locker room door.

OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd

by Busted Twigg on Dec 9, 2011 7:54 AM MST up reply actions

Did anyone point out that, for as amazingly, incredibly awesome as he’s been, O’Reilly let the puck carrier just waltz by him? Not a great play, to say the least.

by DiD on Dec 9, 2011 12:13 PM MST up reply actions

Did you watch the game? We didn’t generate many shots on goal because we were shorthanded alot. I think there were a couple of pretty shitty calls against the Avs – the alleged cross-check by Winnik, and then a missed stick rake across Quincey’s face.

We definitely took too many penalties, especially of the 4-minute variety.

The poor finishing was rough, because on the one hand it means we had chances, but on the other hand it means we can’t finish. I think if Factor’s shot had gone in instead of hitting the post, which would have put us up 2-0, we would have won the game.

by DiD on Dec 9, 2011 12:12 PM MST up reply actions

If duchene’s puck doesn’t go off his stick, it’s a different game.

Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Dec 9, 2011 1:58 PM MST up reply actions

Ironically enough, they had the lead in this game with those same limited shots. Just couldn’t sustain in while giving up all the lopsided penalties. Not saying that we don’t ever take penalties, but the amount dished out was not fair and balanced for both teams. Nor does it have to be, but the disparity of penalties seemed quite lopsided.

by quietstorm560 on Dec 9, 2011 1:34 PM MST up reply actions

Seriously the main stat that sticks out from last night is the penalty minutes. I thought our game plan looked pretty damn good last night and we held them very much so in check for the first two periods. When we’re playing a man down as much as we did you are going to get tired and it only takes getting a half step too slow to open up a lane for guys talented enough to be in the NHL.

The “crosscheck” penalty was one of the most egregiously horrendous calls I have ever seen and that isn’t an exaggeration at all. His stick was in one hand and never even touched the flames player, it was nothing more then a solid hockey play that happens all game, every game. That penalty ends the first and then leads to us being on the kill at the beginning of the second which leads to the double minor which leads to us being on the kill for the first 5 minutes of the second period. So six whole minutes of power play come from a ridiculous call. Even though they didn’t score that puts a tremendous amount of pressure on the team and takes a lot of energy out of them, it’s no wonder we eventually broke down in the third and gave up three goals. This was no typical we just stopped playing in the third and got beat, I thought they tried their asses off and just didn’t have enough in the tank against the extremely fresh legs of a team that got to play a third of the game up a man.

by chetmanley on Dec 9, 2011 4:13 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

At the end of the day a loss is a loss… 1-8 versus your own division? That is awful.

Shanny is handing out suspensions again based on the end result instead of the illegal act.

by Mapletreemarty on Dec 9, 2011 5:28 AM MST reply actions

1-8 vs the division
7-14-1 vs the west

If it wasn’t for Eastern games, this team would be in the basement

by chiavsfan on Dec 9, 2011 6:09 AM MST up reply actions

Shanny is handing out suspensions again based on the end result instead of the illegal act.

Yes, and that is absolutely the exact wrong way to eliminate said actions from occurring. As much as I love it, the NHL is a complete joke sometimes.

"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?

by TheRed on Dec 9, 2011 6:48 PM MST up reply actions

Was anyone else screaming at Duchene to get the puck off his stick last night? Even on the slick move to get behind Kipper (only to see it slip off his stick) he had Gali on the left side completely unchecked. A pass behind Kipper is a sure thing. I’m beginning to believe that Duchene doesn’t trust his teammates. Either that, or he has no vision on the ice. Either way, he doesn’t belong at center. He’s not making the players around him better.

OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd

by Busted Twigg on Dec 9, 2011 7:44 AM MST reply actions

I’ve been fearing this all year.

Paul Stastny did, what Paul Stastny does. Score big goals.

by amit916 on Dec 9, 2011 7:46 AM MST up reply actions

Actually, as much as I love Doogie Howser MD, I feel that he doesn’t trust his team mates and it’s pissing me off. Trying to do too much, fancy moves until he gets lumberjacked by some Neanderthal and robbed of the puck.

"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin

by Nemesis44UK on Dec 9, 2011 8:32 AM MST up reply actions

I did notice that his passing is pretty suspect. It also didn’t help that Jones and Galiardi couldn’t catch a cold last night, much less a pass on their stick.

Ohh, and I know we’re all glad Galiardi contributed last night on the scoreboard, but let’s not forget who was in the box for the double minor that got the Flames back in it.

If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!

by Mike @ MHH on Dec 9, 2011 9:31 AM MST up reply actions

Didn’t Yip play most of the night on Duchene’s line? I did see Jones out there screening the goaltender on Duchene’s goal, but I didn’t see if he played many other shifts with Gali and Duchene.

by cush52 on Dec 9, 2011 9:41 AM MST up reply actions

Yeah, and I thought Gally’s celebration was a tad out of scope for the occasion. Maybe it’s because he felt that he made up for taking that very costly double minor.

He’s playing a lot better, though, getting back to his form from a few years ago. He’s a very valuable player when he plays that way.

by DiD on Dec 9, 2011 12:16 PM MST up reply actions

Another fun filled evening!

We should definitely just stick with this until it gets better.

I'll keep this brief.

by Dario on Dec 9, 2011 7:49 AM MST reply actions

“Everything is fine, we are building from within…nevermind that the prospects down in Lake Erie won’t address the immediate need of some top 6 help, we just ignore that part.”

by chiavsfan on Dec 9, 2011 7:58 AM MST up reply actions

Sorry

It is beyond me how there can be such a disparity in the amount of power plays given to each team. I will never use the refs as an excuse, but it can definitely take a team out of a rhythm, and wear certain players out faster when certain guys are constantly killing penalties.

How is this beyond you?

Step 1: Keep you stick on the ice.
Step 2: Control your stick, stop hitting the opposition in the face with your stick, and if you can’t, don’t draw blood.
Step 3: ??
Step 4: Profit!

Seriously….. very undisciplined game by the Avs. How many more ways can they lose?

by Markopolo on Dec 9, 2011 9:36 AM MST reply actions