Monday Morning Open Thread
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 25, 2011 7:00 AM MDT
in Avalanche News & Notes
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What an absolutely awesome game to cover last night between the Hawks and the Canucks. It was like a WWE, or soap opera story line, finished off in OT, despite the Canucks basically controlling the 3rd and OT.
I also realized that it was a year to the day that the Hawks won that crazy game against Nashville when they tied it with a shorty, then won it in OT. Changed the series (I covered that game too…I guess my luck in picking playoff games from the rotation continues)
And congrats for Nashville for finally getting into round 2!
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
yeah, excited for Nashville.
so, I came in late the the Luongo thing. did I hear that he wasn’t on the bench for the game? please tell me it’s because that’s one of those weird rinks where he would have had to sit in the stands, so opted to stay in the dressing room. because if he was just pouting like a fucking bitch…well…
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 25, 2011 7:30 AM MDT up reply actions
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 7:40 AM MDT up reply actions
People kept saying there is no room on the visitors bench for a back-up. But Schneider came off the bench in game 4. Plus, I have been to over 15 games this season and have never noticed, or heard about this “no room” thing at the UC before. The home bench is the same and Turco is always out there
I don’t think he was whiny thoughm(he may have been, Jibs said yesterday he had every right to be), I think he is still hurting from game 3 (where he actually did get a bit dinged up). But he barely took any warm-up, basically stayed by center ice about 95% of it
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
CBC made a joke that he was eating in a room somewhere and that’s why he couldn’t fit on the bench.
Winnik is a fucking #Winner. Le P'tit Français est un Des Boys. Can Johnson bring me loads of happiness? Bucket Loads. Ryan O`Byrne must have #TigerBlood
Because 30 is different than 20.
by Sandie Gauthier on Apr 25, 2011 10:41 AM MDT up reply actions
I would love to see Vince Vaughn at a game
So I could bodycheck his smug, untalented mug into the glass repeatedly – at least five times for every shit film he’s made. “Hello receptionist?, yes, cancel all my appointments for the next month, I may be here awhile”
Adam Foote - Warrior
by Nemesis44UK on Apr 26, 2011 10:26 AM MDT up reply actions
Swingers was great. I have seen pretty much nothing with him in it since.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 26, 2011 11:25 AM MDT up reply actions
The Hawks game was indeed awesome last night! Any news on Schneider? Lou to start Game 7?
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 7:30 AM MDT up reply actions
Schneider was apparently “cramping” (Not what it looked like…and remember the NHL playoff injury reports are less than true to say the least)
Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
Fair enough. It looked like a groin pull to me, but if it’s just cramping there’s a fairly good chance Schneider will start Game 7, I guess. Schneider looked better than Lou apart from his two misplays handling the puck.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 7:54 AM MDT up reply actions
At first, I thought it was cramping. But he looked to be in so much pain, I thought it had to be a groin pull.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 8:01 AM MDT up reply actions
looked more to me like he did something to his hamstring. I’m an expert since I saw the replay
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Apr 25, 2011 8:05 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, when he was going off the ice, it started looking like the hammy. I’d be surprised, honestly, if he’s able to come back. For a goalie, you can’t really shoot his leg full of cortisone and expect him to still play decently.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 8:12 AM MDT up reply actions
He doesn’t have to play decently. He just has to play better than Lou.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 8:16 AM MDT up reply actions
This pic is very apropriate...
for the Canucks…..
Either the cyclist goes flying, gets back on their bike, and continues on….
or they’re toast.
Question: if the Canucks lose game 7… who takes the fall? AV gets fired? A buddy of mine suggested that Bobby Lou takes the fall and goes out east… he said Philly (assuming cap space and no movements all gel) Or do they blame injuries and keep the team around to lose next playoffs?
It’d be a tough call for sure. I don’t think the Nucks have been mean enough in this series. They should be making Bolland, Kane and Hossa eat glass at every opportunity.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 7:58 AM MDT up reply actions
I don’t think the Nucks have been mean enough in this series
Seabrook might disagree.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 8:03 AM MDT up reply actions
I nearly included a “Torres notwithstanding” and perhaps should have. Figured Torres being a prick could go without saying though.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 8:08 AM MDT up reply actions
Lou traded....
To Colorado for Matt Hunwick
Patrit19: Languishing for Landeskog since 2011
Fuck the red wings indeed
Thats What Sherman Said
I rather see them put Lou on waivers, that way we can claim him on recall for 1/2 the cap hit.
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 8:32 AM MDT up reply actions
If the Avs are under the floor it just means they need to bring in more high-priced “talent”. Maybe that talent can play hockey.
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 9:17 AM MDT up reply actions
You want high priced "talent"? Enos has the organ-i-zation PACKED with high priced "talent".
2010-2011 Colorado Avalanche: Hugging the cap floor and waiting on their revenue share, because hey, billionaires need welfare too!
She’s certainly packed with something…
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 3:07 PM MDT up reply actions
I would post a competing picture of the lovely Ms. Gardner, but my employer frowns on searching pix of hot women.
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 3:08 PM MDT up reply actions
I don’t want Lou. If we’re thinking pipe dreams here, I’d take any number of “elite” goalies before him.
"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?
Luongo & the last goal
I saw some point to the last goal as Luongo’s fault, that he didn’t handle an easy shot we..
Am I missing something, that looked like a shot through traffic in the hardest place to save and Luongo did really well to fight it off. His defense could have tied up the man for the rebound. Yet Luongo is, apparently, getting blamed for this goal.
Honestly, I think a lot of hockey fans get pretty lazy in their analysis and blame the goalie when things don’t go well. Goalies seems to just get a disproportional amount of undeserved shit (along with 6th defensemen and 10th forwards), and no where is that worse than Vancouver it seems. Vancouver fans are 1/2 reasonable nice people and 1/2 batshit insane.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 8:48 AM MDT reply actions
Wasn’t Luongo’s fault at all. Someone should have rushed Hossa when he came in off the boards, and Sedin was right there behind Smith, and probably could have knocked away the rebound.
Patrit19: Languishing for Landeskog since 2011
Fuck the red wings indeed
Thats What Sherman Said
Yeah, I watched that replay this morning and Lou was leaning around the screen in front of him and he had a defender slide in front of the shot up at the point, he barely picked up the shot through all that traffic and a possible deflection, made a GREAT save and even though the ’Nucks outnumbered the Hawks almost 4-2 down low, nobody took a body or cleared the puck. Also watching the replay it was obvious that the ’Nucks were just chasing the puck around the zone on that shift. Hossa had the puck forever and NOBODY initiated contact other than the soft shoving variety. On the shot itself, there are 4 Vancouver players to the left of the Hairy Italian and the puck never crossed the center of the offensive zone to that side. Honestly, the reaction-based-save-generating-a-rebound was probably the 4th or 5th most heinous thing in that sequence.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
The canucks play differently in front of a goalie they have no confidence in… LOLOLOLOLOL.
"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?
He may not have been at fault for that goal, but you cannot deny he SUCKED in the games leading up to this one that got the Hawks back in the series to begin with.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 9:18 AM MDT up reply actions
I didn’t think he was terrible last night, but in games 5 and 4 he was bad
Patrit19: Languishing for Landeskog since 2011
Fuck the red wings indeed
Thats What Sherman Said
He barely got tested last night, though.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 9:20 AM MDT up reply actions
I’m not saying the rest of the team didn’t do their fair share of sucking, too, but Luongo was getting embarrassed by some of the shots a goalie of his supposed caliber should have had.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 9:19 AM MDT up reply actions
He may not have been at fault for that goal, but you cannot deny he SUCKED in the games leading up to this one that got the Hawks back in the series to begin with.
And you cannot deny that he was SPECTACULAR in the 3 games which put the Nucks up 3-0 to begin with. (.944 save% 3-0, 1.67 GAA).
Which just goes along with my theory: Goalies are fucking inconsistent headcases and if you ever want to have success in this league you have to learn to deal with it.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 9:37 AM MDT up reply actions
Regardless of how well he played in games 1- 3, the Blackhawks are in his head. They have sapped his confidence. Even if that OT goal was not his fault, although it looked really really awkward, the fact that he let up the losing goal just adds to this complex.
If the Hawks can just get shots on him, I think they’ll win. I can’t believe I am watching Vancouver choke, but when their D sucked in games 4 and 5, Luongo was not there. If they need him in game 7, I am not sure he’ll be up to the task.
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.
the Blackhawks are in his head. They have sapped his confidence. Even if that OT goal was not his fault, although it looked really really awkward, the fact that he let up the losing goal just adds to this complex.
Against the Blackhawks in the Regular season this season: 2-1-1 .938 Save% 2.17 GAA
Career against Blackhawks: 13-9-1 .926 SV% 2.25 GAA
Last season @Chi in the playoffs: 2-1 1.68GAA .950Sv%
So after dominating the Blackhawks in a hostile arena in the playoffs last season (but not in a friendly arena at home), then dominating them for 6 of the the next 7 games (4 regular season, 3 playoffs His one loss was 7-1, which means he was brilliant in the other 3 regular season games) then the Blackhawks all of a sudden, for no real reason, got in his head.
Or… He’s a good goalie who has occasional inconsistent games, and he’s played a lot against the Blackhawks the last 2 years and a couple of those bad games have happened to come against them… And the bad games he had against: LA, MIN, DET & ANA.
I mean back at the beginning of the season he SUCKED against LA & MIN back to back (.789 & .667 save %’s.) Then he came back the next game and stopped 31 of 32 in an OT loss too: The Chicago Blackhawks, the team that is apparently in his head so badly after last season that he had one of his best games all season in his first matchup against them the next season.
OR… goalies are inconsistent and you have to let those bad games roll off your back or you’ll twist yourself in knots trying to explain why a goalie can save 50 shots one night and let 6 of 20 go in the next
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 10:01 AM MDT up reply actions
Excellent analysis. It almost makes you think that if you have a goaltender who at least shows that he is capable of being top tier, but then falters for a stretch, that you probably should try your darnedest to keep him around. Good thing we did what we could to hold on to Andy. What’s that? Yikes, are we screwed.
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 Apr 25, 2011 10:18 AM MDT up reply actions
I think the matrix is just jerking around with him.
Each of my replies is a work of art, each more brilliant than the last.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 25, 2011 10:20 AM MDT up reply actions
I’m confused by the hostility with which you defend Luong; I am not insulting his play or criticizing him. Nor, I am I saying he is going to choke. I am simply saying that they are in his head during the playoffs. Even if he won 3 games, then got housed in 2, it still SEEMS like his play is shakier against the Blackhawks or his confidence is not quite as high.
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 am hostile to the “They are in his head” argument, or just the general way statements like that (They are in his head, he doesn’t look right, he’s not trying, he chokes in big games, he’s clutch) are tossed around to support a narrative even when they aren’t true or marginally true at best.
The way narratives form and stick is just plain silly, and infuriating. Here’s a non-hockey example: John Elway was a loser. He couldn’t win the big one. He was a choker, always throwing it away at the clutch moments when it counted. It was just too much for him. All this was written, now he’s remembered as clutch and a winner because he won 2 super bowls.
And yet… Nothing changed about Elway. He had 3 bad games on big stages because he was playing against better teams and he occasionally has bad games. Because he’s an athlete. And Athletes have bad games, and good one.
Pavel Datsyuk was a loser who couldn’t handle the pressure of the playoffs. The Boston Red Sox had the Yankees in their heads because guys they never met in the 1930s couldn’t beat them, until they did. Hell Red Wings fans like to say they were in Roy’s head, even though he was pretty dominant against them in his career. But he had one bad game… in a game 7 and that’s what Wings fans like to remember cecause it fits the narrative they want to write.
Just get tired of it, and it’s particularly tiresome when it comes to goalies
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 10:45 AM MDT up reply actions
I just read the "They are in his head" argument as “his confidence is shaken.” Shaky confidence has a definite impact on an athlete’s play and I would imagine even more so for a hockey goalie, given that they rely so much on reactions and quick thinking.
Not that it’s provable at all.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 10:55 AM MDT up reply actions
I agree with this. I am of the opinion that all these “choker” titles are usually exaggerated, but in the case of Luongo I see a little bit of confidence shaken. You can keep saying that people who think that are idiots, but I see it. Maybe it’s fabricated by a skewed vision of the games or a hope that he is shaky, but I see it.
I will say as a juxtaposition; there may not be chokers, but there are winners. There are athletes, Tom Brady comes to mind, who just seem to win and rise to the pressure. Players who are given chances to rise to the pressure and fail at it, usually are given the choker moniker; usually undeservingly so, but it happens.
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
I don’t think they, or you, are idiots. I think they, and you, are seeing ghosts, something that’s not there. Looking for an easy way to explain the unexplainable. (Well unexplainable if you ignore random chance).
Why would Luongo’s confidence drop from saving 30/32 two nights earlier and generally being great?
I find it completely inconceivable that a goalie who has been one of the NHL’s best for a decade could just up and lose all his confidence over a 2 day stretch in which nothing happened. Or even a 4 day stretch in which he plays poorly.
There are athletes, Tom Brady comes to mind, who just seem to win and rise to the pressure. Players who are given chances to rise to the pressure and fail at it, usually are given the choker moniker; usually undeservingly so, but it happens.
No. There’s not. Joe Sakic wasn’t clutch: He was badass all the time. One of the ten best skaters ever. Of course he was going to score big goals and make big plays: he was awesome. Tom Brady is a great QB all the time, or most of it. He makes great plays at all times of the game against all types of opponents. Roy was the best goalie of all time. Of course he came through in the clutch, because he came through all the time.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:09 AM MDT up reply actions
Out of curiosity, let’s say you are right. Let’s say the Hawks have no significant effect at all on Luongo. How many super elite goalies in the NHL get benched for a pivotal 6th game of the series? Doesn’t that seem like AV is worried?
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.
Doesn’t that seem like AV is worried?
It seems like AV panicked and choked and bought into the insanity that is Vancouver fans and media. Yeah, the coach choked away game 6.
(For the record Schneider had 2 major gaffes that led to goals and let in a PS… Luongo is 16/18 career in penalty shots.)
It was a stupid decision made by a normally good coach, and it cost him mightily, especially because it sets him up for a circus for game 7
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:15 AM MDT up reply actions
So you attest that there is not justification for a good NHL coach to do this?
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.
No. Unless Luongo was sucking his thumb crying in the corner after game 5, I don’t think there was any justification to bench him other than being a slave to small sample size and superstition.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:18 AM MDT up reply actions
Maybe he was sucking his thumb and crying in the corner.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 11:50 AM MDT up reply actions
If he was I take back everything I said.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:55 AM MDT up reply actions
Is vancouver choking or does Chicago have all the momentum? or both?
Each of my replies is a work of art, each more brilliant than the last.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 25, 2011 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions
Chicago is a better team than people gave them credit for. They may be the toughest 8-seed in the last 15 years. They are a good team.
And Vancouver is panicking, especially the coaches. Vancouver outplayed Chicago last night, but Crawford outplayed Schneider (They would have likely closed out the series last night had they started Luongo, FWIW)
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:30 AM MDT up reply actions
Oh I am not sure about that. The Sedins have been INVISIBLE. Absolutely invisible since game 3. Unless they decide to show up, they would not have won.
Oh Kesler needs to show up too.
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.
Right about the same time Bolland, Chicago’s best defensive forward, came back to the lineup.
And the Canucks outplayed the Blackhawks last night. They scored 3 goals and Chicago got 2-3 lucky ones they probably wouldn’t have had had Luongo been in net. If Luongo plays they would have won.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:36 AM MDT up reply actions
Right. Bolland shut down 2 potential Hart Trophy winners. That’s sad for them and amazing for him. If he’s shut them down for two games, why do you assume he wouldn’t shut them down in game 6 if Luongo was in net.
Even if Luongo was good, that doesn’t make up for the Sedins being total non-factors. If they don’t show up for game 7, Vancouver loses.
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.
Chicago had 2-3 early chances that Schnieder did well on. There was a Toews breakaway and a Kane breakway that he stopped in the 1st.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 11:54 AM MDT up reply actions
Again
Luongo is a good breakaway goalie and a very good goalie. Even if Luongo lets in one he still lets in less (obviously this is entirely over-simplistic. But Luongo’s the better goalie. He likely would have let in one less goal, which would have won Vancouver the game)
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:58 AM MDT up reply actions
Pretty sure one of Van’s goals came off a chicago skate, so they had a measure of luck too.
"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?
How can you say the team is panicking but then say the other team is not making them panic (get in their heads)? That’s contradictory.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions
I don’t think players are robots and I think psychological effects can play an effect. But I think that effect is dramatically over-emphasized.
I said the coaches panicked, and they did. Playing Schneider over Luongo was a panic move. As for the players: I think Chicago is a very good team and capable of beating any team in the playoffs on any night. They have benefited from good fortune and good play over the last three games. There may be some psych effects involved, but the overwhelming reason Chicago is winning is because they are a good team with good players.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 12:00 PM MDT up reply actions
You are very opinionated. I think you should start a blog of your own someday.
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 Apr 25, 2011 12:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Where would I find time to keep it going
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 12:08 PM MDT up reply actions
And let’s quit talking about how great Tom Brady is, because DDC is a Pats fan and a Wings fan and we don’t want to derive pleasure from his sports teams, even in passing.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:12 AM MDT up reply actions
Well, I am a Pats fan and Brady is a fair non-hockey choice.
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.
Fine
But my point holds: Brady is a great QB almost all the time, including in the important games.
(But not as great as Elway was)
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:16 AM MDT up reply actions
Why would Luongo’s confidence drop from saving 30/32 two nights earlier and generally being great?
B/c winning right now, in this game means everything and you just blew the last game (or two). That’s plenty of reason to start second -guessing yourself. Being a flagrantly cocky asshole has got to help in staying sharp as a goalie.
Hell, playing tennis and noticing a good looking girl walking by is enough to make a guy start over-thinking things. You can either over-think your swing and knocking the ball way outside the line or you can man up and make the other guy look like a chump. The girl will then, of course, become instantly infatuated with your manliness.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 11:17 AM MDT up reply actions
The girl will then, of course, become instantly infatuated with your manliness.
Except, you know, it’s tennis.
maybe an internet pipe froze and burst
MHH: No Palce four Typos
Yeah, figured the sarcasm would be more obvious if I went with tennis for this reason.
Though, seriously, if I frack up my serve a couple of times to start, I may as well give up on it for the day.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 11:28 AM MDT up reply actions
But he hadn’t lost anything yet. He was up 3-0. Game 3 (up 2-0 chance to make it 3-0, 1st away game against supposed tormentors) was far far more important and stressful than game 4, and he aced it with flying colors. There was zero indication he had lost confidence… and he still played poor in game 4. Hell I’ll even say game 3 was more important than game 5. Going up 3-0 still is bigger than losing to be up 3-2.
Game 6 is where the real pressure was; and here’s how he handled: after being humiliated by his coach he came in in relief and played well, albeit sparingly, saving 12/13 and giving up a completely acceptable rebound goal in which 95% of goaltenders wouldn’t have made the initial save. Clearly the work of a goalie with no confidence.
Hell, playing tennis and noticing a good looking girl walking by is enough to make a guy start over-thinking things. You can either over-think your swing and knocking the ball way outside the line or you can man up and make the other guy look like a chump. The girl will then, of course, become instantly infatuated with your manliness.
Yes, but NHL goaltenders, or professional athletes in general, especially one’s as good as Luongo aren’t normal guys. It takes a tremendous amount of self-confidence & dedication to make it even 1/2 as far as they have gotten. These are guys who have failed at their sports more times than we can imagine. The idea that a bad game or two against the same opponent will break that seems just downright silly.
Goalie is inconsistent. Sun Rises. Sky still blue. Water still wet.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions
Don’t mean to say that Lou has definitely lost games b/c of his shaky confidence. Rather, I would only say he has had reason to have his confidence shaken and that shaky confidence can affect play.
I’m not so willing to say professional athletes’ play isn’t affected by mentality at all. Confidence can be off for any number of reasons or no reason. IMHO, it seems silly to think anybody, including professional athletes, would be immune to that.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 11:51 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, and I am being overly simplistic. Obviousl mental game is a big factor. But I get tired of seeing every bad game, week, or season blamed on mental factors and attributed to things no one has a clue on.
Are the Blackhawks in Luongo’s head? Has he lost his confidence? I guess it’s possible, but his overall play doesn’t really seem to support this. It seems to be that he is a very good goalie who had 2 off nights at a bad time.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 12:07 PM MDT up reply actions
Goalie is inconsistent. Sun Rises. Sky still blue. Water still wet.
You forgot “Women are crazy.”
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
The others are more observations.
The one you stated is a universal constant forged in the big bang and molded down into the laws of physics.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 12:29 PM MDT up reply actions
Why is it wrong for us to say that a team got in a goalies ( or players) head when the players themselves say that it happens?
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 11:49 AM MDT up reply actions
Baseball players wear titanium bracelets because it helps them play better, and then swear it’s true even when it obviously isn’t. Call it the placebo effect if you want, but players aren’t immune to this.
Again, I’m being overly draconian about some things. Psychological effects do matter and do make a difference. I just don’t like it when people reach for psych effects as the sole cause. “Luongo played bad because Chi is in his head!”
If anyone is in his head: it’s lunatic fans and media who keep pounding him with the same stupid questions about the Blackhawks being in his head.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 12:05 PM MDT up reply actions
I get what you’re saying. But who on here is saying that is the only reason the Blackhawks won?
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 1:03 PM MDT up reply actions
There’s been the implicit impression that Luongo played poorly in games 4 & 5 because he was facing the big bad Blackhawks. SeeSixWhores even said the Blackhawks were in his head.
A lot of fans have repeated a similar mantra, including here, and similar statements work their way around all the time. (“He didn’t give a good effort this game” is one example. The whole body language thing that bothered me so is another).
I think they are rubbish, or mostly rubbish, and people’s reactions to these thoughts honestly perplex me to no end.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 2:01 PM MDT up reply actions
Well, I think saying that something happened doesn’t necessarily equate to being the ONLY reason the team lost. Saying that losing/the Hawks got into Lou’s head isn’t the same thing as saying, “The only reason the Nucks lost was because the Hawks got into his head.” Maybe i’m simply reading things differently, but I don’t think anyone on here has said the latter.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 3:25 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
1st, I didn’t say anything about people here. I brought up a new subject and even said I think Vancouver fans were batshit crazy. So I think the whole
But who on here is saying that is the only reason the Blackhawks won?I never said people here were saying that, and it wasn’t my original point at all. My original point was that some people (not necessarily here) were pointing at the last goal as Luongo’s fault, and that he was receiving way too much blame in the hockey media. It really had nothing to do with people here. So equating it back to me arguing against people here saying that is a strawman, since I accused no one here of doing any such thing.
So I agree with you. I don’t think anyone here is blaming Luongo solely. But that was never my point. My point was that Vancouver fans, media, and coaches are fucking nuts for benching him.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 3:51 PM MDT up reply actions
I’m not denying that at all. I’m just tired of the lack of recognition that he was BAD and has a tendency to do that during playoffs.
Thank you, Footer. You - and your nose - will never be forgotten.
Avalanche Breakaway: a blog of hockey goodness
by Cheryl Bradley on Apr 25, 2011 11:46 AM MDT up reply actions
His playoff numbers are almost identical to his Regular season numbers.
He was awful for 2 games. I never said otherwise. Benching him was stupid.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 12:02 PM MDT up reply actions
So I heard this really appropriate quote some place:
In playoffs, goalies are heroes or they are goats.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 10:02 AM MDT up reply actions
I heard a really appropriate quote too:
MalachiConstant makes up quotes and then refuses to take credit for the brilliant quote and then he tries to claim he stole it.
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 actually is a quote. By a certain goalie. A certain goalie that I wouldn’t mind seeing in Avs gear. Even if he thinks he’s a goat.
Winnik is a fucking #Winner. Le P'tit Français est un Des Boys. Can Johnson bring me loads of happiness? Bucket Loads. Ryan O`Byrne must have #TigerBlood
Because 30 is different than 20.
by Sandie Gauthier on Apr 25, 2011 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions
goats > Elliot
Patrit19: Languishing for Landeskog since 2011
Fuck the red wings indeed
Thats What Sherman Said
I don’t know who these Canucks are, but they aren’t the regular season Canucks. Their defense and Kesler have been replaced by alien replicants. Throw in the coach’s lack of faith in their Vezina-candidate, and this team is a wreck right now.
I’d give credit to Chicago, but that team’s a disaster because of the salary cap and a team the Avs should never want to emulate or try to be in any way because we’d hate all the winning and competitiveness.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
Yep. Don’t want to be in Chicago’s shoes. Winning cups. Keeping Kane, Toews, Hossa, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook, Campbell, Bolland, Kopecky, and other core players around while adding key young additions by trading away other expensive assets. Making the playoffs. Competing in the playoffs. What a horrible, vicious, cycle.
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 Apr 25, 2011 9:58 AM MDT up reply actions
Kane, Toews, Bolland, Hossa, Sharp, Keith, Seabrook
vs.
Stastny, Duchene, Hejduk, O’Reilly, Johnson
The Avs’ core doesn’t compare too well, needless to say.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions
Well yeah, you named 7 Hawks and 5 Avs. That’s unfair. At least give the Avs two more.
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.
JML, possibly Jones
Patrit19: Languishing for Landeskog since 2011
Fuck the red wings indeed
Thats What Sherman Said
Flash if resigned, Mueller if alive.
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.
Toews > Stastny
Kane ≤ Future Duchene (hopefully)
Bolland ~ O’Reilly (no idea really)
Hossa > Flash or Zombie Mueller
Sharp > Flash or Zombie Mueller
Keith ~ Future Johnson (who knows, Keith is better now though)
Seabrook < Liles
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 10:50 AM MDT up reply actions
The avs will be well rested for the preseason, while those playoff teams will be tired. Advantage-Avalanche.
Each of my replies is a work of art, each more brilliant than the last.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 25, 2011 10:21 AM MDT up reply actions
DCC—Perfect photo, it really captures the year. Starts out good, you’re out cruising along, looking like a badass, then….BAM…you hit the car door and you’re hurt and look like crap and everyone gets a good laugh at your expense.
Each of my replies is a work of art, each more brilliant than the last.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 25, 2011 10:18 AM MDT reply actions
You can make the microcosm even better: Andy is the biker, Vancouver is the car; Galiardi is the biker, the end boards are the car; Quincey is the biker, some strange alien replica is the car; Flash is the biker, blood clots are the car; Mueller is the biker, Rob Blake’s shadow is the car; Jones is the biker, wait what?
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 wish I could say something about how some player slammed into the door, broke it off, and kept on cruising, but that would be a lie
Patrit19: Languishing for Landeskog since 2011
Fuck the red wings indeed
Thats What Sherman Said
ROB is the cyclist, the skate is the car?
Winnik is a fucking #Winner. Le P'tit Français est un Des Boys. Can Johnson bring me loads of happiness? Bucket Loads. Ryan O`Byrne must have #TigerBlood
Because 30 is different than 20.
by Sandie Gauthier on Apr 25, 2011 10:44 AM MDT up reply actions
Stewart slammed into the car, broke it off, kept on cruising but couldn’t steer because of a broken hand, missed the turn off and some how ended up in St Louis.
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 Apr 25, 2011 9:08 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
And Rec'd
Winnik is a fucking #Winner. Le P'tit Français est un Des Boys. Can Johnson bring me loads of happiness? Bucket Loads. Ryan O`Byrne must have #TigerBlood
Because 30 is different than 20.
by Sandie Gauthier on Apr 25, 2011 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions
You’ve found the perfect place to not say it.
Open thread, FTW.
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions
I have a job interview on Wednesday! Just stopping by to gather as much international luck as I can :D
I make music. I don't think it's despicable, do you?
by SteveHouse on Apr 25, 2011 12:50 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Good luck!
Couple pro tips for you:
1. Refrain from showing your penis in the first interview.
2. As Family Guy said, when they ask where you see yourself in five years, don’t say “Doing your mom.”
3. When asked what you would say your flaws are, go with something like “Being immortal isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
You forgot 4:
Don’t bring your gun/knife collection with you. Or do, what am I the interview police?
Each of my replies is a work of art, each more brilliant than the last.
by An Unmitigated Disaster on Apr 25, 2011 1:19 PM MDT up reply actions
And don’t where a tux if you’re interviewing for a job as a janitor
Patrit19: Languishing for Landeskog since 2011
Fuck the red wings indeed
Thats What Sherman Said
I’ll also make sure to be late. Wouldn’t want to look like a try-hard.
I make music. I don't think it's despicable, do you?
Should you not then change your screen name to “Paul XX.”?
Oh, congratulations!
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 1:38 PM MDT up reply actions
Or Paul XY
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Puck Daddy's Eulogy
Just read the eulogy for the Rangers, and I want my five minutes back. If this is the direction they want to go with these, they’re barking up the wrong tree. This was just mean-spirited and completely lacking of the good-natured ribbing they had plenty of last year.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
This one wasn’t bad. Not humorous, but I think it would really sting a Rangers fan. Since they are supposed to sting, he gets points for that.
The Yotes one was, well frankly awful. Unless the guy was instead doing a parody of a smug, entitled, narcissistic, tin-foil hatted Red Wings fan. Then it was outstanding.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions
I got about halfway through the Yotes eulogy and stopped. In many ways, it should have been a eulogy for hockey in Phoenix, and a serious one at that. Instead it was a
smug, entitled, narcissistic, tin-foil hatted Red Wingsrant. Wings hockey fans (and I inserted “hockey” intentionally) understand how important a team can be to their fan base. Where would they be if the Wings moved to KC if (for instance) the organization wanted a new arena and Detroit couldn’t afford to do it?
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 2:59 PM MDT up reply actions
There are plenty of empty buildings sitting around Detroit they could play in. If they played in an old pock-marked, festering and dilapidated building at least the exterior of their new arena would match the inside of their souls.
by MalachiConstant on Apr 25, 2011 3:06 PM MDT up reply actions
This isn’t that far fetched. The Joe is already an older building, and I don’t know if a move to The Palace would work or not. I would laugh my ass off if the Wings and Detroit got into a pissing match over money and the team started taking offers.
Especially if in the years post-Lidstrom they fell in the standings and gate receipts took a dive.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
The (winged) wheels will eventually fall off the bandwagon. With the economy in Detroit as it is, the fair weather fans will go back to buying Thunderbird and hanging out under the overpasses. That may mean lots of empty seats in a dilapidated arena. Quebec or KC might start to look pretty good.
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 4:49 PM MDT up reply actions
Oh man. I would laugh so hard if the Wings were moved.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
I would and I wouldn’t. I think Detroit needs to be in the league because everyone needs a strong rival, otherwise it’s not really sports. I think of them and the hockey equivalent of the Raiders. I hate them and their fans, but they make the season so much more fun.
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 5:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Agreed. I don’t exactly want them to move, especially if its out of the West – I want the rivalry to pick back up again. But I would still laugh like mad if “Hockeytown, USA” lost its hockey team.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
It would be funnier than when the “State of Hockey” didn’t have an NHL team.
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 Apr 25, 2011 9:11 PM MDT up reply actions
i don’t mind mean spirited if it’s funny. that just wasn’t funny.
"I’m predicting 50pts in the NHL for Hensick next season. Anyone want to put $20 on it?" - DetAvs, Jun 18, 2010 3:45 AM EDT
Hensick stats: 13 games, 1g/2a/3p THOMAS/DETAVS: I WANT MY $20
Ducks one is up too. I think Rudy Kelly’s hysterical, but his Ducks one was bland.
I don’t want to sound arrogant or conceited, or biased, but I thought my own Sharks eulogy was 100x funnier than anything this season.
Avalanche Shutouts are a powerful Aphrodisiac
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Apr 25, 2011 2:39 PM MDT up reply actions
That’s from the All Star game.
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 3:27 PM MDT up reply actions
You sir, are good at looking at shoulder patches.
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 certainly doesn’t make it any less interesting. I’d take it. I wouldn’t mind having his WC sweater either. Canada usually has good looking threads.
"It's all about the $"
by Busted Twigg on Apr 25, 2011 4:52 PM MDT up reply actions
The next round of play of the year voting is up on the Avs website.
Everyone should head over and vote for Matt’s goal against Ottawa. Best goal of the entire season IMO.
(We’ll just ignore the fact that it came against a goalie that now wears Burgundy and Blue. Thank you Tank for letting us win that game.)
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who <3s the Avs.
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