2011 Colorado Avalanche Blogger Roundtable Day 12: Bold Predictions
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Sep 16, 2011 7:00 AM MDT
in Avalanche Blogger Roundtable
Email
Print
Prediction time! Please make your bold predictions here so we can all marvel or point and laugh at the end of the year. How many points will the Avalanche finish with? How deep will they go in the playoffs? Who will lead the team in scoring? Who will be the top-scoring defenseman? And who will top the team in penalty minutes?
David Driscoll-Carignan, Mile High Hockey: 98 points, thanks in part to a resurgence of J.S. Giguere. 2nd round exit. Stastny leads the way with 72 points while Johnson scores 44 on the blueline. Shane O'Brien has a pugilistic resurgence and leads the team with 150 penalty minutes. And Jimmy Howard wins the Calder for the 23rd straight time.
Adrian Dater, Denver Post: I'll say they finish 11th (sorry). Leading scorer: Duchene, 69 points. Top-scoring D-man: Elliott - 41 points. Penalty-minute leader: The Highlander, of course.
Brett Shumway, Mile High Hockey: Avs will finish with 99 points. Get tossed in the first round. Duchene will lead the team in scoring. EJ leads the D. And although O'Brien will make a valiant effort, Cody Mac will continue his reign as PIM king.
Matt Muzia, SBN Denver: The Avalanche finish second in the Northwest Division with 100 points, good enough for sixth in the Western Conference. Paul Stastny has a rebound year with 80 points, and (Bold Prediction Alert!) Colorado finishes top 12 in Goals Allowed.
Ryan Boulding, The Avalanche Guild: I hate making predictions as they are based on basically nothing when it comes to the Colorado Avalanche. Injuries, strange decisions, awkward trades have an unforeseeable impact on the season. While the diehard fan in me predicts winning the Stanley Cup, the realist sees something more like a close sixth or seventh place finish with a first round exit unless the stars align. I wouldn't put it past this team to be an eighth seed upset like the Canadians last season or the Oilers from a few years back. 99 points will bring them in and Stastny will lead in points. Duchene will lead in goals. The Burgundy Brigade will be the next big thing for fans. John-Michael Liles won't be fourth on the team with 46 points and Stoa won't be worth keeping track of. Erik Johnson will lead defense in points unless Elliott plays, then it will be Elliott by a mile. Penalty minutes will to go to either Cody McLeod or Shane O'Brien. Whatever happens, beating the finish from last year should be easy and it will certainly be a fun year of our favorite sport.
Mike Verminski, Put It On Ice: The they will finish with 83 points, but still miss the playoffs. I think Stastny will get his mojo back and lead the team in scoring next season. Jonson should be the top scoring defenseman and McLeod will definitely lead the team in penalty minutes!
Nic Zamora, Avaholics Anonymous: The Avs will finish with 95 points which will be good enough for 8th spot in the playoffs. There will be no sweep but the team will not go down without a fight and take it to 6 games in the 1st round but will not make it farther than that. I'll say Matt Duchene takes that next step and leads the team in scoring with 85 points while Cody McLeod leads in PIMs with 180.
AJ Haefele, Mile High Hockey: I'm seeing the Avalanche finishing the season with 90 points because injuries WILL happen and at the end of the day, this still is not a deep enough team to overcome long-term injuries to key players. With a 90 point season, I don't see the Avalanche making the playoffs. I think Matt Duchene will be lead the team in scoring (77 points) and Erik Johnson will be the top-scoring defenseman (46 points). The top PIMs getter will be Cody McLeod with 112.
Cheryl Bradley, Mile High Hockey & Avalanche Breakaway: How many points will the Avalanche finish with? 92 How deep will they go in the playoffs? They won't make it, falling just short of a playoff berth in 9th or 10th place in the West. Who will lead the team in scoring? Matt Duchene (80 pts) Who will be the top-scoring defenseman? Erik Johnson (50 pts) And who will top the team in penalty minutes? Cody McLeod (130 PIM)
Sean Payton, Anyone But Detroit:
Points: 97 points - finish 7th in the Western Conf
Playoffs: Lose in first round
Scoring leader: Duchene
Defenseman scoring leader: Johnson
Penalty mins leader: McLeod
Angélique Murray, Colorado Avalanche Prospects, Mile High Hockey & Chicks Who Give A Puck: I think this team has the potential of making the playoffs. Certainly things have to go right, namely a healthy Peter Mueller in post Phoenix and pre Rob Blake hit form. Erik Johnson needs to come into his own, especially considering this is a contract year. Semyon Varlamov has to perform and quickly considering the high price the Avalanche paid.
With that being said, it took 97 points to make the playoffs in the Western Conference last year and that would involve a 29 point improvement from the Avalanche this year to reach that mark. Better goaltending and a bigger and more rugged defense will certainly help. I'll put Colorado at 94 points. Depending on how things work out, it could be enough for them to slide into the top eight.
Even if they manage to get in, I'm expecting they'll be one and done. Matt Duchene will get his first 80 plus point season and lead the team offensively. A nod to Erik Johnson as the top scoring defenseman with at least 40 points and Cody McLeod will lead the team in penalty minutes (shoot for 200 Highlander).
Jaye Horbay, Mile High Sticking:
Final Points - 98 pts
Playoffs - second round loss
Scoring Leader - Duchene 85 pts
Top Scoring D man - Quincey 50 pts (please please please)
Top Penalty Mins - Shane O'brien/Kyle Cumiskey tied, each one of them being stupid and costing us at least one game.
David from Slovakia, Eurolanche: Points: 96, Playoffs: As a die-hard fan = Stanley Cup, as a realistic person = 2nd round. Scoring: Duchene, D-man: Johnson. PIM: Winnik.
Pavol from Austria, Eurolanche: Points: 74; No play-off next year; Top scorer: Duchene; Top-scoring defender: Johnson; Top in penalty minutes: O'Byrne.
Aaron Musick, HockeyBuzz: I already have this posted for everyone to mock/marvel at but I think Matt Duchene gets 90 points this year. I think he is going to explode. In addition, I think Semyon Varlamov will get 37 wins and the Avs 98 points and find their way into the playoffs. Then again that is total and complete optimism talking.
Mike Chambers, Denver Post: Much improved defensively, Avs make the playoffs with 96 points. Duchene is the top scorer. Quincey is the top offensive guy on the blue line. McLeod fights the most.
Geoff Rosenthal, The Avs Factor: The Avalanche will finish with 93 points, good enough for second in the Northwest Division and eighth in the Western Conference. They will advance to second round of the playoffs after knocking off the Vancouver Canucks in round one. Matt Duchene will lead the team in scoring with a cool 87 points, while Stefan Elliott will emerge from the AHL to lead the defensemen in scoring (ala Kevin Shattenkirk). The penalty minute king, Cody McLeod, will return to defend his belt. Peter Mueller will not get injured. Joakim Lindstrom will receive the Jarsoslav Hlinka treatment. Paul Stastny will not be traded.
Andi D, Mile High Hockey: I think the Avs will finish with 98 points, good for 8th in the West, and just barely squeek into playoffs. I expect them to push the first round to at least 6 games, but I highly doubt they'll make it past the second round. Dutchy will lead the scorers with around 85pts in the regular season, and EJ will lead the blueline with about 40pts. O'Byrne will lead the team in PIM because he'll get more minutes than McLeod or O'Brien this year (the other two candidates for the top PIM award). I also expect that some of our numerous blueliners will be traded for young, top 6 caliber wingers at some point, and that Erik Johnson will be wearing a C on the front of his jersey.
Derek Bell, Mile High Hockey:
Record: 44-29-9 for 97 points, finish 2nd in Northwest behind the Vancouver Canucks and 7th in the Western Conference.
Playoffs: The Avs will make the playoffs this year, but unfortunately fall in the first round to the Pacific Division champion Los Angeles Kings.
Leading Scorer/Defenseman: Mighty Matt Duchene (35 goals/86 points)/Erik Johnson (10 goals/36 points)
Penalty Minutes Leader: Cody McLeod (206 PIM)
Austin Snow, Avs Chill Zone: I think the Avalanche hit the 96-point mark and end up in the #7 seed. Again, maybe that's shooting a bit high, but there are significant improvements from last season, and the team is due for a season without many major injuries. They're also due for a semi-final win. I say they extend the 2nd round series 7 games but lose out on their bid to make to the conference finals.
Duchene will again lead the team in scoring, but Stastny won't be far behind. I say Dutchy hits 90 points thanks to the addition of Mueller on his line, but I also have a feeling that Mueller will go down again with a concussion.
Quincey will be the top scoring d-man with 50 points, and O'Brien leads the team in PIMs with 120ish.
Mike @ MHH, Mile High Hockey: 87, miss playoffs, Johnson, McLeod.
Stephen Crociata, Mile High Sticking and SBNation New York: The Avalanche will finish with 96 points. They will lose in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Matt Duchene will lead the Avalanche in scoring with over 80 points. Erik Johnson will lead defenseman in scoring with 42 points. Brad Malone will top the team in PIM. Also Gabriel Landeskog will win the Calder.
Final tally: 16-6 in favor of the Avalanche making the playoffs. Duchene received 17 votes to lead the team in scoring, with 4 votes for Stastny and one no vote. Johnson was the leading vote-getter for defensive scoring, with Elliott and Quincey each receiving 3 votes. Cody McLeod got 13 votes for penalty minutes, with Shane O'Brien receiving 3, Ryan O'Byrne 2 and Daniel Winnik (!) getting one nod.
Of course, we'd like to hear your bold predictions in the comments section.
I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the roundtable this year. It was a lot of work to put this together, but the answers made it totally worth it. The Avalanche have a great community of writers supporting the team and this roundtable is just a small sample of the wealth of talent out there. We hope you'll take some time to visit the great sites we've been linking throughout the Roundtable, as well as some of our favorites who weren't able to participate this year, like JibbleScribbits and Avs Hockey Podcast.
For reference, here's the questions we covered this year. And, all the previous questions are archived here.
- Meet the cast
- Day 1: A blast from the past
- Day 2: Moving vans
- Day 3: Looking back at the trades
- Day 4: Skipper Joe
- Day 5: Varlamov and the lottery
- Day 6: Moving on up?
- Day 7: Ryan Stoa
- Day 8: Gabriel Landeskog
- Day 9: Breakout player
- Day 10: The D
- Day 11: The Goalies
The roundtable may be over, but the season is just about to kick off in a big way as training camp starts tomorrow. We actually have a big training camp preview coming later today, so don't change that dial!
205 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I hope Cody Mac doesn’t play enough to lead the team in penalty minutes. I just don’t like the guy anymore. He’s really nothing but a clown
As for the Calder to Howard DDC. I didn’t realize we were at 23 straight years already. My how time flies
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
they asked for bold predictions. I’m pretty sure that Howard winning the Calder is a given at this point.
I’m not disputing that, I just thought we were only in the teens, not the 23rd straight year
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
This looks like as good a place as any for shameless self-promotion.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
I lol’d
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 9:00 AM MDT up reply actions
this kills me every time!
August is done, Bring on the hockey!
R.I.P. Wade, Rusty and Scratch
MHH - Home of the troll-ku
Who is the golden voiced man behind the mic?
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
Some hack. Found him on E. Colfax begging for food, money or beer. I gave him a Coor’s Light for doing the recording.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 9:18 AM MDT up reply actions 3 recs
The heart of a champion doesn’t need to be beating…
If this isn’t one of the greatest moments in MHH history, I don’t know what is.
"It's all about the $"
Lawn defender since... crap, I can't remember.
by Busted Twigg on Sep 16, 2011 9:23 AM MDT up reply actions
My favorite is the “dead” part. I’ve listened to that recording hundreds of times between making it and revisiting it and I still laugh out loud at that each and every time.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 10:23 AM MDT up reply actions
I laugh all the time too. I still think it's brilliant!
It's all about the A-
by Sandie Gauthier on Sep 16, 2011 10:25 AM MDT up reply actions
I love all the comments by Wings fans that presume it’s a tribute rather than a roast. High IQs in Detroit.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 9:20 AM MDT up reply actions
one no vote.
Yeahhh that would be Mike putting in 100% effort.
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.
Read between the lines, keeper o’ whores. I obviously thought there would be a tie for top points getter on the team. Therefore, no “leader”.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
My scottish name is Jimmy McClamydia.
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.
Miles O’Whores
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 Sep 16, 2011 7:49 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
It seems to me that the Avs playoffs hope may not rest squarely on Varly and his health. From reading this and thinking myself, I think Duchene is the prime indicator. If he break 80 points, that likely means he is scoring from start to finish this season. That means at the end of the season, the Avs are still competing and means they are likely in the playoff hunt. If he is putting up 80 points, that means his wingers are healthy and effective and that likely means the Avs are winning games.
Last year, they were in the middle of the playoff picture in January. Injuries decimated that team. That team, if healthy, was a playoff team. This year’s team is better in goal, better at defense, and “depthier” (used with permission from Cheryl) than last year. If healthy, it’s logical they make the playoffs I think.
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.
Hopefully the new glass allows them to be healthier…meaning they won’t need to be as “depthy”
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
Their “depthiness” is also important just for freak injuries like bruises or sprains. Things that keep players out for only a few games.
A man who stole my whisky used the defense that no one could resist a bottle of Scotch. I had no choice but to testify on his behalf.
By bruises and sprains, you mean concussions and amputations right?
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
I hate you. I need to mock you on your twitter post, but I forgot what it was. One second.
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.
Ok
I hope that the smell to which you are referring as hockey season is actually something other than hockey season. Yeah, that’s the insult I wanted.
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 doesn’t just hinge on Duchene putting up around 80 pts. Stastny needs to get near there and a guy named Dr Jones needs to be in the 50-60pt mark along with the pirate dude with the thick helmet. Everyone talks about lack of depth, many lack the perception of what depth actually is. Depth is the remaining healthy players stepping up.
I don’t even have to discuss how much team success is going to count on defence & netminding.
by JoeSacc0wn3d on Sep 16, 2011 7:45 AM MDT up reply actions
I actually disagree. I think the playoffs hinge on the offense more than the defense. Of course defense and goaltending is important, but it is clearly better than last year. I think Duchene’s point total is the indicator, not the reason. His point total will portend the Avalanche’s success.
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’m with Joe on this one. The team addressed many needs in the offseason, and few of them were offense. If Duchene and everyone else puts up the exact same amount of points this season as they did last season and the Avs cut their goals against by just half a goal a game, this season will still be much more successful.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
This was proven to not work last year. The Avs offense was a force and almost unstoppable at points until the goaltending & defense completely collapsed, then the offense dried up…missing the playoffs by a couple hundred miles.
What Stastny & Jones produce for points are going to be more important in the long run. Without a supporting cast it doesn’t matter what Dutchy puts up for points. He could have a 100pt season and if Stastny is in the 50’s and Jones isn’t putting in more than 20 goals…well…
Ask the Bruins how much their defense & goaltending helped them win the cup.
Ask Vancouver how much Luongo didn’t help them in the finals.
A run and gun team with questionable D & goaltending rarely ever have playoff success.
by JoeSacc0wn3d on Sep 16, 2011 9:45 AM MDT up reply actions
A run and gun team with questionable D & goaltending rarely ever have playoff success.
See: Flyers, Philadelphia
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 9:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Also: Lighting, Tampa Bay and Blackhawks, Chicago
I need a drink, please.
by MalachiConstant on Sep 16, 2011 9:58 AM MDT up reply actions
ummmmmm Roloson behind Hedman, Brewer and Ohlund
and Crawford behind Seabrook, Keith, Hjarlmarsson, and Campbell?
not exactly
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 10:00 AM MDT up reply actions
Meh, if the Avs make the playoffs it will be b/c their D is playing as well as Hedman Brewer and Ohlund for sure. Last year the hawks D wasn’t so hot, so just saying the Avs would have to match that. Crawford and Roloson were huge question marks heading into the playoffs. They both played pretty well, but heading in they were questionable.
I need a drink, please.
by MalachiConstant on Sep 16, 2011 10:03 AM MDT up reply actions
fair enough
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 10:05 AM MDT up reply actions
Didn’t work for the Flyers vs Pens & didn’t work for the Flyers against Bruins last season.
Roloson is the reason why Tampa even had a chance. Hawks? What did they do that you can use them as an example?
by JoeSacc0wn3d on Sep 16, 2011 10:07 AM MDT up reply actions
Hawks? What did they do that you can use them as an example?a
win the stanley cup?
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 10:09 AM MDT up reply actions
If you’re talking strictly last year, clearly Boston won the cup. But if you allow us to go back in time in our magical mystery machine, we will see that Chicago won the cup with an up tempo style (good D and tending too), Detroit and Pitt won with more of a puck-possession style than I’d call heavily relying on D, Carolina with sick goaltending and one Eric Staal, Tampa with sick goal tending and a high-tempo style. Anaheim was really the only D oriented team to win in the last few years.
To be more accurate about all this though, you have to have an overall good fucking team to win the Cup. All this talk about D or scoring wins the cup is an over generalization.
I need a drink, please.
by MalachiConstant on Sep 16, 2011 10:24 AM MDT up reply actions
The only problem with “the offense was fine last year so it will be again this year” was when it was really clicking, Stewie and Shatty were still with us.
No soup for you!
I think you are mis-reading my comment. I am not saying success rests on the offensive output, but the offensive output will be the best indicator of the Avalanche’s success.
I believe that if Duchene is putting 80+ points, this team is a playoff team or very close. I think his point totals will echo the team’s success more so than Goals Against.
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.
Permission to use depthier™ granted, though you owe me royalties now. I accept PayPal.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 7:50 AM MDT up reply actions
I will take it…maybe.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 7:57 AM MDT up reply actions
Well that Winnik as top PM getter was certainly a BOLD prediction =)
Check out my girlfriends business at www.AllyBStudio.com
As grandma always says, Fuck the Red Wings, indeed.
Is it? If Mcleod is a healthy scratch in favor of a Kobasew/Winnick/McC line he might not be in enough games to rack up that many points. In that case, someone else would fight; Winnik, Wilson, SoB?
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.
Now that I’ve been to camp, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Malone playing in favor of Cody. I need to see the real scrimmages on Saturday to get a better idea, but if that’s the case, SoB will take the booby prize for PIMs.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 7:52 AM MDT up reply actions
Boobies….
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
by chiavsfan on Sep 16, 2011 8:06 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
as a prize!
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Sep 16, 2011 8:07 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think it’s safe to say that I am one of Winnik’s most vocal supporters on the site. But Winnik isn’t much of a fighter. In fact, the only fight he got in last season he did the faux pas of hitting a guy while he was down. I was unimpressed. I remember even saying it in the recap that night. I just don’t see him in 14 fights a year.
It's all about the A-
by Sandie Gauthier on Sep 16, 2011 9:25 AM MDT up reply actions
He did impressively win one fight…of course, that was in training camp against his own teammate….
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 10:25 AM MDT up reply actions
His 7 career fights in 282 games played makes that a pretty good bet.
Just because the guy looks like a caveman doesn’t mean he’s tough.
by Dan Winkler on Sep 16, 2011 12:40 PM MDT up reply actions
Phaneuf looks like a caveman, Winnik doesn’t.
It's all about the A-
by Sandie Gauthier on Sep 16, 2011 12:42 PM MDT up reply actions
Geoff Rosenthal, The Avs Factor: The Avalanche will finish with 93 points, good enough for second in the Northwest Division and eighth in the Western Conference. They will advance to second round of the playoffs after knocking off the Vancouver Canucks in round one. Matt Duchene will lead the team in scoring with a cool 87 points, while Stefan Elliott will emerge from the AHL to lead the defensemen in scoring (ala Kevin Shattenkirk). The penalty minute king, Cody McLeod, will return to defend his belt. Peter Mueller will not get injured. Joakim Lindstrom will receive the Jarsoslav Hlinka treatment. Paul Stastny will not be traded.
You’re mistaken. Hlinka was a bomb even if he got ice time. Jonas Holos treatment is what you’re trying to say.
Hlinka was misused, badly, but needed time to adjust to the NHL. I think Lindstrom is more prepared for the NHL, having played in Phoenix. I think he sticks.
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.
From all the reports, Lindstrom is looking the real deal in camp. But the scrimmages haven’t been full speed nor contact. I’m so excited about tomorrow. That’s when things will get really interesting.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 7:54 AM MDT up reply actions
I like his Modo stats. I think there is a huge chance he ends up on a line with Mules & Dutch at some point.
by JoeSacc0wn3d on Sep 16, 2011 9:47 AM MDT up reply actions
He’s kind of like house money right now. If he works into something the team can use, it’s a steal since we spent no picks on him and are paying so little. If he doesn’t work out, no big loss. He’s just one more thing to have our fingers crossed about this season.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
The Imaginary Awesomeness of Joakim Lindstrom?
by Dan Winkler on Sep 16, 2011 12:43 PM MDT up reply actions
Yeah Hlinka never showed much, even when given his opportunity. Maybe the Per Ledin treatment
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
I see them with over 102 points (hey, think of the 2009-2010 Coyotes). This team will tear it up with the defensive changes, a healthy Mueller, and an energy providing Landeskog. The latter is in my opinion a very big piece that was missing in Colorado, a “Stewart” with maybe less goal scoring, but 5 times the energy and desire.
2nd round exit.
Duchene or Mueller for leading scorer (with Mueller in a full season, they’ll feed off one another).
Elliot for the d-man.
And finally the long shot in Bordeleau as our new enforcer.
Lots of Kool Aid being passed around this joint. It’s like the ‘punch’ bowl at a frat party.
And it has begun....
Is there any reason to be pessimistic at this point? The team is healthy, it has a new defense, it has two new goalies, it has healthy wings for now. Good things. If a worse team than this one was in the playoff picture last year….
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.
Realistic, not pessimistic.
There are way too many unknowns right now, way too many new people, most of whom have spotty histories. Don’t get me wrong; I think it’s going to be an entertaining year and a huge improvement from last year. I’m just not convinced it’s going to be a 30-points in the standings improvement.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 8:01 AM MDT up reply actions
But if there’s ever a year to make a 30 point jump in the standings then I think it’s the year right after a statistical anomaly of a historically bad stinker of a toilet bowl 2nd half piece of crap. Those are all technical terms.
This is why they are BOLD (if not just made up) predictions
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
I was reading Hockey Wilderness as punishment yesterday on a train. A few commenters are afraid of the Avs, but they made a good point regarding the division. Edmonton and Calgary should suck. Minnesota I think got worse. If the Avs take advantage of that then they should get a boost. Or they can suck and some other team will take advantage.
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.
Why do you continually go to these slums of the interwebz?
"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 KNOW. I CAN’T STOP.
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 slums are where you find the best whores, amirite?
"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?
Depends on your definition of “best”, I guess.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
cost effective
I need a drink, please.
by MalachiConstant on Sep 16, 2011 12:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Realistically, the Avs are undefeated right now.
"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 Sep 16, 2011 10:27 AM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
Glass half-empty approach:
A. The West is a bitch this year. While the NW is a weak division, the division leader isn’t. Second place in the division doesn’t buy you squat.
1. Vancouver
2. San Jose
3. Chicago
4. LA Kings
5. Detroit
6. Nashville
7. St. Louis
Competing for final spots:
Minny
Columbus
Anaheim
Colorado
Calgary
Looking poor:
Dallas
Phoenix
Edmonton
B. Despite the Avs sucking as much as they have ever sucked last season. Two of their unhealthiest players stayed healthy. Jones and Hejduk stayed off the IR for the most part. Can that happen two years in a row? I can say with 100% confidence that maybe they can.
C. Varley injury history. Giguere injury history. Oh and Cedrick Desjardines had shoulder surgery in May. How does Trevor Cann as a starting goalie sound?
I think in general the Avs will be significantly better defensively and you can’t predict injuries except that you know they will happen at some point. The West is really competitive and it’s going to be a dog fight 7-11. I bet all those teams are withing just a few points of each other going down the stretch.
I'll keep this brief.
Sorry
but MINNY? Give me a break. I think they’ll finish below Edmonton. They think Heatley is an upgrade to Havlat. Who is going to feed Heatley? Joe Thornton? Oh wait.
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.
Well, Setoguchi as well. Good goaltending.
But, lack of scoring depth and a weak defense. “Wild Card”. Not as obviously poor as Edmonton, Phoenix and Dallas imo.
I'll keep this brief.
Not to mention, their new coach is instituting a more up-beat style of play I read. That needs time to set in. They also lost Burns and, if you read B Rey, that has caused a display of perfect cognitive dissonance because now he wasn’t that good. He wasn’t and all-star or anything. Nope.
I actually think they’ll finish last.
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.
From what I could tell, Burns was on the path to stardom. But what do I know; I’m pretty despicable.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
No no nononononononononoo. I learned from B Rey that he was a defensive liability and all the offense on the back end came from Zidlicky. So they are set. Also, B Rey told me that Heatley is guaranteed to put up 100 points.
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 knew it!
B-Rey = DetAvs
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
I got Minny pegged to be just downright terrible. Like #1 overall pick terrible. They were terrible last season, and won a lot of games through downright luck.
Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Sep 16, 2011 1:07 PM MDT up reply actions
So no lower than 10th place. Still going to be a bubble team battle for a playoff spot i believe unless Columbus and St. Louis fall apart. Nashville could take a step back. Clear as mud really.
I'll keep this brief.
So I am going to wake up tomorrow morning sore and with no memory of what happened?
Our Johnson is bigger and better than LA's Johnson so suck it.
Rufies for everyone!
"It's all about the $"
Lawn defender since... crap, I can't remember.
by Busted Twigg on Sep 16, 2011 3:22 PM MDT up reply actions
You guys arent bold enough
If there is ever a year where it would be to the absolute advantage without any cost to make a run at the Cup it would be this year. Here is my prediction. The Avs are going to say we owe this to Jeff in Oklahoma. Avs win the cup, Duchene averages 1.75 points a game. SOB gets his number retired to the rafters in the second game because he blast Bertuzzi into the third row behind the red wing bench. The skate gives babcock a reverse mohawk. We at MHH laugh at Toronto for giving us their 1st for Cumisky and Hunwick. Cumisky trip on the blue line and get a concussion. Hunwick has 4 turnovers that led to goals in his first game. We come away with the first overall pick and the 31st. why we gave the Capitals a 30th and 60th. We all cheer when the Avs bring in Nail Yakopov. League MVP- Duechene, Playoff MVP- Duechene, ROY- Landy with Elliot, Barrie and Hishon as the other finalist. Norris- EJ with Elliot and Barrie as finalist. Coach of the year- Sacco. Vezina- Varley.
bold indeed
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 7:59 AM MDT up reply actions
re-signed.
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.
re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed re-signed
OK I got it
by avalanchejef on Sep 16, 2011 8:00 AM MDT up reply actions
if first grade was only so easy as copy and paste
by avalanchejef on Sep 16, 2011 8:01 AM MDT up reply actions
Omg yay it’s over that means camp starts tomorrow fuck yeah fuck yeah HOCKEY GET
It's all about the O'
by SteveHouse on Sep 16, 2011 8:07 AM MDT via mobile reply actions 3 recs
The best part of tomorrow?
Contact scrimmages!!! I can’t wait to see what Siemens really is all about. (trust me…TNWSeverS)
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 8:21 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, exactly
As stoked as I was about Rookie Camp, the entire process was an enormous grain of salt. There was no contact in the three days until the verrryyyy last 15 minutes or so. No idea what anyone is really bringing to the table until they start throwing a little weight around and skating 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 Sep 16, 2011 8:29 AM MDT up reply actions
What time we heading out? Lots o’ peeps are getting there suba early. I’m thinking 8ish?
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 8:43 AM MDT up reply actions
Yup.
That was the plan.
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 Sep 16, 2011 8:58 AM MDT up reply actions
This may be elsewhere. Sorry if I missed it
But might I trouble those in the know to give a little information such as:
Where:
When:
Cost?
Running length of the event?
Will there be snacks?
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
Where: Family Sports Center in Centennial
When: 9 am to noon
Cost? free
Running length of the event? 3 hours, give or take
Will there be snacks? Vending machines are available
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 9:11 AM MDT up reply actions
They have a snack bar downstairs and it is a Saturday at the facility which is like a big arcade so it may be open. There’s a restaurant in the arena as well.
I'll keep this brief.
Do It!
August is done, Bring on the hockey!
R.I.P. Wade, Rusty and Scratch
MHH - Home of the troll-ku
Will they have a special booth so we can all purchase our single game tickets at 10 a.m.?
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
if only
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 10:51 AM MDT up reply actions
I got a presale single game offer that is good today, e-mail me and I’ll forward it to you.
scrunchiborn at gmail
August is done, Bring on the hockey!
R.I.P. Wade, Rusty and Scratch
MHH - Home of the troll-ku
anyone else having a hard time buying them? looks like presale is sold out?
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 11:14 AM MDT up reply actions
really? hmmmm. I would be surprised by that. But, don’t worry, there should be no problem getting tix. I don’t think that there is any need to buy them right when they go onsale tomorrow.
I know that the fact that it’s the Wings makes a bit of a difference, but I was able to get tix to Sakic night for Cheryl and a friend of mine a full 2 weeks after they went on sale.
August is done, Bring on the hockey!
R.I.P. Wade, Rusty and Scratch
MHH - Home of the troll-ku
I’m relying on a friend for the ticket purchase, which puts me in a bad place right away, but I’m concerned about a quick sellout for these reasons:
1. Opening night
2. Forsberg retirement
3. Red Wings
4. No Nuggets/Shitty Broncos
5. Saturday night
6. My friends and I are considering this splurge/special occasion and want kick ass second-level seats.
However, part of me is reassured that not nearly as many people as I think will know when tickets go on sale because it is the Avs’ marketing department we’re talking about here.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
I called at 10:20 because I couldn’t get in and they said only a limited number were offered for pre-sale. Come back tomorrow…. I don’t know what the purpose is if you can’t get in. Before I got the no tickets available I put in best available and they offered up 300 level tickets. I think that not many were available and they are saving them for tomorrow.
by Go Avs and Mavs on Sep 16, 2011 11:45 AM MDT up reply actions
This is strange…I got my presale tickets for opening night. They were just processed yesterday. Had to email a sales rep directly to get them.
No soup for you!
It was a last minute, “Get them today only” deal by some of the reps, not all.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 12:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Oh well, I guess I’ll buy them tomorrow. It’s good to know people, but since I don’t live in Denver…
by Go Avs and Mavs on Sep 16, 2011 2:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Will there be snacks?
always the most important question
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 9:11 AM MDT up reply actions
Let’s just hope he doesn’t decide to impress everyone by shoulder-checking Mueller’s face into scrambled-eggs land.
No soup for you!
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 Sep 16, 2011 9:00 AM MDT up reply actions
Why does it look like there’s a massive pool of blood under him?
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 9:11 AM MDT up reply actions
In an effort to keep things exciting and allow Avs fans to see more of their favorite minor league call-ups. Pepsi Center glass is now lined with small razor sharp glass shards
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 9:13 AM MDT up reply actions
Rob Blake’s satanic red glow
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Sep 16, 2011 9:13 AM MDT up reply actions
I’ve never hated you this much before, but HATE
Some days, I feel like I’ve accidentally entered the Church of Tulowitzki on Baseball Easter.
SB Nation Denver | On Twitter | Random Music Writings
(trust me…TNWSeverS)
What if she’s a Biologist specializing in reproduction?
Nothing is beautiful and true.
You’re reaching on that one…but I’ll give it to you.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 10:28 AM MDT up reply actions
What if she’s Liz Phair?
If you don’t get the reference, sorry. I don’t think I’ll be googling that song here at work.
I need a drink, please.
by MalachiConstant on Sep 16, 2011 10:30 AM MDT up reply actions
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.
Yeah I've seen that.
It’s so confusing.
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 Sep 16, 2011 8:59 AM MDT up reply actions
Not nearly enough pessimism here
Here’s some bulletin board material so the team can play all season just to prove me wrong:
Team points: 68
Playoffs: no
Leading scorer: Duchene, 61 points
Leading defenseman: Johnson, 35 points
Leading penalty minutes: Malone, 88 pims
Front office: Sooooo fired.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
Team Points: 119
Playoffs: Presidents Trophy + Stanley Cup + The Newly awarded Stanley’s Bowl, a bigger, more impressive trophy for those who sweep the entire playoffs/
Leading Scorer: Brandon Yip and Ryan Stoa: 112 Points a piece
Leading D-man: Matt Hunwick 70 points
Leading Penalty Minutes: Milan Hejduk – 2 minutes
Front office: Eternally memorialized in the form of 100 foot bronze statues in downtown Denver
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 9:10 AM MDT up reply actions
Milan Hejduk – 2 minutes
Nicely done.
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 9:12 AM MDT up reply actions
Wow
I didn’t know you were a Caps fan!
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 Sep 16, 2011 9:29 AM MDT up reply actions
Team points: 96, 9th place in West
Playoffs: No or Yes. Close. But probably not.
Leading Scorer: Duchene, 76 points
Leading Defenseman: Johnson, 35 points
Leading penalty minutes: Hell if I know who’ll even play that role
Front office: Does just well enough to stick around.
I need a drink, please.
by MalachiConstant on Sep 16, 2011 9:11 AM MDT reply actions
Team points: 96, 9th place in West
Playoffs: No or Yes. Close. But probably not.
Standings/playoffs rule change?
And it has begun....
by Cheryl Bradley on Sep 16, 2011 9:13 AM MDT up reply actions
I said, “probably not”. You have to allow for all possibilities Beachie.
I need a drink, please.
by MalachiConstant on Sep 16, 2011 9:16 AM MDT up reply actions
Your gun is digging into my hip
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
by chiavsfan on Sep 16, 2011 9:33 AM MDT up reply actions 3 recs
Is your number still 911?
Nothing is beautiful and true.
by Paul X on Sep 16, 2011 9:37 AM MDT up reply actions 3 recs
Allllllllllllllllllllllllllrighty then
Stabilize your rear deflectors, watch for enemy fighters.
by chiavsfan on Sep 16, 2011 9:39 AM MDT up reply actions 3 recs
That’s none of your damn business, Dan and I’ll thank you to stay out of my personal affairs.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
LACES OUT DAN!
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 Sep 16, 2011 9:54 PM MDT up reply actions
WHY WHY WHY WHY WHYYYYY AREN’T YOU WEARING YOUR HELMET FERRIS?
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 9:49 AM MDT reply actions
I want more information on that massive tatoo.
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.
its blurry i know, but thats actually a bacterial growth that will inevitably sideline him for the season
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 10:10 AM MDT up reply actions
partial answer:
What’s your tattoo?
“I got a half sleeve, and I’m bringing it all the way down. It’s an angel with a verse of Joshua in the middle and 88 in Roman numerals on the back.”
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Sep 16, 2011 10:17 AM MDT up reply actions
nice find
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions
Damn DDC.
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.
Hmmm last name Mueller, wears 88 has a tattoo of 88, 8th letter of the alphabet is H so 88 = HH which is Nazi code for Heil Hitler.
(only joking about Mueller being a Nazi, the 88 stuff is real though)
Or, you know, it could be the year he was born.
It's all about the A-
by Sandie Gauthier on Sep 16, 2011 12:20 PM MDT up reply actions 2 recs
COINCIDENCE????
I am the most humble blogger of all time
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Sep 16, 2011 12:36 PM MDT up reply actions
Is this the thread we will look back on and decide who wins a MHH bumper sticker after this years hugeembarassingfailure?
If so, alright! I’ve been waiting for this for an entire calendar year. Bold predictions take guts, and for those of you “superstitious” folks out there predictions don’t actually make things come true.
- this team will win the home opener, crushing the wings. Duchene will have a four point night and we will all think things look rosy.
- That will be the high point of the month of October. The team will win one other game in regulation. And all the Caps fans will think things look rosy.
- (mid-Nov.) Sherman will trade a fan favorite to try and fill a key position that has been decimated by injury.
- (The day after the trade) The player traded for will go down with a season ending injury.
- (The day after that) Sacco fired. Roy hired.
- (Early Dec.) The slide continues. Last in the west, 2nd to last in the league.
- (Sometime during Hanukkah) Tell your friend Veronica, Greg Sherman is fired.
This is the crux of the season. Our team is down, our fans are sad, our dogs are thirsty. What will happen come January? Are we headed for the lottery? Can we make some kind of turnaround and salvage something from this dismal first-half failure?
Tune in whenever I get around to making up the second half of this post….
Now for a word from our sponsors.
Nothing is beautiful and true.
Dude!
(Sometime during Hanukkah) Tell your friend Veronica, Greg Sherman isfiredgonica.
Adam Sandler is dissapoint.
4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.
by Dixomatic on Sep 16, 2011 10:39 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Anger fodder:
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41746-Proteau-My-NHL-predictions-West.html
14th, ahead of Edmonton.
This team had the worst defense and penalty kill in the NHL last season and their answer was to bring in Jan Hejda and Shane O’Brien on defense, as well as an entire new goaltending duo in former Capitals starter Semyon Varlamov and long-past-his-prime J-S Giguere. Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
I'll keep this brief.
TROLOLOLOLOLOLOL Phoenix at 12 and Calgary at 10? What is he smoking and where can i get some?
LANDESKOG!!!!!
How Swede it is
by Cole D Hamilton on Sep 16, 2011 10:04 AM MDT up reply actions
Proteau is a complete and utter douchebag. Fuck that guy. One of the prime reasons (along with Ken Campbell) that I will not read THN again.
"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?
MORE ANGER!
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.
Meh. Just save the link and email it to him at the end of the season with a little note that says “You actually get paid to think about hockey?” or something like that.
No soup for you!
He’s like Kizla, he just trolls for page views. I won’t give him the pleasure.
"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?
A lot of people thing Giguere is a lot older than he actually is. The guy is only 34 years old.
To put that in perspective:
Roy won a cup for the Avalanche in 2001 at the age of 35, he turned 36 in October later that same year.
He’s four years younger than Stanley Cup champion Tim Thomas.
Giguere had scar tissue removed from BOTH sides of his groin and had a sports hernia surgery. Procedures he’s put off for a bit. Says he feels great.
So the ‘well past his prime’ talk is very premature.
I'll keep this brief.
Another age-related stat for people who think EJ is already a bust or who want Siemens to make the team this year:
Ray Bourque didn’t win his first Norris until he was 27.
Nick Lidstrom didn’t win his first until he was 31 (and has won 6 more since).
No soup for you!
I didn’t read the article. I assume he was saying Giguere is well past his prime then?
"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’m optimistic about this season but the Avs have got to steal some wins from Vancouver. They can’t essentially start the season with -12 points.
My new comedy blog. Robot Hooker Party
My Twitter
Avs predictions, I guess
90 points, 9th, miss playoffs. Duchene will tear it up with a mostly healthy Mules on his wing, but the new defense will take time to figure out. Varly misses 12 games due to slight injury. Johnson with the D nod, 42 points. One major trade this year, but not Stastny. Sacco makes it the whole year.
Thanks, Joe... Thanks, Peter.... Thanks, Adam....
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Mile High Hockey
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
