Must-Win Fail, But Varlamov Steals a Point. St Louis 3 - Colorado 2 (OT)

by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 11, 2012 9:59 PM MST in Avalanche Recaps

At the end of tonight's game, Blues' play-by-play guy John Kelly said the line that Avalanche have heard time and time again: "thank you, thank you, thank you". Although he was directing it at Patrick Berglund for firing the winning shot toward the goal, it could have equally applied to Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov. His teammates can thank him for getting them a point tonight.

The Avs were playing the 2nd night of a back-to-back - with travel - and it showed. The Blues had the better jump out of the gates...and then pretty much every step of the way until the end. The first period was a whistle-heavy affair - offsides, icing, frozen pucks and three brutally stupid penalties by the Avalanche (Jay McClement, Chuck Kobasew and Ryan O'Byrne). The Avalanche had killed off 13 straight penalties going into tonight, nearing their season high of 15. They didn't make it. David Perron scored on the first PP (with McClement in the box for an inexplicable tackle on Barrett Jackman) and then followed it up with a goal on the 2nd PP (a 5 on 3 with Chuck Kobasew off for blatantly obvious trip, and O'Byrne off for a dumb-headed boarding play). The Avalanche managed a couple of goals of their own, with David van der Gulik winning an offensive zone draw and dropping it back to Shane O'Brien with a beautiful shot that either fooled Elliott or was deflected. And Erik Johnson later scored on a blistering point shot on the PP, doubling his goal output for the year.

That would cover the regulation scoring. The Avalanche didn't have a ton of steam to start with and lost ground as the night went on. They were outshot in every period and the margin got wider as the night went on: 11-8 in the first, 13-6 in the 2nd, 18-4 in the 3rd. I'm not really picking on the Avs here, as it was clear they didn't have much in the tank and did their best to hang on against an onslaught from a sharp St Louis team. All in all, the Blues fired 79 shots, with 44 of them making it on net. The Avs took 35 shots, with 19 getting through to Brian Elliott.

Although several Avs looked okay tonight - O'Reilly and Landeskog (again), Johnson, David van der Gulik in a strong cameo role - the Avalanche story tonight was Semyon Varlamov. The first Perron goal was kind of shaky (he seemed to have it stopped but then lost the puck into the net when shifting his pads), but he appeared to gain strength as the night wore on while his teammates were wearing down. There was a shift midway through the 3rd where the Avalanche were stuck in their zone for a LONG time (Jan Hejda ended up on the ice for 2:54); I was fairly certain that was going to end poorly, but Varly made some huge saves and kept his team alive.

The Blues eventually scored late in OT (on a deflected knuckler that fooled Varly), but the fact that the Avalanche managed a point tonight is a testament to the strong play of Varlamov. Next time, hopefully they'll have some fresher legs so they can get him that much needed must-win.

MHH Best Three Avs of the Night

3rd period Varlamov (18 saves)
2nd period Varlamov (13 saves)
1st period Varlamov (9 saves)

Lines

Landeskog - O'Reilly - Mueller
Jones - Stastny - Hejduk
Winnik - McClement - Kobasew
McLeod - van der Gulik

Quincey - Jones
Hejda - O'Byrne
O'Brien - Barrie
Wilson

Wasn't watching the Avs' feed, so not sure where Galiardi was tonight. Healthy scratch?

Quick Hits

Milan Hejduk played in his 967th regular season game, tying him for 2nd on the franchise all-time list (about 400 behind Joe Sakic). However, for just Avalanche totals, Hejduk is #1.
The next active Avalanche players on the list? Paul Stastny (402) and Cody McLeod (323), followed by David Jones (214), Ryan O'Reilly (211) and Matt Duchene (200). Crazy.
Tyson Barrie had just 11:44 of ice time, lowest of the 7 D the Avs dressed

NHL.com Recap & Highlights

NHL.com recap

Game Summary

Event Summary

Next Up

NW matchup on Wednesday, with Avs in Vancouver. Oh fuck.

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Comments

Varlamov and EJ. Wish I could have watched.

It really is too bad I missed this game. I have stuck with EJ through the rough times, but he has really turned things around in the last month, but especially I have stuck by Varlamov. The fans are media are WAY to critical of him. Dude is a solid goalie. I would have loved to watch EJ score against the Blues, but I will definitely take the 1 point tonight. I did not think the Avs were going to make this a game at all. He is my recap of the game: http://avshockeyblog.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/game-57-avs-blues-ot-sinks-avs-but-1-more-point-than-i-expected/

by stcarnoustie on Feb 11, 2012 10:03 PM MST reply actions

Someone after my own heart!!!

I also will continue to stick by Varlamov as I believe him to be a solid goaltender too and believe he should be the teams starter. His performance last night was exceptional and it was great to see him more confident again in goal. I think, after last nights performance, he should be starting next game.
I hope Sacco starts sees that too but I have been reading the opposite. (which just plain stinks) and I do not agree with. Varly deserves to shine. Yes, he has lost 4 of his last starts but so has Giguere (22nd & 24th of Jan and again the 2nd & 4th of Feb) …. people tend to forget those things for some odd reason when it comes to Jiggy … why, I don’t know.

"we cough to clear our throats and sigh to clear our hearts"

by LisaDyan01 on Feb 12, 2012 10:07 AM MST up reply actions

I think Varly will be a great goalie for this team in the future. Bu the still seems to have some consistency issues.
He’s had some great games and he’s had some real stinkers. Most, if not all of the games where teams have scored a large number of goals on the Avs have been his, for whatever reason…0-6L vs Vancouver, 6-7OTL vs Dallas, 6-5SOW Montreal, 5-4SOW Chicago, 3-6L Pittsburgh, 2-5L vs Detroit…3G on 16 shots, 1-4L vs Edmonton, 1-6L vs Phoenix.
Giggy’s games have all been closer and the Avs have never really been out of a game.
Giggy seems to have better communication with his defense
Giggy – 9.24 SV%….Varly – 8.98 SV%
Giggy – 2.12 GAA…..Varly – 3.0 GAA
Before this season Varly had played 27 games during a single regular season. Already this season he has started 32. Maybe the Organ-I-zation is trying to ease him in more. If he continues to play like last night he deserves more starts, if not, Giggy currently gives the Avs the best shot at a playoff run.

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 Feb 12, 2012 10:33 AM MST up reply actions

Good news, it seems like his injury problem isn’t a problem anymore :)

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 12, 2012 10:36 AM MST up reply actions

That point exceeded my expectations

Nice job by the boys to pick up a point.

Varly wasn’t so good early, but he was great late.

Like the way Peter Mueller threw around his size a bit.

That was Ryan Wilson’s best game in at least a month. He didn’t play a ton, but he played 6:06 in the 3rd and he was out there for a bit in the OT. The coaching staff consistently rewards the guys they think are performing the best, and that was the case again tonight.

Thought the 11 forwards/7 D was a great move. The staff could have come into the game and done nothing to mitigate the beating that was likely going to face a really tired team, or they could take action. By mixing up the line combos with the occasional double shift, it seemed to me that the forwards really had to be on their toes and concentrate on short, hard shifts, helping out linemates, maybe communicating more than they were used to. Thought they got rewarded with a good game from VDG.

Still a lot of hockey left to go.

Hawks fan #1: you're terrible landeskog
Hawks fan #2 He's not that bad
Hawks fan #1: he scores goals against us and makes me feel like a pedo. that’s two things

by DiD on Feb 11, 2012 10:16 PM MST reply actions

I liked Mueller’s physicality, but I’m still nervous everytime he throws a check or gets checked.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 11, 2012 10:28 PM MST up reply actions

Mueller’s play with and away from the puck was at the level one would expect from the #8 draft pick. McNab even saw fit to comment positively about Mueller’s play at one point. I too worry about the physical game, but he is looking more and more comfortable, and this will benefit the Avs in the long term.

VDG is a very smart player, he sees and understands the game very well. Like Olver and Hishon, it’s a shame we can’t draft guys with this skill level who aren’t jockey-sized.

Varly!

by niwotsblessing on Feb 12, 2012 8:49 AM MST up reply actions

VDG plays so much bigger than his size. Totally thought he was 6’ not 5’10".

When hell freezes over, I'll play hockey there, too.
Mile High Hockey - Asst. Editor
The Hockey Writers - Avalanche Correspondent

by Cheryl Bradley on Feb 12, 2012 9:44 AM MST up reply actions

He’s 5’10"!? Wow totally did not guess that one

by LeonardoC6 on Feb 12, 2012 11:18 AM MST up reply actions

What I’ve been saying. Mueller has been playing great, especially when he’s not afraid to get physical. But every time he throws a check I think “Please, other team, don’t retaliate!”

Meow-valanche. Prrr-valanche.

by Sean Harsha on Feb 12, 2012 9:38 AM MST up reply actions

Alright all -

Even though tomorrow is a Sunday, I promise to post the photoshop that I’ve been hinting at all night sometime in the morning. I think you’ll like it.

Good almost win by the boys tonight, Varly is awesome, and Fuck the Red Wings. Night!

Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs and writes for Mile High Hockey.

by andidee15 on Feb 11, 2012 10:18 PM MST reply actions

Hey, why did the Blues decide to play with only 4 players a couple times? I found that to be a detrimental strategy on Hitchcock’s part.

Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Feb 11, 2012 10:43 PM MST reply actions 3 recs

what are you talkin about?

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 11, 2012 11:00 PM MST up reply actions

The “player” formerly known as CGDS.

Varly!

by niwotsblessing on Feb 12, 2012 8:50 AM MST up reply actions

I thought he was talking about the Avs power plays.

Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs and writes for Mile High Hockey.

by andidee15 on Feb 12, 2012 9:14 AM MST up reply actions

What are “power plays” precious? What are they?

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 Feb 12, 2012 9:20 AM MST up reply actions

Power plays are what happens when other teams get to have five guys and the Avs get to have four or three guys.

by Andy_ on Feb 13, 2012 4:31 PM MST up reply actions

Also

anyone else notice that only a couple fans are looking at that hit in the picture. WTF are they watching then?

Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Feb 11, 2012 10:44 PM MST reply actions

I don’t know, but the caption is wrong….Barrie barriely avoided getting slammed into the boards by Langenbrunner, not the other way around.

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 Feb 11, 2012 10:51 PM MST up reply actions

what most fans look at, the puck.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 11, 2012 11:01 PM MST up reply actions

I’m glad Varly had a good game. Really glad in fact. Having both Jiggy and Varly both on my (our) team makes me smile. Now, if only we could find some offense…

Go Avs.
Go Blues.

by Tony Trujillo on Feb 11, 2012 10:48 PM MST reply actions

Damn NW

Calgary and Vancouver go to the SO.

Jokinen and Iginla score for the fLames
Burrows scores for the Nucks

fLames get the 2pts.

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 Feb 11, 2012 10:57 PM MST reply actions

When was the last time Vancouver didn’t play in a 3 point game? 9 of their last 12 games have gone to OT…

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

by amit916 on Feb 11, 2012 11:08 PM MST reply actions

Even though we’re 2-0-2 in our last 4…. we’ve also lost 6 of our last 8… yikes…

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

by amit916 on Feb 11, 2012 11:15 PM MST reply actions

Glass half empty much?

Hawks fan #1: you're terrible landeskog
Hawks fan #2 He's not that bad
Hawks fan #1: he scores goals against us and makes me feel like a pedo. that’s two things

by DiD on Feb 11, 2012 11:17 PM MST up reply actions

What if that glass is half full of snot?

by Pinchy The Lobster on Feb 11, 2012 11:23 PM MST up reply actions

That’s a shot I’ll refuse, thanks though!

Hawks fan #1: you're terrible landeskog
Hawks fan #2 He's not that bad
Hawks fan #1: he scores goals against us and makes me feel like a pedo. that’s two things

by DiD on Feb 11, 2012 11:28 PM MST up reply actions

The glass is neither half empty nor half full. It’s just the wrong size.

"In my experience, there's no such thing as luck" -Obi Wan Kenobi
O'Reilly works harder than you
ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

by TheRed on Feb 12, 2012 11:42 AM MST up reply actions

Zen of the Barkeep

2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.

by Hopfenkopf on Feb 13, 2012 12:10 PM MST up reply actions

We’ve also taken 5 of a possible 6 points in our last 3 games.

Hawks fan #1: you're terrible landeskog
Hawks fan #2 He's not that bad
Hawks fan #1: he scores goals against us and makes me feel like a pedo. that’s two things

by DiD on Feb 11, 2012 11:22 PM MST up reply actions

and who’s been in goal for a majority of those???

"we cough to clear our throats and sigh to clear our hearts"

by LisaDyan01 on Feb 12, 2012 10:10 AM MST up reply actions

The Avs haven’t given up more than three goals since Jan 16 against Phoenix, when Varly was in net. Who’s in net hasn’t been the problem.

4th biggest pessimist of MHH.
"There's always next season." -- Jimmy Howard on not winning the Calder Trophy.

by Dixomatic on Feb 12, 2012 11:37 AM MST up reply actions

Yep, the lack of pucks entering the other net has been the issue since the new year.

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

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 12, 2012 11:41 AM MST up reply actions

We needed a shit load more loser points in those close games earlier this year.

by Pinchy The Lobster on Feb 11, 2012 11:22 PM MST reply actions

Look at the Blues blogs

Reading what people said after EJ scored tonight was hilarious. I would highly recommend reading some of them.

by stcarnoustie on Feb 11, 2012 11:28 PM MST reply actions

Must-Win?

So the Avs are eliminated from playoff contention now?

Sports don't build character, they reveal it

by Cotts on Feb 11, 2012 11:30 PM MST reply actions

We got lucky when Jay McClement and Chuck Kobasew got their penalties, because Quincey should have had one also when he grabbed a Blues player by the tail of his shirt then pushed him. Ok, the guys were tired, but Quincey takes many penalties without any other reason then doing something stupid. Sometimes you tell yourself that Quincey is smart hockey wise, then suddenly you see him getting a really unnecessary penalty and you wonder if he is also that much stupid in his life outside of the rink.

But, Varly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for that point you got us tonight!!!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think about the Stanley cup
I am not even thinking about making the playoffs
I would just like to see the team I love play passionate hockey...

by god's clown on Feb 11, 2012 11:36 PM MST reply actions

About those penalties…

I thought Jackman and Oshie, two pretty sturdy guys, went over pretty damn easily on a couple of those.

Hawks fan #1: you're terrible landeskog
Hawks fan #2 He's not that bad
Hawks fan #1: he scores goals against us and makes me feel like a pedo. that’s two things

by DiD on Feb 11, 2012 11:37 PM MST up reply actions

True ; but I guess that the referees are watching more the Avs, because, like it or not, they are not very disciplined, even when they are rested. I really do not understand what is going in their heads when they take all those unnecessary penalties.

by god's clown on Feb 11, 2012 11:42 PM MST up reply actions

I would even say, sometimes it is juniors stuff…

by god's clown on Feb 11, 2012 11:44 PM MST up reply actions

We are 21st

in times short handed, but that is also with 2 or 3 games in hand on the majority of teams. Essentially in the middle bracket, a little below average but nothing horrendous. We need Duchene back to draw a penalty or two.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 11, 2012 11:51 PM MST up reply actions

Yes, he is our best at drawing those. :) (big smile tied to each ear)

by god's clown on Feb 11, 2012 11:53 PM MST up reply actions

He really is, he also holds the highest ratio of penalties drawn/penalties taken. Quincey I believe holds the lowest.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 11, 2012 11:54 PM MST up reply actions

Quincey I believe holds the lowest.

Why am I not surprised…

by god's clown on Feb 11, 2012 11:56 PM MST up reply actions

Turning the other cheek and stuff like that comes when you get older… although I would be curious to know the ratio of Radar, he is really mature for his age.

by god's clown on Feb 11, 2012 11:58 PM MST up reply actions

Well, I’ll go sleep on that bonus point we got tonight and really really happy about it., I was almost sure we would get cleaned out of our socks.

by god's clown on Feb 12, 2012 12:01 AM MST reply actions

The first Perron goal was kind of shaky

strange way to spell “fucking awful”

Varly looked to me like a good goalie who hasn’t played much lately. Took him a little while to get back into the rhythm of things and he paid for it with one really bad goal and was kind of all over the crease (although it may just seem that way after getting used to watching Giguere lumber from post to post with all the agility of an oil tanker). But as time wore on, oh my, he settled in and kept his team in the game (which isn’t something we’ve been able to say about him very often this season) to the point where he stole a Bettman Point almost single handedly. Well done there.

Johnson played well. Hejda was shaky early but I stopped noticing him in the overwhelming wave of gassed Avs. Kobasew seemed to get victimized a lot in particular, but that only means I noticed it. The team clearly didn’t have it and hung on for a Bettman Point. I’ll take it.

Calgary’s shootout win and the BJs blowing Minny away puts the Avs in 10th, 2 points back of 8th. Oh, and San Jose still has 5 games in hand. Whadafuxupwidat?

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

by SteveHouse on Feb 12, 2012 12:26 AM MST reply actions 3 recs

Giguere lumber from post to post with all the agility of an oil tanker

Thank you for this. I’m rec’ing the entire comment just for this.

Go Avs.
Go Blues.

by Tony Trujillo on Feb 12, 2012 12:39 AM MST up reply actions

hahaha! I love that comment! :)

"we cough to clear our throats and sigh to clear our hearts"

by LisaDyan01 on Feb 12, 2012 10:13 AM MST up reply actions

me too, it’s true, I dunno how he does it with such slow speed, but he does.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 12, 2012 10:16 AM MST up reply actions

Ever hear the story of the Tortoise and the Hare?

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 Feb 12, 2012 10:35 AM MST up reply actions

Ha, this may be one of the few situations where that is applicable.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 12, 2012 10:40 AM MST up reply actions

TNWSS

2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.

by Hopfenkopf on Feb 13, 2012 12:12 PM MST up reply actions

wtf at the 3 stars of the game? seriously, wtf? Chris Porter? Crombeen? What the hell did they do?

by stpn47 on Feb 12, 2012 1:13 AM MST reply actions

I mentioned this in the GDT.
At least I heard Porter’s name numerous time and he was creating for the Blues, even though he didn’t show up o the score sheet. Crombeen on the other hand, didn’t even know he was on the ice. Varly with 41 saves, and the way he stole a point with his play in the third period should have been one of the stars.

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 Feb 12, 2012 9:38 AM MST up reply actions

Thanks for picking up the recap DDC.

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

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 12, 2012 8:54 AM MST reply actions

I had a dream last night that James Neal was with the Avs and he was tearing it up in the playoffs for us (only his name was Jose Neal for some reason, but my dream self knew that it was the same person as James Neal)

Meow-valanche. Prrr-valanche.

by Sean Harsha on Feb 12, 2012 9:35 AM MST reply actions

well then, JOSE JOSE JOSE, make it happen Sherm!

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 12, 2012 10:12 AM MST up reply actions

Theodore…..

I hear that Matt Duchene guy is pretty good

by patrit19 on Feb 12, 2012 11:15 AM MST up reply actions

Thank you Varlomov :) can’t say I was expecting a win so this was the next best thing.

I missed most of the game so I’m only assuming that the Avs were absolutely gassed during this game. Fortunately they get a nice long break before next game. Now rest up cause I want to see you finally beat VAN for once

by LeonardoC6 on Feb 12, 2012 11:27 AM MST reply actions

Monster won another game today…Stoa and Rissmiller with goals.

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 Feb 12, 2012 3:40 PM MST reply actions

I'm not the experts you guys are....but Varly hardly stole a point.

…from my perspective, all 3 goals he let in were standard NHL saves. He faced a bunch of shots, but he let in 3 soft goals. He seems to let in a soft goal or two every game, he needs to clean that up. I know the argument will be showing just how many shots he saved, but the 3 that got by him were basic save situations.

"Pain don't hurt" - Swayze (Road House) -- We miss you man!

by bonaire on Feb 12, 2012 6:12 PM MST reply actions

Disagree VEHEMENTY.

Goal one: not good. He was stuck on his post and the shot trickled through. Soft, yes. But not pillowy. He looked like a guy who hadn’t played in a few weeks.

Goal 2: A five-on-three results in an uncontested screen in front of him for about a 10-count and then the eventual goal scoring shot was a result of the player walking directly (with time and space) into the slot and picking his spot. If you think that was a routine save, you don’t have a very high opinion of NHL-caliber players.

Goal 3: Another screen, this time through at least three bodies and oh yeah, let’s throw in a redirect off of one of his players just for shits. Again, not routine. Not hella-hard, but definitely not routine.

You know what some routine saves that ended up in the back of the net look like? Watch the Landy goal on Cam Ward from Friday night or the Radar Goal on Ward from Friday night or maybe even EJ’s goal from last night. I’d put all of them in the soft category before I’d put those last two of Varly’s in the discussion.

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

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 12, 2012 6:48 PM MST up reply actions

OK..OK..

….I give. I do like Varly though and think he will turn out to be a very good goalie.

"Pain don't hurt" - Swayze (Road House) -- We miss you man!

by bonaire on Feb 12, 2012 7:25 PM MST up reply actions

Hopefully Elliott doesn’t fall back to earth for you guys. Even if he does, ya’ll got Halak too, hope to see ya’ll in the playoffs.

"I see now that the circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant; it is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are." - Mewtwo

by ProfessorOak on Feb 12, 2012 7:49 PM MST up reply actions

I thought that Varly made some stupendous saves last night. Not crap “shoot from the perimeter right at the logo” types either. There was one sequence where the Avs were penned in their own zone for a minute 47 and it was just shot after shot after shot. In tight, wraparounds, tons of bodies in the crease.

I thought it was definitely worthy of a star. He was ninja spider alright. As for the goals against, well, as Mike said, he is rusty and took him a while to get his eye in. In my (not so) expert opinion, none of the goals were really soft – no scoring from the red line, or a perimeter shot, whilst sighted.

"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin

by Nemesis44UK on Feb 13, 2012 2:51 AM MST up reply actions

While I agree he was good last night, your point on it being typical for him to give up 3+ per game is right on. He has talent but you aren’t going to win many games giving up 3+ on average

by Do Not Feed the Octopus on Feb 12, 2012 9:11 PM MST via mobile up reply actions

St Louis were all over Colorado like a bad suit

you aren’t going to win many games giving up 3+ on average

No, you are right, of course, but to be fair, Varly gave up 2 in the first period and then nothing for over 40 minutes.

The Avs looked absolutely bootstrapped last night. All of them were a step slow and really struggling for pace. Their game lacked that urgency that they normally play with. The two goals scored were both by D-men, the Avs top lines couldn’t get the job done (although, in fairness, Winnik sitting out a shift or two and only icing 11 forwards anyway made their jobs harder).

Without Varly’s 41 saves, the Avs could’ve been 6 or 8 down. 19 shots on goal is rarely going to be enough to outscore any opponents.

"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin

by Nemesis44UK on Feb 13, 2012 3:02 AM MST up reply actions

Oh, forgot to mention. St Louis announcers gave me a real WTF? moment.

“There’s van der Gulik on the puck”
“Sounds like a German general”
“Ha ha, or a painter”

FUCK OFF. Seriously? Not very professional at all. Still well above the standard of the Detoilet wankers, but even so.

"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin

by Nemesis44UK on Feb 13, 2012 3:07 AM MST up reply actions

Not to mention that jab at O'Brien.

The reason I'm in town, in case you're wondering, is because of a Kansas City Shuffle.

by Randy Time on Feb 13, 2012 3:36 AM MST up reply actions

I missed the O’Brien one.

van der is traditionally dutch – the other place it pops up with regularity is in South Africa, but again, that comes from Dutch descendants.

Can’t remember commentators taking the piss quite so much. Sure, in the World Cup, you have the odd name here or there and commentators may say it wrong, but they don’t flat-out take the piss.

"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin

by Nemesis44UK on Feb 13, 2012 8:10 AM MST up reply actions

The O’Brien jab was basically….he scored a goal so now he thinks he can actually play hockey.

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 Feb 13, 2012 10:28 AM MST up reply actions

I’m more insulted by the fact they don’t know “van der” is typically dutch. Schtüsselgulik sounds German.

Maybe
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Feb 13, 2012 7:41 AM MST up reply actions

Those guys are great, they run rings around our broadcast, and I wish we could still have John Kelly instead of having to put up with Haynes. They really improved things by bringing in Pang and moving Federko to the between the bench role.

Hawks fan #1: you're terrible landeskog
Hawks fan #2 He's not that bad
Hawks fan #1: he scores goals against us and makes me feel like a pedo. that’s two things

by DiD on Feb 13, 2012 11:00 AM MST up reply actions