Here We Go Again?
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 7:00 AM MST
in Avalanche News & Notes
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Oh, the joys of being a Colorado Avalanche fan in the post-lockout era. Year after year, experiencing disappointment of significance...we are just living the dream. For me, the worst part is that it's been the same old story each of the last few years: the Avs do nothing in the summer to improve and then trick us into getting our hopes up with a strong start before Lucy pulls the football away every February, laughing at us as we fall flat on our backs. It's not that the Avalanche failed; it's that we knew they were going to fail, but we talked ourselves into thinking this year would be different. Again.
The Avalanche are in a fight for their playoff lives and yet they have just 3 wins in their last 12 games. The Avs have a pitiful 21 goals in that stretch, an average of 1.75 goals per game. Under Joe Sacco, the Avs have only had one other stretch of 12-games where they've scored less, as they scored 19 in a 12 game stretch during those two 10-game losing streaks last year. There's a big difference, though, as during that 12-game stretch, the Avs allowed 48 goals - 4 per game. During this stretch, the goaltending has been decent: 34 goals allowed, or just under 3 per game. Last year, a lack of scoring wasn't the only reason the Avs weren't getting wins. This year, it's their raison d'etre.
The Avalanche are on the precipice of their 3rd straight 2nd half collapse and, honestly, I don't have the slightest inkling as to why it's happening. Two years ago, it was because Craig Anderson was over-worked. Last year, it was the injuries. This year? Youth? Inexperience? Lack of heart? Look below at the team's record under Joe Sacco. How can it be that Sacco can be 20 games over .500 in the first half of the season and 20 games under in the second half? Right now, he has more wins in October (23) than February, March and April combined?
| GP | W | L | OTL | GF | /G | GA | /G | ||
| October | 36 | 23 | 10 | 3 | 116 | 3.22 | 99 | 2.75 | |
| November | 41 | 16 | 20 | 5 | 122 | 2.98 | 132 | 3.22 | |
| December | 43 | 25 | 14 | 4 | 126 | 2.93 | 129 | 3.00 | |
| January | 36 | 17 | 17 | 2 | 86 | 2.39 | 95 | 2.64 | |
| February | 22 | 6 | 14 | 2 | 46 | 2.09 | 71 | 3.23 | |
| March | 28 | 8 | 18 | 2 | 79 | 2.82 | 107 | 3.82 | |
| April | 12 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 31 | 2.58 | 39 | 3.25 | |
| Oct-Jan | 156 | 81 | 61 | 14 | 450 | 2.88 | 455 | 2.92 | |
| Feb-Apr | 62 | 18 | 38 | 6 | 156 | 2.52 | 217 | 3.50 |
Each year, the Avalanche start out the year scoring a half a goal per game more than they give up. Throughout the year, offensive output dwindles and defensive numbers erode and those numbers ultimately end up flipping. Why? Is this a coaching thing? Does Sacco have some super-brilliant gameplan each October that takes the rest of the league 4 months to crack? Do his motivational speeches have a short shelf life? Does the altitude take it's toll on the team? Is there some sort of Zodiac thing going on here?
I honestly don't know. Is it coaching, players, conditioning, heart or all of the above? Truthfully, I am at a loss to come up with any reasonable theory to explain this amazing phenomenon. I know the Avalanche are thin on offensive talent...but they were thin on talent in October and they weren't losing like this. Sure, Matt Duchene is out, but this can't just be about him...can it?
It's frustrating and infuriating knowing that the slide is coming again. All you can do is watch and hope that this year will finally be the year. Maybe, just this once, Lucy won't pull that football away and you'll nail it through the uprights. It will be different this one time and the results will be...
.......AAAAAAAAAAAAARGH.
Rats.
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That football better go back down quick, or this years opportunity will slip by again. As it is, the Avs need at least one major streak just to make the playoffs. And with a lot of division games coming up that doesn’t look good…considering the Avs are a mighty 2-12-1 against their own division.
Ugh
Goalie coach? We don't need no stinking goalie coach!
It is strange for sure. To play devil’s advocate with my own feelings, let’s say Sacco has “Strategy A”. It works great at first but then teams figure it out. That would mean the teams who play the Avs the most (NW teams) would figure it out first and therefore have a great record against the Avs. Oh look, they do. Then as the season goes on the other teams figure it out too and the slides happen.
That’s possible, I guess, except it seems strange that the Avs (and Sacco) would be the only team to have this affliction.
I relate this team as a dam with holes that leak. Sometimes injuries happen and create leaks. There was a hole in net, that was plugged. There was a hole in the defense, that was plugged. Now there is a hole in the offense and it needs to be plugged, quickly.
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 enjoy your articles DDC.
Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. - Kv
thanks!
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 7:38 AM MST up reply actions
I believe there is plenty of blame to go around but since coaches usually take the majority of it I will ask this question. If the Avs miss the playoffs, but lets say they finish 10th or 11th (so not by alot and not a horrible collapse like before) does Sacco keep his job?
My opinion is I hope not. I don’t think he is a bad coach, but I don’t think he can get the job done and I want someone who can. I also don’t think any of our assistants have earned the job. I would like to see a fresh face brought in from outsie.
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
No outside people allowed…haven’t you learned anything?
Goalie coach? We don't need no stinking goalie coach!
Hire Quinn. Hire him immediately and I will start sending him emails.
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 coach behind the coach. I see a VH1 Special coming out of this
Goalie coach? We don't need no stinking goalie coach!
I think that as the season progresses, and bag skates pile up, that “Second Half Slide” Sacco loses the locker room. When hockey isn’t fun for them, their minds dart off to other things. But what do I know?
This will continue to be a topic of discussion until the franchise begins to be invested back into again by the spoiled son of an owner that cares more about Rams football & Nugget basketball than Stanley Cup championships. The day that happens is the day they realize they can no longer hire from within, they need the mystical voodoo of a full-time goalie coach, & they need to spend money on Top 6 talented forwards. Until that day, count the clouds Charlie Brown, count the clouds.
by quietstorm560 on Feb 6, 2012 8:56 AM MST via iPhone app reply actions
Not just Rams and Nuggets either. If I read right he is also interested in buying the Dodgers….really? The Dodgers…..
by Avalanchefan86 on Feb 6, 2012 9:30 AM MST up reply actions
I wouldn’t think he can buy the Dodgers. Sonny boy could but he can’t, the NFL doesn’t want owners that have multiple teams basically for this exact reason.
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
Is there an NFL team in the same city as the Dodgers? That is the only stipulation with the NFL if I understand correctly.
The problem for Eno$ with the Rams is that he owns the Avs and Nuggets who reside in the same city as the Broncos. If Eno$ owned the Broncos instead of the Rams, there wouldn’t be a problem.
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 6, 2012 10:47 AM MST up reply actions
Is there an NFL team in the same city as the Dodgers? That is the only stipulation with the NFL if I understand correctly.
Rumors point to the Rams being there pretty soon…
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
yeah, that would be interesting
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 10:50 AM MST up reply actions
I misunderstood, the city thing makes sense though. The NFL does want a franchise in LA badly, but people never support the teams, outside of the raiders stint. Also the stadium issues that they have had don’t help.
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
What bag skates? Their first one last 8 minutes, their second one was longer and the team ran off a winning streak after it. That’s “piling up?”
You might have a point about hockey being fun, but I think quite a few of the guys on this roster are fighting for their professional futures. I’d think they have other, stronger motivation than whether or not they’re having fun.
Agree with you 100 percent on the management issue. The way this team was constructed, management has no right to expect anything other than this situation.
Mistakes by management:
No veteran presence on the bench. Sacco, Deadmarsh, and Lefebvre are all very young in their coaching careers. Konowalchuk was as well. Tim Army in the video room offers the greatest amount of experience on that staff and I believe the coaching as a whole has benefitted from him there as much as a video coach in the back room and help.
Betting the house on 1. Jones after a career year. 2. Betting on Hishon to make the jump and be ready. 3. Believing that Mueller could play a full season and 4. Adding Lindstrom/Kobasew as depth. Jones still had a lot to prove as a regular NHL scorer, not a poor risk but he is/was unproven. Having any kind of faith that a prospect will be a regular in the NHL is a massive risk, regardless of their pedigree. Mueller speaks for himself, risk all over him as a player and there still is. The big move to get Lindstrom and Kobasew as scoring depth was a total blind swing.
Basically in the end you have a team of young guys learning with a coaching staff that’s learning. Management learned their lesson on defense and in net with some great experienced depth. If O’Reilly and Landeskog didn’t take such huge strides as players this year the Avs would be in even worse shape. They failed to bring in winger depth and they are right where they should be, a bubble team.
The team hasn’t quit from everything I can tell. That’s very unlike last season by a country mile. The team isn’t in a terribly poor position because they have good depth at D and are strong at center. That’s very different than teams like Calgary or Columbus that are hand-cuffed with winger talent and some spotty D depth. But if the Avs management don’t take strides to bring in some proven winger scoring they could end up right where they were this season. A bubble playoff team that probably has little shot of going past the first round any way.
I'll keep this brief.
Dear Matty Ice
get well soon!
"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
DDC, Dater just gave you a nice compliment on his Denver Post article.
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, nice shout out from the fellow Patriots fan. Sorry about that, by the way. I’m surprised Dater lived through it after reading his wife’s blog page yesterday.
by Go Avs and Mavs on Feb 6, 2012 1:09 PM MST up reply actions
Is posting in sbnation glitchy for anyone else? It works a lot better if you preview it first, and then post
"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
try clearing your cache. sometimes that helps with comment issues like that
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 9:50 AM MST up reply actions
It’s been having issues since Thursday……
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 6, 2012 10:47 AM MST up reply actions
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
Hearing CAR’s Anthony Stewart is being put on today’s waiver wire at 12 noon ET. Stewart has one more full season at $900K on his contract.
I wonder…
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.
we didn’t the last time he was on waivers
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 9:58 AM MST up reply actions
I doubt that b/c he’s worse than some of our avg guys. That said, in Post yesterday Dater said what I was saying saturday. That if Chris Stewart is available go get him, esp. if Jones would do it, which it might. I really think he would help us and get his game back with Stas.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 9:59 AM MST up reply actions
I’ll bet 50,000 cool breeze bux that the Blues would NEVER trade Chris Stewart for David Jones. Hell, make them real bucks, for that matter. On a place where batshit crazy thrives, that might just be the batshittiest craziest of them all.
Thought when you said “if Jones would do it” that you meant Jones for Stewart, straight up.
I don’t know enough about St. Louis’s D situation to know if they need any help there. Even so, I doubt they’d do SOB and Jones for Stewart – I wouldn’t.
Just saying that the ceiling on Chris Stewart is a lot higher than the ceiling on David Jones, and that Jones is a UFA while Stewart is just an RFA, so movement with one is a lot more likely than movement with the other.
by DiD on Feb 6, 2012 1:12 PM MST up reply actions
I did but Dater contemplated that as well. St Louis is loaded in minors so they can afford to trade stewart and he doesn’t fit there. Arnott is not exactly a set-up man and they really don’t have a pass first guy, maybe Oshie and he plays on a different line. Throw in a d-man too if that works, I don’t see a b ig downside to that trade.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:16 PM MST up reply actions
Dater also said that Jay McClement was a square peg here. He also said that Stefan Elliott would score 41 points. He also was a big Jonas Holos fan. The guy isn’t always overflowing with sheer hockey knowledge, and the Stewart-for-Jones-straight-up proposal was one of the nuttier things he’s written.
by DiD on Feb 6, 2012 1:21 PM MST up reply actions
Dater is actually a pretty wonderful foil for the Avs GM. There’s always somebody with worse ideas.
Mile High Hockey - Lucy is a b*tch
by MalachiConstant on Feb 6, 2012 1:27 PM MST up reply actions
can’t argue that but I get a woody when I think it could happen.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:38 PM MST up reply actions
I’m not a Stewart fan given the change in playing styles that the Avs have made. Stewart was great in the run and gun (not unlike Jones), but has struggled to adapt to Hitchcock’s controlled possession game. I think he no longer fits the program (which is probably why he was traded in the first place).
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
I agree that Jones for Stewart is nutty. But a girl can dream can’t she? I was one of the few anti-EJ trade people and it was only because I didn’t want to give up Chris Stewart. If there was any chance of getting him back (and if he WANTS to come back), I’d hope (a very un-likely hope I know) that they try.
Go Avs.
Go Blues.
by Tony Trujillo on Feb 6, 2012 1:44 PM MST up reply actions
Jonas Holos was not properly used by Avs coaching staff.
There you go 6whores, there is your proof of a bad coaching decision by Sacco. Him playing Hunwick over Holos for most of last season.
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
Every other team in the league could have had Holos for cheap. They didn’t want him. Last year when he was playing in LEM, an opposing coach said Holos wasn’t even that good in the minors.
by DiD on Feb 6, 2012 2:54 PM MST up reply actions
Jones and Yip? OH DAMn!!!
Go Avs.
Go Blues.
by Tony Trujillo on Feb 6, 2012 1:41 PM MST up reply actions
Why? Six goals and seven assists in 50 games. Do we need more Galiardi-like production in this lineup?
Imaginary awesomeness bro.
"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 6, 2012 11:27 AM MST up reply actions
But he completes Stastny…..
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 6, 2012 11:30 AM MST up reply actions
Actually...
He might be the better Stewart option right now. Anthony has 13 points in 398 minutes, Chris has 20 points (10 and 10) in 778 minutes.
So that 40-goal season is looking pretty unlikely…
It is a league wide issue, scoring overall is down. It isn’t Chris Stewart’s fault.
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
Chris gets powerplay minutes too. He’s a 20 goal scorer. If he loses his speed and his goal making on the rush then he’s part of the former 20 goal scorer crowd. My favorite.
I'll keep this brief.
No. Stewart was benched and sent down, but that more or less brought the fire out of him. The “rumors” of Stewart having locker room issues is just that. There is no proof except for some slut with a blog and a twitter account looking for attention.
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.
or some dude posing as a slut
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 12:58 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Or some hussy posing as a dude posing as a slut.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I never thought about that.
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.
Or some Wild fan posing as a hussy posing as a dude posing as a slut
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
I know who I am. I'm the dude playin' the dude, disguised as another dude!
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
by Mike @ MHH on Feb 6, 2012 3:21 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
I don't want Chris Stewart back
Whilst he doesn’t have a NMC, I think he would hate coming back to Colorado. Him and Shatty seemed to like it just fine in St Louis.
Like girlfriends, it never works twice, does it?
"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin
BTW, as soon as he’s conditioned they need to bring Olver up, he might be able to add a little offense at least. I also would bring Malone back up, send DVG down.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 10:01 AM MST reply actions
As soon as he’s conditioned? What? He’s been back in the LEM line up for 11 games already.
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
Mile High Hockey - Asst. Editor
The Hockey Writers - Avalanche Correspondent
by Cheryl Bradley on Feb 6, 2012 10:44 AM MST up reply actions
I would keep VDG in the lineup. He’s played very well IMO
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Feb 6, 2012 11:27 AM MST up reply actions
We can’t bring malone and Olver up with out sending two people down and almost everyone else would have have to go on waivers except for DVG and probably Landy and I don’t see Landy going down.
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
Landy can’t play in the AHL, he is too young, he’d have to go back to Jrs where I don’t believe any team holds his rights, so I don’t think that is even possible.
"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 6, 2012 12:06 PM MST up reply actions
what about Picard?
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Feb 6, 2012 12:32 PM MST up reply actions
What about Pickard? He’s playing out his junior eligibility.
"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 6, 2012 12:33 PM MST up reply actions
He’s exploring strange new worlds and going where no one has gone before.
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
Mile High Hockey - Asst. Editor
The Hockey Writers - Avalanche Correspondent
by Cheryl Bradley on Feb 6, 2012 12:39 PM MST up reply actions 4 recs
Not anymore. Spock and an Australian Romulan done fucked up the timestream and Kirk is kinda a douchebag but you’d still let your daughter sleep with him cuz he’s kinda awesome at the same time and Uhura is pretty hot.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Dude, the best thing for the team was him getting hurt.
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.
Was that sarcasm? losing our best scorer was a good thing?
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
On a side note...
Most talented != Best
"He's made all of the saves since the last goal!" -- Peter "Sunshine" McNab
He did tie for the team lead in goals last year and had the team lead this year before he was injured.
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
He did have an impressive season last year. But let’s not kid ourselves, he was very underwhelming this year before the injury.
Given the choice of which stick to put the puck on with the game on the line, would you really pick his this year?
"He's made all of the saves since the last goal!" -- Peter "Sunshine" McNab
Dater considers SOB being traded all but a foregone conclusion, whereas he sees Quincey sticking around. I see this as backward. Quincey has more trade value while SOB has more toughness to his game which the Avs need. Both have about the same negatives on the ice…
"He who fucks nuns will later join the church." -The Clash
in Post Dater said BOTH of them were the likely D-men to be moved??
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 10:04 AM MST up reply actions
are there teams that don’t know Quincey stops playing each January?
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 10:04 AM MST up reply actions
I actually think he’s playing well so his trade value is relativiely high, if they could get a decent wing prospect I would trade him. SOB b/c he’s a FA is likely gone but I think they should try to re-sign him after the season. Anaheim might be out after losing to Columbus so if they start to unload Quincey and Stas for Ryan would be a good move IMO.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 10:13 AM MST up reply actions
If they are still in good contention for a playoff spot, I’d say Quincey stays. My hunch says O’Brien is gone either way.
Reading is hard.
"He who fucks nuns will later join the church." -The Clash
that’s funny b/c inyesterday’s paper he mentions both
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 10:14 AM MST up reply actions
I think he might be having rapid manic/depressive shifts. He went back and forth on reacquiring Stewart a couple times recently too.
"He who fucks nuns will later join the church." -The Clash
I can’t see them trading away SOB or trading for Stewart. Quincey or Jones, absolutely
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 10:33 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I will probably weigh in on the trade options in the next week or so
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 10:34 AM MST up reply actions
it’s going to be an interesting trade year b/c lots of teams trying to load up and have some room to do it so I think the key guys will demand a lot unfortunately.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 10:36 AM MST up reply actions
I agree 100%.
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
Mile High Hockey - Asst. Editor
The Hockey Writers - Avalanche Correspondent
by Cheryl Bradley on Feb 6, 2012 10:45 AM MST up reply actions
…and Wilson.
I’d keep SOB over O’Bryne, Quincey and Wilson. Got to have that kind of guy in the lockeroom. He’s never going to be in the top 4 D but in my opinion I don’t Willy nor Quincey will be there either.
I'll keep this brief.
I’d Keep O’Byrne and Hejda, they are playing really well as of lately IMHO.
"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 6, 2012 11:24 AM MST up reply actions
I think its mainly a youth thing. They start strong, have a good gel as a team whereas other teams haven’t quite come together yet. Then the other teams start to gel just as our guys start to get worn down. I think things improve as they get more experience.
I also think a full cleaning house is needed, but we all know that won’t happen.
I'm going to take the "glass is half full" perspective
It has been devastating to see our boys fall short at the exact time they all knew they had to pick it up big time. Our chances of making the playoffs are probably at about 10% and falling fast. After the Vancouver game I had my normal stretch of bitterness, but then I began to think about the big picture. In the big picture we have an average team, but one year ago we had a way below average team. Maybe our second half slide reaches epic levels, but I think not. This team is in every game and there were two games where we really should have won (Anaheim/Vancouver). We have many many players on this team who are still on the rise big time. Even among our veteran players, only Hejduk is on his career slide at this point. Duchene will be back pretty soon and that will transform our top 6 makeup dramatically. The franchise needs to stay the course and not make drastic changes. If we can be mild sellers of a Dman, we should do it. If Rick Nash is available for Jones/Quincey/2nd rounder (which is about as likely as the US paying off the national debt in the next 50 years) we do it. We should not trade any of our young promising players. The line between winning and losing is so fine that I think our young core will get us over the hump simply by maturing. We’ve seen signs this year, but next year will be better and the year after that better still.
Count me as a realist
Screw you front office. Screw you until you show me you can invest in a team rather than pinch pennies.
"He's made all of the saves since the last goal!" -- Peter "Sunshine" McNab
by pra4snow on Feb 6, 2012 1:01 PM MST up reply actions 5 recs
Isn’t there some kind of psychological term for what is happening to us?
by Pinchy The Lobster on Feb 6, 2012 10:41 AM MST reply actions
blergh
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 10:41 AM MST up reply actions
It’s days like these where I wish I actually was a wizard instead of just living vicariously through one in video game form.
by Pinchy The Lobster on Feb 6, 2012 11:56 AM MST up reply actions
Saccoism?
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 6, 2012 11:28 AM MST up reply actions
OH NO!
I can’t swim!
2011-2012 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl: Vyechnaya Pamyat!
2011-2012 Colorado Avalanche: Chances are rapidly diminishing that this will not suck.
Dater says SOB will be traded. So clearly, SOB is untouchable.
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Feb 6, 2012 11:28 AM MST reply actions
Interesting proposal
as stated in this article, would you do a JVR for EJ trade?
http://www.orangeandblackpack.com/SinBinArchives/tabid/55/Article/197/paging-paul-holmgren-paging-paul-holmgren-need-a-blue-liner-eyes-on-denver.aspx
"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
Straight up, that’d be a tough pill to swallow. It’d start to help in solving one problem in the top forwards, but leave a huge problem on the top D pairing.
Mile High Hockey - Lucy is a b*tch
by MalachiConstant on Feb 6, 2012 12:30 PM MST up reply actions
I agree, It’d be like taking away one piece to get another piece, one step back one step forward. If we could find a way to pry him lose by using Quincey, I’d do it in a heart beat.
"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 6, 2012 12:32 PM MST up reply actions
I wouldn’t trade EJ unless it was for a top 5 forward (in the league), or an All-Star defenseman.
My cousin brought up an excellent point during the Vancouver game: EJ and Elliott are All-Star defensemen in the making. If we fired Sacco and hired Carlyle, those guys would really benefit. It would be very similar to Pronger/Niedermeyer. He’s great at coaching those types.
I really hope they are all-star Defensemen in the making.
"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 6, 2012 12:38 PM MST up reply actions
why do you have to always go on and blame the coach??? Does he score goals, no. Does he forecheck, no. Does he take penalties, no. It’s up to the players to win or lose, coach has not much to do with that. So, we’ve lost 5 in a row, they were all close and we actually outplayed the other teams, that is good coaching and don’t think moral vioctories don’t count. You see those 37 shots against a great Wild team, hmmm, hmmm?
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:10 PM MST up reply actions
You make more sense when you’re being sarcastic.
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 Feb 6, 2012 1:13 PM MST up reply actions 4 recs
ha, trust me, I’m done on talking bout Sacco. People have a right to their opinions but I think he’s clueless and if we got a good coach I think it would help a lot. We don’t have the horses for a big playoff run but he’s not the answer long term IMO so why keep him.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:20 PM MST up reply actions
And I might actually agree with you if you could provide an actualy example of a bad coaching decision he made in-game.
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.
let me think???? no Unless they make playoffs and look strong in 1st rd, he’s gone. Peeps might be right tho that he sticks rest of year but like I said, they lose 3-4 more in a row and they almost have to make a change. a 9 game losing streak what else could they do?
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:34 PM MST up reply actions
I had a pretty good hunch you wouldn’t. It’s more of a Socratic question for six whores.
I think Sacco is improving. The team plays hard. The team lacks a lot of skill up front. After 7/8 of his contract is played out do you need another 3 to 4 games to figure out if you want to keep him?
Sherman has a pretty interesting decision to make. Not sure Sacco would stick around with a 1 year deal but maybe a 2 year deal. There’s the other unwritten consequence of getting rid of Sacco means you fire Deadmarsh and Lef. Old school Quebec management tend to be pretty loyal to their guys (obviously). Do they force a head coach to take on those guys? Lots of tough decisions to make but Sherman and PL have no one to blame but themselves for that situation.
I'll keep this brief.
you got that right. The first problem is the owner but I’m not sure that will be changing anytime soon. Thus, the best thing they could do is clean house and get a new GM and get rid of all the current front office. Sacco isn’t the only problem but he’s the only one I think they can try to address right now. Fatso Lacroix is maybe the no 1 problem though.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:43 PM MST up reply actions
If they continue to slide and become a lottery pick team, I think both Sherman and Sacco are gone.
If they remain where they are, I think he gets an extension. Maybe two years.
If they make the playoffs, then I think he gets a larger extension.
My opinion on Sacco as a coach, Sacco as the right coach, Sacco as the coach of the future, Sacco as the coach that fits the team made by Sherman, and Sacco as the coach that fits the team regardless of the GM are varying.
My defense of Sacco stems almost entirely from the fact that he is not to blame for the losses and he has done a good job creating a possession/shot heavy offensive system.
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.
he has done a good job creating a possession/shot heavy offensive system.
Yes but we are on pace for our 2nd lowest number of goals scored in the last decade and possibly more (I only saw back about 10 years). The only one worse was 2008-2009 when we scored 199, we are on pace for 205 currently. We scored 227 last year when we tanked and were riddled with injuries.
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
How is that Sacco’s fault? Who could possibly expect this team to score many goals with the offensive “talent” they have?
Last year, as I’m sure you’re aware, we played a much more open style, with less emphasis on defense, which resulted in us allowing the most goals in the league.
by DiD on Feb 6, 2012 2:56 PM MST up reply actions
The amount of goals doesn’t matter all that much, it’s how you play. We may have scored more last year but we gave up a hell of a lot more also. Look at the teams above us, we have 135 goals, Dallas has 136, Minnesota has 121 LA has 115 yet all of them are ahead of us. If our goaltending can improve just a little (which I think it will with Jiggy getting the majority of the starts now as opposed to Varly) and if Duchene can help us improve just a little, we should be alright.
"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
Absolutely not. Dumb, dumb, dumb
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Feb 6, 2012 12:33 PM MST up reply actions
JVR reminds me of Wolski. A bit too much.
If EJ was traded, it would have to be a Duchene-like player for the wing. Like Taylor Hall.
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.
really, he reminds you of Wolski? how so?
"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 6, 2012 12:49 PM MST up reply actions
DISCLAIMER: This is cursory based on maybe a combined 10 games I have seen.
He’s tall, he has great hands, very good shot, but he floats. He seems to have a floating nature to him. Maybe I mistaken and maybe he has more drive, but he seems Wolki-ey.
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.
a couple things on JVR, he had 15 goals his rookie year, 21 last year and 11 (in 37 games this year). He was stuck on lower lines in Philly the first two years when they had carter/richards too so remember that. If he played on top line with Landy he may have had some eye opening numbers. He’s only 22 and went no 2 overall, that don’t happen by accident. I personally think he’s a 30 goal scorer in future but I wouldn’t trade EJ for him.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:37 PM MST up reply actions
JVR is one of the young players I’m keeping an eye on. I like him and wouldn’t mind having him on this team. I just don’t think trading EJ for him would be the right move.
I think I could swallow Quincey + pick or something better.
Just a Colorado girl in Montana who ♥s the Avs and writes for Mile High Hockey.
I could do Quincey + 3rd/4th for JVR.
If EJ goes, I want Eberle. Period
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Feb 6, 2012 3:50 PM MST up reply actions
I would take Hall to play on Duchene’s wing for the next 15 years.
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 would prefer Eberle or Kane
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Feb 6, 2012 4:03 PM MST up reply actions
hmmm didnt know about that. Assuming he recovers pre-deadline… ya probably
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Feb 6, 2012 4:25 PM MST up reply actions
He would help a lot, he has size too. But not for EJ, quincey and jones, done. Jones and SOB, done. Ain’t gonna happen though. He went no 2 overall and they like him. How bout Danny Briere for a playoff push??? Frees up cap space for them and we give them a d-man. Then, they can pull another trade too (Glyers can)
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:14 PM MST up reply actions
You don’t think Philly would like to keep Briere for their own playoff push?
Living in the D, but It's All About The A.
yes, but their big need is defense, they are loaded at forward, I mean LOADED. Thus, if they trade Briere, they have the cap space to go after a really good D man or two. You have to understand that their current cap space is ZERO and Briere makes 6.5M for 3 years after this year (I’m not sure we even want him at that number). So, a better question is how many teams could even take his cap hit, let alone want it? Avs uniquely positioned to absorb that. They then go get a D-man for their playoff run. They are horrible defensively and SOB would be great for them too b/c they are not on hook next year with him.
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:25 PM MST up reply actions
ick, I don’t want Briere.
"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
I could never like “little rat boy”
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.
God no.
This isn’t even before I read Dario’s paean to EJ. I think you’ve got to stick with Johnson’s potential. Defensemen develop later and have longer shelf lives than forwards. I’m really surprised Chambers said he thinks Johnson might be moved. I thought the fact that they gave him an A so quickly, while not a guarantee of anything, meant they had long-term plans for him.
by DiD on Feb 6, 2012 1:16 PM MST up reply actions
I was really surprised Chambers said that too. Figured it’d have to take an offer so ludicrous they’ll never get one to move EJ.
Mile High Hockey - Lucy is a b*tch
by MalachiConstant on Feb 6, 2012 1:24 PM MST up reply actions
I’ll call bullshit on that unless it’s Bobby Ryan type guy. They have too much invested to take an unporven forward, agree on that. If they would take quincey, interesting……
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:30 PM MST up reply actions
now bobby ryan for EJ, thats not one I’ve thought about…
Cap Floor Team = Cap Floor Results
by Cole D Hamilton on Feb 6, 2012 4:34 PM MST up reply actions
Not sure the Avs want yet another forward with a concussion.
I’d never trade a possible 1/2 young D man for a possibly good winger. JVR who is relatively young in his development as well, has yet to have a full healthy season. At 3.6 mil over the next several years that’s a pretty big risk even if it did not include such a significant asset as EJ.
I'll keep this brief.
To be even more clear: JVR has a 4.6 cap hit until 2018. He just signed a six year extension. He’s got concussion issues already. It’s a hUmungous big risk for any team regardless of what you give up for him. In fact, he’s almost untouchable outside of giving away at a massive discount.
I'll keep this brief.
DUCHENE SKATED!!!!!!!!!
per Avs twitter
"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 6, 2012 12:32 PM MST reply actions 4 recs
4 goals per game, for the rest of the year please
"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
Don’t get greedy….2 goals per game, plus an additional assist or two is fine.
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.
I’d be fine with one goal a game if he sets up mueller three times a game
by LeonardoC6 on Feb 6, 2012 9:49 PM MST via iPhone app up reply actions
I think it’s mainly because the Avs lack depth. As soon as someone goes down to injury or 1-2 players start slumping (what will always happen in an 82 games season) there simply is no one, who could step up.
My only beef (non roast variety) with this post is the question mark at the end of the title.
It should be a FUCKING EXCLAMATION POINT!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!! MEDIOCRITY BITCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BREATHE IT IN AND BASK IN THE AWESOMENESS OF AVERAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!! QUIT YOUR BITCHIN’ AND GET WITH THE PROGRAM!!!!!!!! THIS IS WHAT YOU SIGNED ON FOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH (again)!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Colorado Avalanche 2012
Hockey Purgatory
"He's made all of the saves since the last goal!" -- Peter "Sunshine" McNab
MHH: Your Virgil to the Avs’ Purgatory.
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 Feb 6, 2012 1:03 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
that was me being provocative, Mike
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 1:16 PM MST up reply actions
yeah, sorry about that
DDC is deeply embedded throughout this blog. For better or worse, his taint taints us all.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Feb 6, 2012 1:23 PM MST up reply actions
Hypothetical OT question
If you could go back to the 80’s and date Tawny would you, knowing how much of a pyscho she turns out to be?
The ulitmate dilema hot vs pyscho
My brother and I used to say that drowning in beer was like heaven, eh. Now he's not here and I got two soakers, this isn't heaven, this sucks.
yes, but don’t drop a bean in her like the Chuckster did, that would be a mistake. To quote a Big Ern Mcraken line “I pulled out way early”
by the cool breeze on Feb 6, 2012 1:59 PM MST up reply actions
Good Guy cush
“date” = end up with long term
Mile High Hockey - Lucy is a b*tch
by MalachiConstant on Feb 6, 2012 2:08 PM MST up reply actions
Damn it. I hadn’t even made that connection until you said that and now it’s stuck in my head too.
Duchene may be the face of this franchise, but O’Reilly is the heart. - Guitarpick8120
Mile High Hockey - Asst. Editor
The Hockey Writers - Avalanche Correspondent
by Cheryl Bradley on Feb 6, 2012 1:40 PM MST up reply actions
Looks like Quenville is spinning the goalie wheel again. Looks like the Avs will be seeing Emery tomorrow. According to reports, Emery is being given the opportunity to take the starting job for the rest of the year.
Quenville’s a good coach, but I never thought he handled his goalies well.
OK Shermie, time to be the shepherd
Our own Jan Hejda is in the top part of the QualComp list.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I repeat my statement, Hejda and O’Byrne are our shutdown pair and have done really really well in the last 10 or 15 games of shutting down the opposition.
"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
Well, that is a five year running average so that’s not all Avalanche time that Hejda is running there. He hasn’t been on for the top pairing for most of the season as far as I can tell.
I'll keep this brief.
Ah, didn’t read that much, heh. I think it’s only been for the last 10 or so games, the earliest i remember is them shutting down OV against the caps, however long ago that was.
"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
Yeah, he actually has, for what it’s worth. He and O’Byrne have faced the toughest competition. It shakes down pretty much the way you’d expect it too, with Hejda and O’Byrne at the top and Wilson and Elliott at the bottom.
by DiD on Feb 6, 2012 9:16 PM MST up reply actions
Is there another hockey player with the last name of Salei that I don’t know about, it is on the lowest Qualcomp list. I’m confused.
"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
RNH is hurt… again.
"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
I don’t know how to make .png’s out of screenshots of video, but @2:05 is what I look like watching the avs these days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OohqTf5uvkY
THE COLORADO AVALANCHE HAVE WON THE STANLEY CUP. RAYMOND BOURQUE: A DREAM COME TRUE!
How is this not rec'd?
DDC, you beautifully summed up my recent experiences as an Avs fan. Charlie Brown, indeed.
That simple juxtaposition of hope, anticipation, disappointment and self-rapprochement all in one.
Well done, sir
"Wisdom requires a flexible mind" - Dan Carlin
Indeed.
Mile High Hockey - Lucy is a b*tch
by MalachiConstant on Feb 7, 2012 7:52 AM MST up reply actions
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