Apparently, Art thinks that Zetterberg is being picked on, and the rough treatment is not what America wants.

The highest comedy...this little line...

Hockey will never have an impact in the United States until it cleans up its perceived image of being a brutal sport.

Hey, Art...heard of the NFL? Oh wait, the Lions have sucked that much, I know you idiots in the moron...errrr motor city may have thought the league folded.

The next, more harsh assault came when Nashville captain Shea Weber smashed the head of the Wings' Henrik Zetterberg into the glass at the end of the game. The act was vicious, ugly and just plain cheap.

Hey, Art, isn't there a guy named Todd Bertuzzi on your team? Hi pot, this is kettle.

In typical NHL fashion, we’re getting administrators and pundits talking out of both sides of their mouths. They’re feigning a bit of outrage, but for the most part they’ve given Weber a free pass.

Like they did Bertuzzi, WHEN THEY LET HIM BACK IN THE LEAGUE.

If it had been Jack Hillen, Nashville’s sixth defenseman, and not a superstar like Weber who had crushed Zetterberg’s head into the glass, he likely would have been suspended.

Wow, sound like a 5 year old much?

What else should we expect from someone who covers the Red Wings. They aren't dominating the league anymore, getting beaten by a better team. The excuses are flowing. From this Avalanche fan...GO PREDS!

I read a very interesting interview with Hejduk at one Czech web site - in Czech language. European players often have the tendency to express more openly for their home journalists and I think this was definitely the case. So I made a quick translation and here it is. Hope everything is understandable. I really did not want to spend too much time with it.

Denver Post recently wrote that you will end career. What do you think about that?

I have never expressed in a similar spirit. That I would end with hockey. So I do not know how it was created, it's more a journalistic canard. Personally I'll wait and see what the options are. If there are any I will continue. If not then I will probably retire.

Would you like to stay in Colorado?

I think I will not be signed by Avalanche. For unknown reasons I have lost the confidence of the coach. He gave me little opportunity to play. And I think that the coach will be signed for at least five years (meanwhile the mentioned coach Joe Sacco got two-year contract extension).

As a captain you have often finished the games on the fourth line.

Lately I was not scoring so it went that far. My ice-time fell to ten minutes, did not play power plays. Some guys here have double the time on the ice than I do. When I see how it plays here, I think I will not get a new contract.

It can be said that this was the worst season of your career?

It's true. My feelings about it are very bad. We did not get into the playoffs and it was not good individually too.

Did your chronic knee injury played any role?

It was quite fine the whole season. If it stays like that, it would not be bad at all.

Tonight, the Edmonton Oilers won the first overall pick, and the good news for them is they didn't earn it on the ice. They did just what I said: they won the lottery. They now have the chance at what many scouts believe to be a once-in-a-lifetime prospect in Nail Yakupov. The Russian sensation has ripped the balls off the OHL for the Sarnia Sting, and they truly did win the jackpot.

But, for the Oilers, they need a defenseman or goalie more. Their offense is "set" with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who unpopularly amongst my Avs fans, gets my vote for rookie of the year. [But hey, I'm just doing it to make sure Landeskog wins.] Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle are his talented linemates, and with any help whatsoever, this line would be considered tops in the NHL. 2nd line center Sam Gagner also provides some occasional offense.

So my guess would be either the pick, or one of these guys, will be traded for a defensemen or two. So that brings me to my point. The Colorado Avalanche desperately need a 30 goal scorer and have a surplus of defensemen. I'd think Jordan Eberle would fit perfectly on a line with Matt Duchene and Peter Mueller. What will it take to get him? Well, he has the 4th most value on this list behind Hall, RNH, and Yakupov, and we could send back a good NHL defenseman and a stud defensive prospect whose ETA is 2013.

At the end of the day, I think the Avalanche should attempt to send Ryan Wilson and Tyson Barrie to Edmonton for Jordan Eberle, and build from there, as I think the Avs are still working in the green with this proposal. Possibly Aitokallio or Kieran Millan (top goalie prospects for the casual fans). Bottomline is that Parise is no sure thing. Eberle is there for the taking whether he wants to move or not.

Poll

What would you give up for Jordan Eberle?

9%

Nothing. He Sucks.

10 votes

12%

Ryan Wilson is enough

13 votes

16%

Wilson and Tyson Barrie are just what they need. Good trade.

17 votes

30%

Wilson and Barrie, and a goalie prospect.

31 votes

30%

Hell throw in Sherman's mom. We need the kid!

31 votes

102 votes | Poll has closed

I readed this article early today, thought it was an interesting idea. What do you think?

Full article link: http://thehockeywriters.com/fixing-the-nhl-entry-draft-lottery-system-playoff-for-number-one/

The Problem:

Simply put – the NHL draft lottery in its current state heavily rewards failure.

Besides rewarding failure, the current system also leaves middling teams (those narrowly missing the playoffs) in a sort of hockey purgatory. Just ask Calgary Flames fans.

However, sports should be inherently about striving for success and aiming to win. While that is often an ever evolving process, it should not involve losing with a resultant enhancement of draft position.

Single Elimination Tournament of Non-playoff Teams

Here’s a quick rundown of how this option could be executed:

• 14 non-playoff teams would partake in a single game elimination tournament.
• For the first round, the two teams closest to making the playoffs (i.e. 17th and 18th in overall standings) would have a bye.
• Thus, the first round matchups would be: 19th Vs 30th, 20th Vs 29th, 21st Vs 28th, etc.
• The team with the better regular season record does get home ice advantage.
• There would be then the quarter finals of the 8 remaining teams.
• Note: In order to move up in draft position, the 17th and 18th place teams (1st round bye) would have to win their quarter final match-up (otherwise falling back to the 13th/14th draft slot)
• Next would be the semi-final round of the 4 winning squads, followed by the final matchup.
• Therefore, 1st through 8th draft position determined by how the team finishes in the tournament (this likely means consideration for 3rd, 5th and 7th place games).
• Slots 9th to 14th determined by reverse order of overall standings.
• Thus, the two worst teams in the league’s overall standing would draft no later than 9th to 10th, and therefore assured a top 10 draft pick.

This system would give non-playoff teams something to cheer for. It will also be a revenue generator for these teams.

Ok here is my take on the season. First, i just want to say this to ownership and management. Two straight season of no playoffs is just unacceptable and downright deplorable. But more on that later. I am more optimistic going into this offseason more than last, simply because our goaltending will have no question marks this offseason. I hammered Sherman last July for what he gave to Washington. I can admit i was wrong. This moved for now has saved his job and earned him one more season to get this team back where it belongs. Ok folks the Goaltenders. Varly was more than I could have dreamed. Although i would have liked to see his games played total a little higher, I believe he can hit the 60 game mark with no imjuries or backward turn in his development. Also a goaltending coach would be of some value to him as well. Giggy was also better than we could have all dreamed. So glad he got a 2 year deal last summer. Varly and Giggy each receive an A for the season. On to the blue line. EJ i thought had a very consistent season up til the injury he went through at the end. Again, i can admit when i was wrong, since no one misses Chris Stewart any longer. We have a stalwart all star for many years to come lets hope. ROB i thought as well earned a solid grade for his season. Now for these four players, Hunwick,Shane O,Ryan Wilson and Jan Hejda, I thought all showed some flashes but for the most part were inconsistent overall. Shane and Wilson especially with some very untimely lapses. Out of these four I would only bring two back next season. Monetary reasons almost certainly say Hejda will be back. His contract will be next to impossible to move. Shane O will be UFA but is on record wanting to return. As long as the number stays at 1.5 mil area i can live with it. Ryan Wilson heads to RFA and will be looking in the area of 1.5 as well. I would keep whoever is the cheaper option. I know Shane is a "locker room" guy, butI overrate that locker room stuff in the regular season. Hunwick, its been real. Goodbye. That will lea e us with Barrie and Elliot roundin out the top 6. Unless Siemer completely blows away the competition next OCT, i would like to see him at Lake Erie to start the season. On to the boys up front. When our best player is 19 years old, its not a good problem. Gabby and Radar(rfa) will be back and hopefully for both they keep progressing on schedule. Radar was clearly MVP of this team and i hope he hits a HR with his new contract. Dutchy had another frustrating year of injuries and position switches. He will be the first to say his play can and will be better. To the guys I dont want to see here next season. Kobasew, MCleod,Porter. Guys who id like back if free agency goes poorly, Silent Jay, Jones. If the checkbook gets opened, those two are expendable. I loved what Downie and McGinn brought to the table when they got here. But lets be honest, this team will have no success unless they are on the bottom 6. If #23 wants to return he obviously has a spot. I wouldn t mind seeing Stastny be moved now. If we wait another season he will start to fall into the untradable category. His play has plateaud off for too long now. Greg from acct has gotten himself one more season. He and #19 must storm KSE and deman the checkbooks be opened up. Ive been calling for Parise for over a year. If they go after Suter, thats fine as well. I also would like them to get on the phone with Jackets and try to get Nash. We have more depth now to deal. Its time to open up the wallets bigtime. Coach. Biggest problem this org has right now. Needs to be fired and has to be done now. Go Avs Go!!

My conclusion after reading posts from hockeybuzz, hfboards and here, is that most Avalanche fans are concern with our defense for next season and the future. I read an article yesterday from hockeybuzz where Arron Musick commented that our future D appears to be the following:

My vision for future defense is this:

Johnson-UFA (I REALLY want Suter)
Elliott-Siemens
Barrie-Gaunce

I kinda agree with him but it might take a couple of years until this group is fully capable. I'm a strong believer that the young guys got to play, and there's no better time than the present. There going to get pushed around, make mistakes, take penalties and be in consistence. While growing into their frames they will gain experience and confidence to compete regularly at this level.

The biggest question is what's the organization plan and how do you get there properly. I'm an Avs fan just like everyone else and have my opinions on what the organization should do. Unfortunately, us as fans don't always see the greater plan.

The Johnson trade was a risk, but I believe that management and scouts did there homework before pulling the trigger. In the off season they knew Johnson needed a #2 D-man. I believe they assumed like everyone else that Suter and Weber were going to resign in Nashville. They didn't want to take the chance, or maybe they had no intentions going after them. I figure Hejda was going to fill this spot until they could develop someone into this role. This could be someone that's already in the organization, trade for the player, UFA signing or a player that's not even drafted yet. The Hejda project didn't work. Even though he makes a decent pairing with OByrne, a good PKer, it don't completely justify to keep him. He takes a roster spot from one of the kids and the $3.25 million cap hit for 3 more years could go towards a true #2.

Now that Suter might hit the open market, Sherman should do everything in his power to get Suter and then dump Hejda and his contract. If Suter do sign else where, should they target another UFA, make a trade or keep Hejda? The consensus I gather is that the only other notable UFA's to target are Matt Carle and Jason Garrison. Carle formerly played at the University of Denver. He would be a more reasonable cap hit. He knows the city and I'm sure he still got friends in the area. Is he a true number two, or could develop into that role. Did he get the best opportunity to fully develop and succeed in Philly. Garrison I don't really know about so I can't say.

Trading for a #2 D man. Sounds easy enough. We have a log jam on D with a few good D prospects. Not counting some of the forwards that are always expandable to the general public. As a fan I believe that Sherman and Co. are doing a good job bringing in the proper talent to build a successful team for the future. What people have to realize is that the organization has a plan and it will take time. It's not like there not addressing any areas that need improvement and they surely got the nerve to make controversial moves. If you evaluate the players traded to what we gained, the organization are conducting the proper assessment to trade non core depth players to continue building a strong foundation for the future. Our goalie situation is very promising. We got our #1 D man, and have some good talent coming up. There building character and depth with our forward group. It might be another year or two before we start seeing the final results, but it will come. Trading away some of our young talent before they fully get the chance to develop and show what they got is not the right way to do things. My biggest concern about making a blockbuster trade for a true #2 or a sniper is that every team in the league is looking for the same thing. Therefore it will take a over payment to get an already established player. Let the scouts, whom seem to be great at what they do, find that struggling player needing a change of scenery, or hasn't been given the opportunity and make the appropriated moves.

Concentrating on multiply year contracts, I'm sure that all organization would like to honor all the contracts they give to their players. why would they offer a player the term and money if they weren't in the organization plans going forward. Realistically some of them just don't work out or an trade opportunity arrives that they cant refuse. As I mention earlier, does Hejda fall into this situation? Is he sustaining enough of his game and current playing abilities, could the roster spot be utilize better, or a more efficient way to use the cap hit? Hejda is still a capable D man that has experience, a overall decent game, and allows the organization to not hinder or rush developing prospects.

Therefore one would assume signing Wilson, and Hunwick, one year contacts was to evaluate their attributes and also be used as fillers until the developing prospects are ready. Hunwick spent most of the year in the press box, worked on his game and appeared to be a good team mate. He's was a serviceable 7th D man, but nothing more than a bottom pairing guy. Wilson was having a good year before injuries. Can he handle playing next to Johnson for a full season? Is he better suited as 2nd / 3rd pairing guy? What will these injuries mean to his career? O'Brien could also be put into this filler category. He has a decent game, brings some experience, and toughness. If he realize his limitations and with a limited role he could be a great bottom pairing guy. Do management have any plans on retaining these guys?

The Ryan O'Bryne trade. That didn't go over well either. He became a heart and soul player that turned around his game and was awarded a two year extension, that he deserved. No one will forget last year finishing a shift after taking a skate to the face or how he blocked 3 shots on the PK not to long ago. You could assume he will be part of our shut down pairing or a filler until Gaunce / Siemens is ready.

Going back to Aaron Musick vision for the future defense and why I kinda agree with him. There's a couple of scenarios that could play out or be justified. With the current log jam on defense, 10 players, this off season should shape what the future defense will be.

Johnson is our number one guy, and needs someone to compliment his game.

Trading Shatty showed that management are confident in Elliott's development and that he will be one of our offensive D man. This off season he needs to bulk up and work on a couple areas. Next year he will be partner with a vet to help complete the transition to becoming a NHL regular. Drafting Siemens can say a lot as well. He should spend another year in the WHL to fill out his frame and continue developing new aspect to complete his overall game. Elliott and Siemens have chemistry and are projected to be high quality players. With approximately two season under Elliott's belt, this should help Siemens transition to the next level. It appears management do plan on them being our second pairing. So, stop putting them in trade proposal.

Barrie is another offensive D prospect that played well in the AHL and gain some NHL experience. Like Elliott he also needs to bulk up a bit and work on some aspects of his game. He could be projected as a 2nd pairing guy, with good passing abilities, decent defense, and quarterback the power play. Gaunce did his dues in the AHL and deserves a shot with with the big club. He has some NHL experience and he can hold his own. From my understanding he worked on his footing and overall speed this year. Some compare him to be a Foote type player. Do this mean he might develop into a guy that could work with EJ, or a 2nd pairing guy. Both of these players should get playing time next year. They should be rotated with a vet as the 3rd pairing until they adjust to the NHL level. With Elliott and Siemens as our 2nd pairing, this would make one hell of a 3rd pairing.

2012 - 2013 Season Defense: Johnson - #2, Elliott - Vet, Barrie/Gaunce - Vet,

It wouldn't be wise to have 3 rookies with full time duties so with three position to fill who are the odd men out? O'Bryne is already under contract, fills a vet position, solid defense, PKer, and can help with Gaunce. I can see Hunwick let go. He worked hard to get his game back, I'm sure he's going to look for more of a role with another team. Wilson is a RFA with injuries issues and uncertainties. The organization are patient with these type of players. Get him on a good one year contract to further evaluate him. That leaves us with Hejda and O'Brien, both serviceable players. They could bring both back. One as a vet, the other as the #2 guy. Then there's always the case Wilson has issues returning from injuries, they still have seven defense. Now if they sign a #2 UFA, O'Brien could walk, Hejda traded or both. With a #2 UFA signing to play with EJ, Elliott and Siemens as our future 2nd pairing, does that make Gaunce or Barrie expandable? A couple of vets could hold down the 3rd pairing. Maybe that's why Hejda got the contract he did. Bringing O'Brien in to see how he would fit with the team. Playing Hunwick towards the end of the season.

The conclusion of my rant. Trust the front office and the owners, they have a plan in place. It may take another two years but we will be fighting in the playoffs soon and competing for a cup in the near future.

It could worst. An organization that don't realize when they should start rebuilding, how to do it properly, or take ten years to complete one. I'm sure most of you can figure out what teams I'm directing this towards.

Thank you.

This is my first ever fanpost! It started as a response to the trolls, thus the directed audience feel, over at the Denver Post. (I know I should ignore them but as a prospective teacher, I'm tempted to enlighten those in the dark). But I just kept going and spilling out all my feelings about the Avs and this season, so I thought I'd share it with MHH.

If you feel the urge, please comment with your reactions, even if it's just to say it was a waste of time to read if I didn't contribute any new perspectives (I create a lot of my opinions about the Avs here at MHH through gathering all of your perspectives, and may have very well stolen what some of you have said because I agree with it)

Also excuse my poor writing and organization. I'm the first to admit it. I'm no writer.

Continue reading this post »

While I am disappointed to see the Colorado Avalanche fall short of a playoff birth for the second straight season (The first time this has happened since the Quebec Nordiques came to the Mile High City), I've never been so excited for the playoffs. After the last two seasons, I have made the bitter (yet still exciting) realization that no real hockey is played in the regular season. The 82 games is certainly full of story lines and drama, but nothing compared to playoff hockey. This is what distinguishes the players that really want it from the pretenders who just like the lifestyle (The Alexander Ovechkin led Washington Captials).

This is where the speed and hitting that the league is designed for actually happens. The beginning of the regular season is fun intellectually because it allows a chance to observe the new team, as well as providing the coach to experiment with line combinations, defensive pairings, special team strategies and potential rookie contributors.

Greg Sherman and Joe Sacco's experimenting and keen observation were rewarded with the stellar new third "first" line of Ryan O'Reilly, Gabriel Landeskog, plus miscellaneous complimentary skaters. Not that it was hard to tell these guys were having a special season. Other examples include that which seem obvious now: Semyon Varlamov's redemption in goal post-all star break, Stephan Elliott developing overall game, Tyson Barrie's developing offensive game (Barrie's going to turn the corner, and will make a statement. This kid is all game and character) David Van Der Gulik, who may be the most underrated Avalanche call up, and the emergence of one Matt Hunwick, who almost everyone was going to write off as a bust at one point (maybe our second best defenseman in the stretch run after E.J.).

Matt Duchene and captain Milan Hejduk should have produced more offensively, but a lot of other factors go into their situations. Peter Mueller started hot, but never really had a chance to get rolling. Paul Stastny and David Jones started the season in a slump but found their game and became major contributors toward the end of the season. In all honesty, I was ready to let Stastny go for a prospect and a pick when Duchene finished last season with 27 goals, but I am sure glad he was here to help weather some of the struggling star's growing pains. Sherman would be prudent to keep the lines for the start of next season. Maybe just get a winger to replace Hejduk if he hangs them up before opening day. I still think the new Captain could play a smaller role next season if he still can't find his chops. I know Dater said he is more than likely to call it a career (with a little push from management. Ugly business and unfortunate situation.), but I still have confidence in the vets ability to play at least 11 games (wink), perhaps 12 for good measure. other than that, we have Micheal Sgarbossa and Joey Hishon to look foward to next year.

Certainly it is a minor tragedy that the Avalanche will not have even the smallest chance of winning the big prize, but this doesn't change the fact that hockey is the greatest professional sport in the world come playoff time. Again, I think it's obvious that the players play with a bit of an sharper edge come the tournament for Lord Stanley's Cup. They skate a little faster, hit a little harder. and the teams play an dangerously entertaining style of hockey built around the passion and raw intensity derived from the skater's pride, the ultra high stakes, and inflated egos of overpaid (but still relevant) athletes.

And without and further ranting or blabbering about the demise of out beloved Avs, here are a few series I'm rooting for the chance to witness as well as a couple I'm already looking forward to watching in HD, baby.

Continue reading this post »

My second FanPost! Those of you familiar with me may see me as somewhat of an optimist when it comes to the Avalanche. This may or may not be fair, I actually see myself as more of a realist. But that is not here nor there. As I watched our beloved team eliminated from the playoffs last night, I was quite taken aback. How did this happen? How could such an incredibly talented collection of players, well coached, well supported, and generally destined for greatness, fail to make the playoffs? Some possible answers after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

Unsure of what team to root for in the playoffs now that the Avs are out? Well, why not root for a team that has a former Av? Here's a look at where some of our former guys are now. If I'm missing anybody, which is very likely, feel free to add.

Eastern Conference:

Boston Bruins

• Brian Rolston - A lot of people didn't think he had anything left in the tank, but he's been pretty good since his trade to the Bruins.
  
• Johnny Boychuk - Out for a couple of weeks with a sprained knee. When he comes back he'll be in the lineup.
  
• Colby Cohen - lol... I really doubt he even gets called up to sit in the press box. He's been pretty bad this year in the AHL.
  

Florida Panthers

• Jose Theodore - Has very quietly had a good season for the Panthers. A lot of fans consider him to be the team MVP.
  
• Tomas Fleishmann - Leads the Panthers in points with 61. Has had a very good season.
  
• Wojtek Wolski - Has put in some effort since joining the Panthers.... but who knows how long that will last.

Philadelphia Flyers

• Ian Laperriere - No former Avs on their roster, but Lappy is still very involved with the organization.
  

Pittsburgh Penguins

• Tony Granato - Former head coach Granato is currently an assistant coach for the Pens... he was recently fined by the NHL for yelling at Flyers coach Laviolette.
  

Ottawa Senators

• Craig Anderson - As far as I know he's still out from cutting his hand with a knife in the kitchen... really bad body language there.
  

Washington Capitals

• Matt Hendricks - Only 9 points this season - less than McLeod - but still a heart and soul guy. And he has some pretty sick shootout moves as well.
  

Western Conference:

Vancouver Canucks

• Steve Reinprecht - There's a chance that the Nucks call him up for depth, but he won't play short of a catastrophe.
  

St. Louis Blues

• Brian Elliott - Where the hell did this season come from?
• Kevin Shattenkirk - Having a very, very good season with 42 points.
  
• Chris Stewart - Having a less than outstanding season, with only 29 points.
  

Los Angeles Kings

• Brad Richardson - Only 8 points in 58 games... but I'm pretty sure most of the points are against the Avs.
  

Nashville Predators

• Brandon Yip - 6 points in 34 games is a step up from what he was getting with the Avs... but he'll likely be a healthy scratch in the playoffs - may have lost a roster spot to Radulov.
  

Detroit Red Wings

• Kyle Quincey - Only in here for completeness sake... no one is going to cheer for the Wings. He has been pretty terrible since the trade, though.
  

Chicago Blackhawks

• Joel Quenneville - The Hawks are having a pretty good season, although probably underachieving a little.
• Andrew Brunette - Getting up there in age, but still putting up good numbers as a role player... although his +/- is the lowest it's been since he played for the Thrashers.

Phoenix Coyotes

• Radim Vrbata - Having a career year with 33 goals and 60 points.
• Derek Morris - Recently played in his 1000th career game.

San Jose Sharks

• Dan Winnik - As far as I know he's been pretty good for the Sharks since the trade.
  
• T.J. Galiardi - One point in 13 games... still trying to earn that "respect".

Well, there you go!