Game 1: Avalanche 4, Stars 3
by Joe Dunman on Oct 4, 2007 6:57 AM MDT
in News
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| photo by David Zalubowski/AP |
Three of the goals were scored by Paul Stastny, who accomplished his first career hat trick. His linemates Jaroslav Hlinka and Andrew Brunette had two and three assists, respectively. Together, playing as the Avs' second scoring line, they absolutely dominated the Stars' defense and their goalie Marty Turco, who started the game strong but had a terrible second period. Son of Stastny's first goal was a Sakic-esque wrist shot from the left face-off circle in the Stars' zone. His second and third goals were scored in traffic around the net in the second period. Wojtek Wolski scored the eventual game-winner with a pretty wrist shot in the last five minutes of the second period.
The Avs' first line, anchored by Joe Sakic with Milan Hejduk and Ryan Smyth on the wings, managed a couple of good scoring opportunities but generally looked a little lost. Sakic seemed to get tied up on the boards too often and Smyth looked like he was trying to do too much by himself at times.
The blueliners started the game superbly, shutting down the Stars' attacks and clearing the zone easily. Jordan Leopold played very well, with some good blocks and takeaways and generally consistent play. Scott Hannan's physical presence was evident and he also had a great game.
Peter Budaj played a solid-as-usual game in net, and despite allowing two untimely goals in the third period, looked extremely comfortable. Some big saves in the last minute of the game saved the victory for the Avalanche.
The penalty kill---again---was weak for the Avalanche, allowing both third period goals during Stars' power plays. Also weak was the Avs' faceoff percentage: 39%. Both of these factors must improve.
Overall, the game was a good one for the Avalanche and an excellent way to start the season. Son Of Stastny looks even better than he did last season and it's clear that his line with Hlinka and Bruno is firing on all cylinders. Expect even greater things from them as the season continues.
The Avalanche play the Predators tonight in Nashville at 7:00 PM Central Time. I will be there (in section 305, upper level) so I won't be online during the game. There will be a thread for it, though, so I expect to see lots of comments when I get back late tonight. Don't let me down!
Stars Of The Game:
- Paul Stastny
- Andrew Brunette
- Jaroslav Hlinka
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Let's go again
Another night, another game and another win we hope. Anyway, about last night vs. Stars:
I think the Avalanche finished all periods, specially the first and third very badly with the Stars attacking a lot. The final part of the game was just frightening, I couldn't believe this could be happening again: all the players seemed lost on the ice trying to avoid the game tying goal. The players have to keep their calm and concentration in those moments, otherwise it may not go so well next time. The special teams weren't very good as well: we cannot concede 2 goals (that almost ruined the game) in 3 times shorthanded. Better improve in the face-off circle, because that's the first stop to start attacking and to avoid other teams attacks.
The good stuff
- Stastny - Oh my God. I can't put into words what I feel. Let me just say I hope he kicks everyone's ass this season and shuts up everyone who doesn't believe his ability and potential. Maybe if his name ended in "alkin", people would like him better.
- Hlinka - What a great find. Congratulations to Milan Hejduk and everyone involved in signing this guy, he is already worth the money he will be paid for this season: there were doubts about his ability when he came, "maybe he will be a 3rd liner or 4th liner or maybe he won't even play" but now he has got his place on the second line and it's his to lose. Fed Stastny with an excellent pass for the Avs 3rd goal.
- Brunette - He has assists with Sakic, he has assists with Stastny. You may say he's not very very talented, but somehow, he seems to be doing right wherever he plays.
- Budaj - 31 saves/34 shots and he couldn't do anything further in the goals, they were kind of ugly and lucky. The kind of goals I expect to see the Avs score as well now we have Smyth on board. He has to keep up with his form, because the competition in the NW division demands it and those other 3 teams competing against us have great goalies.
- Hannan and Clark - 28 and 27 minutes on ice, both +2, good way to start the season.
Sakic Smyth and Hejduk did not play to their potential, but luckily they will have the time to do it as we are not desperate for scoring: our others lines can do it as well.
1 done, 81 to go. And as the cliché says, a point in October is worth the same as a point in March and April.
Diary
That would have been a great diary post Louis :)
by Jibblescribbits on Oct 4, 2007 9:44 AM MDT up reply actions
good game
Stastny was just sensational at both ends of the ice tonight. Man, what a great game. Hlinka was strong too, but lets not forget Wolski - he looked great to me, and he really got no help from his linemates.
Faceoffs were ridiculous. I'm not ready to pick on the PK yet, because both of those goals were rather fluky. I'm more annoyed that the team decided to just coast with a lead again. Did we not learn ANYTHING last year?
all in all, a nice start to the year.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 4, 2007 9:18 AM MDT reply actions
Re: good game
At least we're nitpicking a WIN, and not a loss. It may not have been perfect, but it's a fat two points and the Avs will need as many of those as possible.
i didn't get to watch the game
stupid dish took their vs. trial off right before the game. infuriating.
As to the facoffs though, I think we're just going to have to deal with it this year. Stastny, despite being awesome, has a lot to learn about it, and we knew Arnason was going to be terrible at it (another reason I would have preferred to keep McLean instead of him as the 3rd line center).
If you take those 2 away, we were pretty close to 50%. I think Stastny will learn, Arnason will not, but for now, we just gotta deal.
Re: i didn't get to...
That sucks about Versus. We've had it here on our cable provider for years now, so I just assume everyone has it.
Center Ice Online is worth the investment if you live outside the Altitude Sports broadcast region.
As for face-offs, I don't like to discount entire players because clearly they play a part on the team. Yeah, we could say that if you take away the two goals Dallas scored on the PP, the score was 4-1. The score wasn't 4-1, and the Avs' face-off percentage wasn't anywhere near 50%.
Arnason and Stastny need to spend some time alone facing off against each other until they get better. They're centers! That's their job!
faceoffs
hmmm....Arnason v Stastny. is there a away for BOTH players to lose a faceoff?
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Oct 4, 2007 12:48 PM MDT up reply actions
Great minds...
Hey Joe, we picked the same picture for our recaps :)
It was a fun game to watch. I mean sure, I was sweating and swearing towards the end of the game but now that I can look back on it, it was exciting. Even the GF was in to it towards the end.
I agree with Jib that everyone has a man-crush on Stastny right now. Hopefully the last we'll hear of the "sophomore slump" is how overrated it is.
On to Nashville!
by Shane on Oct 4, 2007 10:52 AM MDT reply actions
Re: Great minds...
There was no better picture to use than the two superstars of the game!
As for Stastny, let's just say that if I get within twenty feet of him at the game tonight, security is going to have to pull me off. Paul, if you're reading this, let's move to Massachusetts.
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