Game 60: Red Wings At Avalanche, Preview And Open Thread

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 11:15 AM MST in News Comment 70 comments

Well, the good news for the Detroit Red Wings is that they should have no trouble ending their six-game losing streak tonight against the Avalanche. They're no doubt crazy motivated to win right now, playing against an old rival and struggling to regain the momentum that has carried them through the season up until just recently. Of course, six straight losses means they still only have 15 for the whole season, but you know they're tired of seeing that "L" in the box scores.

The Avs, on the other hand, are starting to embrace the L. Or, I should say, "Commit To The L." No team looks more committed to losing right now than Colorado, with the exception of the Flyers, of course. Funny that those two teams are supposed to be the top two choices of Peter Forsberg, who is now rumored to be interested in playing for Minnesota. If his ankle doesn't explode (it will), his superb two-way play would fit right in with the Wild's defense-first system.

Anyway, back to the Avalanche/Red Wings matchup tonight. I hate to give up hope, but I'm just not seeing any real success on the horizon for the Av-beens. The coaching sucks, the power play sucks, Ryan Smyth's return hasn't been anything special, and I'm not sure Sakic and Stastny's returns will be either. Even if the team makes the playoffs (they're currently ninth in the West), they'd surely make a very quick first round exit---at the hands of Detroit. Is making the playoffs even worth that indignity?

The game is on Versus tonight. Now the Avs can embarrass themselves and their fans in front of an almost national audience. Sweet.

The game starts at 6:00 PM Mountain time, 8:00 PM Eastern. Let's hope this game doesn't suck as bad as we all assume it will.

ESPN preview.

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time

actually it's at 8:00 PM EST, 6:00 PM MT.

by Mike the Avs Fan on Feb 18, 2008 12:02 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yep

I just noticed that too. I'll get it changed, thanks.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 12:24 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Foppa not coming back this season

He doesn't feel confident in his foot to commit to this year:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID...

I admire him for not just going for the money grab like some guys would.

by Bob in Boulder on Feb 18, 2008 1:29 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Going to the game...

to watch the Avs lose (just smack me for saying that). If nothing else, it'll be a full house and hopefully they'll put up a good fight.

The game is sold-out but would you believe you can buy a "standing room only" ticket (to stand the entire game behind the handicap seats) for the incredible price of FIFTY BUCKS! No wonder more people don't go to the games geez.

by Rookie14 on Feb 18, 2008 4:27 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Well

Not too much going on so far in the first period. A couple of chances for Detroit, but no dice for them.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:14 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Theodore

Theodore's glove hand is getting a lot of work.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:15 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Tennis

A whole lot of back and forth, punctuated by a Detroit chance or two.

The Avs have no offense. They can barely get the puck across Detroit's blue line.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:17 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Guite

Ben Guite gets a huge chance, puts a great wrister on Osgood but the glove hand says no.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:18 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Airborne

Maltby got a whole lot of Theo's pad and went airborne into the boards.

In unrelated news, Ryan Smyth gets called for slashing, will get two minutes to think about what he's done.

Avs on the PK.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:20 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Lappy

Lappy put a huuuuuuge hit on Nicklas Lidstrom. Lidstrom has to be helped off the ice.

He got wrecked.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:21 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Bangin'

The Avs are hitting like crazy now. The Red Wings are looking fragile.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:23 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Lappy

DE-Stroyed Lidstrom. If you asked Nic who he was right now, I gare-un-tee he'd say 'Batman'...

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Replay

Lidstrom looked like he had no idea where he was after that hit. He crumpled, then tried to get up and couldn't find his balance.

KO by Lappy.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:26 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Lidas!

You just got knocked the fuck out!

That was awesome. Old Crooked Nose got the elbow up and nailed Lidas in the chops and drove his head into the glass. Beautiful.

Man, he threw him like a ragdoll, didn't he? That was awesome.

If this ends up being a concussion, the Wings are in rough shape. Sorostiboner has been playing 20+ minutes per game already. He'll mess his Depends if he plays any more than that.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:26 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Shit

Skrastins on the ice = Red Wings goal.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:31 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

That was a direct result of Skratch, both the giveaway and not picking up his man in front. Theo did the best he could through the screen, but "Top 3" there didn't do anything righ that shift...

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That was...

...Sauer's man in front, and Sauer was on him.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:36 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Healthy Skratch...

...didn't do anything wrong on that play. Sorostiboner just aimed it in the right spot and it was tipped on the way.

There was nothing wrong with the play. Nobody made a mistake. Everyone but Sorostiboner was covered, and if the Avs can limit the Wings so much that Sorostiboner is going to be the one doing the shooting, we're in good shape.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:35 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Earlier

The Wings beat Skratch on the left side of Theodore, got the puck behind the net and then back out front. They had possession the entire time, and only because Skrastins didn't make any effort to break up the play.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You're right

That was Sauer's man, my bad.

However, Skratch got pwned in the corner by Zetterberg (I think) which was a giveaway, no matter how you score it.

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:37 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I beg to differ

Unless the Avs are a man down, limiting ANY opponent to ONLY having one man open, is still a failure. SOMEBODY missed thier opponent, unless that's Q's brilliant new defense...

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:40 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

If Datsyuk and/or Zetterberg are on the ice...

...and Chelios is the one who is shooting, that's a major win for the Avs. I don't care if you have to double-team them. If you're forcing them to beat you with Sorostiboner, then you're winning.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:46 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Uh

Except the Wings scored, which means the Avs are not winning.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding you.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess you aren't.

Look at the Wings' numbers this year.

Zetterberg has 33 goals this year. Datsyuk has 21. Holmstrom has 20.

Sorostiboner had 1 when he took that shot.

That puck was tipped on the way to the net, and a fortunate bounce gave the Wings a goal. That doesn't change the fact that the guy taking the shot for the Wings was a guy who had scored ONE GOAL in two seasons.

Yes, if you've got the Wings locked down to where Sorostiboner is the one shooting, you're doing a good job. And a tip doesn't change that fact.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:52 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I guess

Yeah, well, nothing matters but the score.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

That's short-sighted.

The Avs played that about as well as it could have been played. It was just a fluke. Both of them.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 7:04 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

The shot was well played

However, the turnover by Skratch was anything but...

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Right, but...

...we're not talking about the turnover. We're talking about coverage. If you can shut down everyone but Chelios, you take that. Chelios can score a fluke goal once every couple seasons, but he can't beat you.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 7:42 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You're talking about it

but I was talking about the turnover. I agreed with you on the shot. Given the horrible position they were put in due to Skratch's turnover, they played as well as could be expected. However, when a d-man has the puck on his stick with time in the corner, and he get's manhandled by Zetterberg, which turns into a couple of passes and then a goal, the onus is on Skratch. It was a horrible play and yet another example of why Scratch isn't getting it done, even with his extra ice time.

The way I saw it was a horrible defensive play led to the Avs being in a bad position, which they did everything to stop, but couldn't. I still lay that on Skratch, whether the goal was beautiful or flukey, it was still a goal that was a result of his poor play in the corner.

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 8:10 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Draper

Draper gets two minutes for being a pussy.

Avs on the PP. This should be exciting.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:35 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Ouch

Lappy just got his ass beat.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

He's not...

...a fighter.

He fights, but he's not a fighter. That's why his nose looks like it does.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

You know

I never noticed how straight Georges Laraque's, Donald Brashear's, and Tie Domi's noses are. Seriously.

Then again, guys don't/didn't get a lot of good hits in on those guys.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Parker...

...looks like a mean version of Skreech from Saved by the Bell (my wife calls him "Mean Skreech"). He doesn't look like he's ever been hit in his life.

Sure, he got crumpled by Coke McSmuggles (didn't he get a serious concussion from that?), but his nose isn't bust.

Lappy is really good at beating the shit out of his opponent's fist with his own face. I have to give him that.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:57 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Ha

At least Lappy makes it look fun.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

How slow a line change

do the Avs need during a PP? Leo had to kill 10-15 seconds waiting for somebody to come off the bench! I blame coaching...

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:38 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Holy shit

The Avalanche power play is fucking painful to watch. They finally got a couple of shots but Osgood told them to suck it.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:42 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

PK

Avs on the PK after McLeod gets two minutes for being a rookie. Keep your hands on the stick, genius.

Hlinka's clearing attempts are pathetic.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:44 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

SHIIIIIIITTTT

Wings score again after the puck gets a weird bounce off of Jeff Finger. Theodore tried his best but couldn't get high enough on the hard angle shot.

Damn.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:45 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Fuck

I can't watch this crap anymore...

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:46 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Nothing they could do about that.

Messed up goal. Wangs are just getting the bounces tonight.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:47 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Nothing

That's very true, but it's still shitty to watch.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:49 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

First period

Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmme.

Lidstrom is out with a knee injury according to the Wings. Looked more like a concussion to me.

And things are going downhill fast.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:47 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

1st period

Hlinka looks like two-week old leftovers, Skratch has ANOTHER giveaway that ends up in the back of the net, line changes are crap, everybody is fanning on passes/clears, the Wings keep getting opportunities to set up the O, the Avs can't generate crap on the other end of the ice.

Yeah, I think that about covers it.

I heard something on the radio today that aptly describes the Avs PP. Watching it makes me want to stab a baby in the face. Not MY baby, just A baby.

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:53 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully...

...it's both a concussion and a knee injury.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:54 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Hopefully

Hopefully he's fine. I still won't wish injury on anybody no matter what team they play for.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 6:56 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Nobody is wishing an injury on anyone.

Lidstrom's injured. I didn't wish that he would get injured. But since he's injured, I'd rather he be out for the year than to have him healthy and see the disgusting vermin known as Red Wing fans get to celebrate a Cup win.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 6:58 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my god

The Versus announcer just called Colorado "The 'Lanche." Give me a break, dude. Act like you've done this before.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:04 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Game on

Second period underway.

Lappy was talking some serious shit to Chelios before the faceoff.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:05 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Whoa

Theodore gets a medal for that save. He made the sliding stop but kept his head up and corralled the loose puck. Good man.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:07 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Lidstrom

No concussion for Lidstrom.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:09 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Offense go bye bye

Well, the Avs are now totally on the defensive, allowing the Wings to shoot at will. Theodore's working his ass off.

Good lord.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:11 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Shooting drills

I wonder if the Avs practice shooting. Every shot is either wide or directly to the chest of Osgood.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:13 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Penalty

Lappy puts another big hit on the Wings.

Guite gets called for holding, the Avs bench gets called for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Red Wings 5-on-3. This is going to end badly.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:19 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Oops

Lappy has lost his stick.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Goal

Zetterberg

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:20 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

I may be calling it a night. There hasn't been one thing enjoyable about this game, even considering Lappy's hit.

More lackluster play from my favorite team.

I feel the playoffs slipping away...

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:21 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Whelp.

Fuck you, Idiot, for getting that extra penalty. That goal is on you.

We need to be sellers at the deadline. This team is going nowhere.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 7:21 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Guite

Ben Guite gets another breakaway, fails to convert again.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:22 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Pathetic

Wings score again. Zetterberg again.

The Avs look horrible, like they have no idea how to play hockey anymore.

And Q should be gone tomorrow.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:24 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Fuck this

I'm done watching this "game." The Avs are getting beat on every inch of the ice. They have no offense, no defense, and they're making a good goalie look bad. Theodore should demand a trade.

Later dudes.

by Joe @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 7:26 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Hey, Idiot...

...see that? The Wings are up and they are still going hard at us.

You learning anything, you worthless fucking imbecile? We have no shot at coming back because the Wings are still bending us over and going elbow deep. They're going to keep going and going until the final horn sounds.

Calling off the dogs is for losers. And you know all about being a loser.

Man, what a fucking schmuck we have behind the bench.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 7:28 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Granato better shut the fuck up.

Because Babcock will beat the living shit out of him. Man, I'd love to see it.

Man, biggest tragedy in the history of the NHL. Wings get Babcock, and we get the three losers behind our bench.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 8:00 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

What're

the odds that Osgood gets back on the schnide with a shutout tonight? 3-to-1? 5-to-1?

by Mike @ MHH on Feb 18, 2008 8:11 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Avs are laying down...

These guys have no heart. They are just giving up...why should the fans be any different.

by Americanario on Feb 18, 2008 8:23 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

What's new?

This team needs a purge.

I'd get rid of everyone but JoeTed, Svatos, McLeod, Leopold, Lappy and Stastny. Fuck the rest of these bums.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 8:41 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

Pathetic

Even the officials are idiots. Draper goes after Svatos after a clean hit and Svatos is tossed as well? Asinine.

by Americanario on Feb 18, 2008 8:33 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Hmmmmmm

It seems like I did a good thing by not skipping college huh?

Was Theo good, or did he crap out? I see his SV% was .900, that's pretty good for a 0-4 loss.

by Mike the Avs Fan on Feb 18, 2008 9:22 PM MST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Hmmmm

Theo was okay. The VS. announcers said numerous times, "its a shooting gallery for the Wings." He wasn't great, but I wouldn't call it a total meltdown either. The only goal that was a possible stop was the first one on Chelios but he was screened.

InYoFace Hasek! InYoFace

by InYoFace on Feb 18, 2008 10:34 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs

JoeTed

JoeTed was very good tonight. He had absolutely no help on the defensive end, and made a bunch of spectacular saves that would have kept the Avs in the game if there had been any offense.

It was one of the worst efforts I have ever seen from an Avs team. Which is saying something, as this team is remarkable in its lack of effort.

by Thomas on Feb 18, 2008 10:48 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs