WCS Game 4: Red Wings At Avalanche, Preview And Open Thread
by Joe Dunman on May 1, 2008 11:00 AM MDT
in NHL News
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In some ways, it's hard to believe this could be the last game of the season for the Avalanche. In other ways, it's hard to believe the season didn't end on April 6th. But I'm not going to write a season wrap-up just yet, since the Avs could still conceivably win tonight and keep their playoff hopes on life support for a bit longer.
Paul Stastny, Ryan Smyth and Wojtek Wolski are all out for sure. They won't be back even if the Avs pull a Red Sox and make it to the next round. Marek Svatos, if he's off his crutches by now, has been warming up the local golf courses for his teammates. And, this just in: Peter Forsberg is out as well. The Avalanche will dress seven defensemen instead because, well, they can.
Tonight TJ Hensick and David Jones will get another chance to show off their developing skill sets, since they'll have to play significant minutes filling in for the injured regulars on the team. Poor Jones has been struggling to score goals since the post-season began, and despite some sweet puck-handling and shake-and-bake moves to get to the goal, he hasn't been able to beat Chris Osgood. Here's hoping he pots one, even if the Avs end up losing in the end.
Jose Theodore will play, no doubt about it, and if the first three games are indicative of anything, he'll allow four goals. And yes, I know he was sick in the first two, but four goals in each of the first three games suggests some kind of a trend, okay? Shut up.
If the Avs lose tonight, finishing the season 0-8 against the Red Wings will be painful. Really painful. But, believe it or not, the Avalanche play hockey every year (minus the Lockout) and they will get plenty more chances to beat the Wings next season, and the year after that, and the year after that. I know this is far too logical for some, but this is not the end of the world. It's not fun, no doubt about it, but it's not the end.
It's also not the end of the season yet, so Kiszla really needs to quit it with this bullshit. He pulled this same routine at the beginning of the playoffs and now he's pulling it again. Will you stop already? We'll let Joe Sakic worry about his future when he gets some time off. As of right now, he's still on the clock, so drop it.
(And honestly, what kind of lame title is "Classiest dismissed?" Are you serious?)
C'mon Avs, get a win tonight and avoid the season-long sweep. 1-8 doesn't seem nearly as bad as 0-8, at least not to me---but I've been sniffing glue all morning (I picked the wrong week to quit), so what do I know?
The game starts at 8:00 PM Mountain time, 10:00 PM Eastern, and will air on Versus after the Penguins eliminate the New York Rangers Olympic Diving Team. Woo hoo.
ESPN preview.
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Forsberg
out according the Bruce MacLeod. I took the liberty of updating the article.
For the second series in a row, it seems like the other teams beat writers are much faster to the draw with this sort of news.
by David Driscoll-Carignan on May 1, 2008 12:12 PM MDT reply actions
Re: Forsberg
Excellent work, sir. Thanks for making the update.
And yeah, it seems the RMN and the Post have been way behind on reporting the status of the players. I have two theories about this. One, they're way too cozy with the Avs organization and try to sit on the news as part of company policy, or two, they're just not on the ball. Either way, it sucks relying on "foreign" reporters to find out news about the Avalanche.
Just for kicks ...
Given that 5 of our top 8 or so forwards are out (Svatos, Forsberg, Stastny, Smyth, Wolski), and Q will dress 7 D, here would be my lines. For the love of Roy, I hope they don't dress the weakest Hlinka.
- Bruno - Sakic - Hejduk
- Stewart (welcome to the NHL bud) - Hensick - Jones
- McLeod - Guite - Lappy
Floaters: Arny (hey, the position fits!), McCormick
What a sad state of affairs. Maybe throw Liles out there on the Wing occasionally?
I'm sure Q will dress Hlinka instead of Stewart, giving me one last chance to chew him out. By the way, being a glutton for punishment, I watched parts of the game the other night again. Forsberg left during the first period after a slew foot by Draper. God I hate that cheap little asshole.
I wish TJ Hensick all the luck in the world
Just after tonight.
But speaking of my fellow Michigan alum, it's great to see him doing well at the next level...
by pmukh on May 1, 2008 1:37 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: Just another thought
That's been the case most of the season, sadly.
I think Chris Chelios needs to open an endurance camp, and the entire Avalanche organization needs to attend it. And then, when it's over and the Avs have learned all his secrets, ship Chelios off to Abu Dhabi in a freight container.
Chelios
Chelios would swim back from Abu Dhabi without losing his breath. And when he got here, he'd just be pissed off.
Chelios doesn't have a drop of blood in his body. If you cut him open, all that would come out is eff you.
I love that guy. No longer a good hockey player, but I'd take him on my team in a heartbeat.
Man, if we could only kidnap the guy, cut him open, take out some of his eff you and put it in Wolski. Man, what a player he'd be.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 2:57 PM MDT up reply actions
Ok..that was pretty good
I must admit, that was good. It wasn't the funniest thing I've seen all day but it was up there.
But maybe that's just an indictment on how boring my day has been.
by Shane @ Mile High Hockey on May 1, 2008 3:39 PM MDT up reply actions
no longer good?
no longer a good hockey player?
he's a defensive defenseman, finished the regular season +11 playing just under 16 minutes a game. his positioning is excellent. he must have an injury that happened last week, because he hasn't been himself this series. maybe that's why you think he isn't good any more. his outlet passes are still remarkable, a-la Chelios-to-Roenick...
by PaulinMiamiBeach on May 1, 2008 8:59 PM MDT up reply actions
Let's see
Play pick-up hockey against guys that are more skilled than me and get lit up like a candle or watch Game 4 and listen to the VS crew give verbal blowjobs to all the Red Wings including towel-necked Hasek? Hmmmmm...choices, choices.
Right.
See you guys and gals tomorrow morning...
Is that any worse
Is that any worse than McKnob giving gummers to any and every player on the ice? I heard him compare Brett Freaking Clark to Chris Pronger earlier this year. Everyone on the ice is the best this or that in the entire league.
If they ever play hockey in Hell, the games will be announced by Jim Hughson and Peter McKnob, broadcast by Vs and written about by Woody Paige.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 3:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Hughson?
Really? No love for Hughson? I really enjoy him.
by Shane @ Mile High Hockey on May 1, 2008 3:40 PM MDT up reply actions
I guess it was
I guess it was hour after hour after hour of NHL97. I got so sick of his voice that I start getting angry whenever I hear it.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 4:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: McNab
I'll take McNab, and his blinding love for everyone, over cranky whiny homers like the Calgary, Minnesota and Red Wing color guys every day of the week. I can't stand when the TV guys act like they hate the sport they're covering
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 3:48 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: McNab
I know alot of people can't stand him but I appreciate his passion. As a still-learning hockey fan, I've gained alot from his style of breaking down play from a hockey players perspective (the what, why when). Then again, I usually don't have much choice since I watch the Avs on Allitude.
I'm Wishing
the game was on Altitude tonight. I heard the VS announcer say "The Penguins are down by three" and this was well before the empty net goal was scored. Rangers were up by two. I would at least like to hear announcers that know what is going on with the game. Never mind the fact they have barely mentioned the game tonight during intermissions. Guess the Avs have already been written off.
LOL
If they ever play hockey in Hell, the games will be announced by Jim Hughson and Peter McKnob, broadcast by Vs and written about by Woody Paige.
absofrigginlutely hilarious. comment of the year nominee right there!
by PaulinMiamiBeach on May 1, 2008 9:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Kittens think of nothing but murder all day
If the Avs get swept tonight, I think I'm going to buy this shirt and wear it all summer. If only they could add the MHH logo to it!
by tele mon on May 1, 2008 3:52 PM MDT reply actions
In a Last Ditch Effort
I am going to eat the same cheese pizza and salad as I did for the first game of the Minnesota series. Hell, it certainly won't hurt anything as there is bad mojo all around the Avs lately. However, 25% of the cost of the meal will be donated to charity so anyone who is in Denver check out this website and do something to bring some good mojo back to the Avs for dinner tonight.
The Department of Environmental Health, Mayor’s Office of HIV Resources, encourages you to join more than 80,000 people who will dine out for a great cause TODAY, Thursday, May 1, 2008. Dine out with family and friends at a participating restaurant and 25% of your food bill will go directly to Project Angel Heart. Pick from more than 350 restaurants in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs to dine at for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Last year, Dining Out for Life® raised more than $380,000 for Project Angel Heart, a recipient of Ryan White Part A funds administered by the Mayor’s Office of HIV Resources.
Project Angel Heart promotes the health, dignity and self-sufficiency
of people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses
by providing nutritious, home-delivered meals with care and compassion.
Click to learn more about Dining Out for Life® 2008.
Link for a list of Restaurants
https://ccdmail.ci.denver.co.us/exch...
Tip: Anthony's Pizza delivers and is participating.
What the hell
I might as well watch this game since I missed 4 in the first series and most of the three in this series.
Anyone have the Avalanche red cross logo to go with the Colorado Monsters logo?
Re: 1 shot
I usually hate those fans at the game who only yell ONE thing, "SHOOT! SHOOT!" but come onnnn... "SHOOT!"
Theodore
Looking really good now. That goal was weak, but he's more than made up for it with a couple other big saves.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 8:35 PM MDT reply actions
This Game
totally reminds me of the South Park episode where the Wings play the pee wee team with all the rookies on the ice. I wonder if the Wings will make out with each other on the next goal.
Why would they pull Theo?
It's not his fault. Two goals off 2-on-1s. AWFUL, DISGUSTING defense. DMen playing the wrong guy. Not his fault.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 8:50 PM MDT up reply actions
Except
He looks very slow coming across...and the goals were almost identical! Yea he got left out hanging, but he still should have gotten across; especially as much as that second goal was telegraphed.
He didn't
He didn't have time to get over on the first one. On the first goal, the pass was so late that he didnt have time to get over. He would have had to cheat over, and if he had, Zetterberg would have shot it in.
Second one, not Theo's fault, but he would have stopped it in the first round.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:05 PM MDT up reply actions
2-1 Wings
Late in the period we give up a rush and ...
Frak me...with 38 seconds left they score again. 3-1
So soon
Theodore is just one goal away from allowing four ONCE AGAIN. I don't care if they're "not his fault" or not. He's been a sieve all series. It's time for Budaj to close out the season.
Sorry Theo, you're done.
These last two...
I don't know they were rushes and good passing by Detroit, But Theo looks slower than molasses in a Mississippi Winter trying to get across the net.
The only difference in the two goals, was who scored them. The plays were almost identical.
Well, if there's one thing you can say for Q...
...it's that he's handled the goaltending situation as well as he could have in the playoffs.
Theodore better be out there to start the 2nd. He's looked really good tonight except for that first goal.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 8:52 PM MDT up reply actions
you're kidding...
...right?
he could have handled the goaltending situation better. start Budaj for game 3 at home. change the players' mindsets. they don't freak out when the Wings score, thinking "here we go again, 3/4." and it would have been compounded by the momentum of coming to play at home. could have been a different series right now had Q started Budaj in game 3. think about it - is there a goal (or goals) that the Wings scored in game 3 that you think Budaj would have stopped? probably.
by PaulinMiamiBeach on May 1, 2008 9:03 PM MDT up reply actions
And
Boods is caught out of position (because Holmstrom had him expertly screened) and Zetterberg scores a long slapper. Good god.
TV out
At least I don't have to watch this debacle anymore...I was about ready to dig my eyes out.
Oh and Budaj is in...
And another
Zetterberg on a backhand from his knees.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:15 PM MDT up reply actions
Fire the entire coaching staff...
...before the 3rd period.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:16 PM MDT reply actions
Ouch!
I think I'll watch Spongebob instead. Ugh.
by tele mon on May 1, 2008 9:18 PM MDT reply actions
I'm thinking
of committing Hari-Kari myself.
by Shane @ Mile High Hockey on May 1, 2008 9:19 PM MDT up reply actions
I might go...
I might go burn something. I could blame it on Wings fans.
I know full well that I am going to see idiots driving around with brooms hanging out their windows tonight. I could probably go to downtown Royal Oak and see assbags out celebrating and chanting "Let's Go Rat Wangs!"
Man, what a toilet I live in.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:22 PM MDT up reply actions
If Forsberg goes back to play for MoDo next year
If Forsberg goes back to play for MoDo next year, I wonder if we could get him to take Arnason, Sauer, Hejduk, Sakic, Hannan, Budaj, and hell, even Theodore with him?
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:20 PM MDT reply actions
OK, Wings...challenge...score a shorty.
Let's see it.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:27 PM MDT reply actions
Wow.
Wow. I called it.
This is actually getting funny now.
We're obviously done. The more goals they score, the more the Avs will be motivated next time they play. You'd think, anyway.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:30 PM MDT up reply actions
Good fucking god
6-1 with a shorty by Detroit.
Good night everybody. See you in the recap---if it's anything more than my "fail" picture...
Maybe just a picture of a cup
the kind we'll see on the golf course cause thats the only game the Avs will be playing tomorrow.
Theo wasn't the problem.
See?
It's the defense. The team defense and the DMen themselves. It's the laziness. It's the lethargic attitude. None of these assbags care.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:31 PM MDT reply actions
Detroit's gonna be a happy place.
Detroit teams have the top two headlines on ESPN.com, and neither of them are the Wings.
Pistons knock off the 76ers.
Tigers sweep the Yanks.
I hate Red Wing fans so much that I am finding myself turning against my Tigers, Pistons and Lions as well. I loathe these scumbags so much that I want all their teams to lose. Ah well.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:36 PM MDT reply actions
VS staffed by morons
The quality staff at VS. just said that Patrick Roy's last game was the 7-0 2002 drubbing. C'mon, what does it take to get that job?
by tele mon on May 1, 2008 9:37 PM MDT reply actions
Okay, all BS aside...
All BS aside, Budaj is looking REALLY bad.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:40 PM MDT reply actions
Fucking Theo
I know this is going to cause controversy here, but I don't care. He cost us this game, and this series. I'm not going to blame him for games 1 or 2 because the training staff should have held him out. But games 3 and 4 have been awful
Yes the Avs defense hasn't been very good at all so it's not all his fault but when push comes to shove. Theo was awful all series. Just freaking awful. Game 3 was his best game and he STILL gave up a soft goal to Franzen (the second goal).
tonight's effort by Theo was absolutely demoralizing to the Avs. The first goal was pathetic. The second goal was stoppable (Holmstrom did not get all of it it was a slow shot, on the ice.) and he should have had the third goal too. He was awful tonight, just awful.
Budaj and Theo have each given up 3, but the difference in the three are night and day. Budaj's were a screened shot, in which he didn't see it, off the post and in. The second one was one of the prettiest goals you'll see in which Zetterburg hit it from his knees (blinded, i don't think he ever saw it). And the third one was a 2-vs-1 that Franzen had to go wide and put top shelf in order to beat Budaj.
Bottom line, if Budaj started the game it would have been 1-0 after the 1st. Yes the Avs played poorly, but Theo helped exactly 0 in this game and series.
/rant off
And yet...
...Budaj allowed ANOTHER goal while you were typing that.
And there have been several shots that got past him that he was lucky didn't score. Hit posts and took lucky bounces.
I'm sorry, but you're just plain way off base here if you're blaming Theodore for losing this series. He allowed a bad goal this game. That's it.
Budaj has been freaking AWFUL.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:44 PM MDT up reply actions
Budaj has been awful tonight
in yet another game that was basically over because of more crappy play be Theo. The only reason Theo didn't give up 4 goals is cause Q finally yanked his ass after just 3 goals. Budaj has been asked to come in and clean up Theo's mess in 3 of the 4 games and tonight he decided that if the rest of the team didn't give a shit, why should he?
You blame the D for every goal against Theo and not Theo; but then blame Budaj when he gets scored on and not the rest of the team?
A couple
A couple of the goals scored on Budaj were not his fault. The 4th one was a redirect. Not his fault. But the first and third were definitely weak, and he's let two others past him that didn't happen to go in.
He's looking bad. Just plain bad.
It's sickening to me that Theodore dragged the team into the playoffs and then stood on his head the first series, and the second the team breaks down in front of him, you throw him under the bus. No blame for anyone but him, and even when things aren't his fault.
I'd love to see the Avs replace only Theodore like you guys seem to think they need to. This team would be even WORSE than they are now. But then who would you blame? Probably Theodore still.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:54 PM MDT up reply actions
A?
you're blaming Theodore for losing this series. He allowed a bad goal this game.
A bad goal? just one? in the game I'm watching, he should have had probably three of them. he looks slow. he looks like his confidence is in the toilet. Q never should have started him.
by PaulinMiamiBeach on May 1, 2008 9:50 PM MDT up reply actions
RE: Q never should have started him....
Q should not have been behind the bench this game...he needs to go in a bad way!
Q, Forsberg, Sauer...
...Foote, Sakic, Budaj, Theodore, Arnason, Guite, Granato, Cloutier...
This team needs an enema.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:56 PM MDT up reply actions
Come on
I'm sorry, but you're just plain way off base here if you're blaming Theodore for losing this series. He allowed a bad goal this game. That's it.
No he allowed one cover-your-eyes awful goal and two fairly bad, playoff goalies should be stopping shots. Yeah they were 2 vs 1's, but they were not exactly good ones. He flat-out gave up on the third one.
And he's given up 1 really bad goal EVERY game in this series. Yes he was sick for 1 & 2, but at some point that just becomes an excuse. Just like injuries were an excuse.
I have been defending Theo the entire series. I thought he should start game 3. I thought he should start game 4. But he has been awful.
And comparing the three goals (that i saw, didn't see the 4th one and haven't seen anything since because my wife was so bored she talked me into letting her watch something else) to the three Theo gave up is ridiculous. Those three happened after the Avs have been so demoralized that they aren't playing well.
He has been awful. Awful awful awful. He gave up a bad goal every game, and 2 of them were 1-goal games. He has been beyond awful and I have defended him, but there's nothing to defend. Yes the Defense was bad, but not 3-goals bad.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 9:57 PM MDT up reply actions
Whatever you say.
Blah blah blah.
Earlier this year, you were defending Q the same way, and it was just as aggravating. You were wrong then, and you're wrong now.
You got your wish. Budaj is in net. And he's been putrid. He's allowed four goals, two of which were complete stinkers.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:01 PM MDT up reply actions
I missed the 7th goal
So i can't speak to that one, but the other three were not "stinkers".
First one - screened. Off the far post
second one- great play by Zetterburg
third one - 2 vs one and excellent play by Franzen. to get the puck up.
None of those were bad. None of them. All three of Theo's were at least stoppable.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Um
First one, he wasn't screened. Holmstrom was in front of him to his left, but if you watched the replay, his head was leaned to his right and he reacted to the shot immediately. He was just out of position and couldn't make the save. That was definitely a bad goal.
Second one, he didn't react. He was looking at Holmstrom when Zetterberg shot it. He lost his focus.
I am questioning whether or not you're actually watching the game at this point.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:07 PM MDT up reply actions
I hope the Avs get rid of Theodore.
Not because he did anything wrong, but rather because then you'd have to pick someone else to blame for everyone's mistakes.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 9:47 PM MDT reply actions
Other players too
There have been other players making mistakes too. I think Sauer has had a terrible series. Awful. He has looked slow and beaten the entire series.
Sakic has clearly lost a step. Stastny wasn't very good. Forsberg played injury hamlet. Hejduk has been non-existant since about February. This is a team failing.
But goalies, by design, have to be your best player. In February, March and the first round He was great. I was happy with that. But he has been the worst goalie in the second round of the playoffs, bar none. He's given up at least 4 really bad goals this series, and a few more. He's been awful, as has the entire team.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:09 PM MDT up reply actions
To Be Honest
I blame this whole series on McLeod. He made the most dumbass move by touching the octopus at the Joe, throwing it into the crowd, and jawing at the players when he did it. He then proceeded to play his worst game ever taking the team with him.
Dumbass. He, alone, laid the rash of bad mojo that has wrecked this team in the series. Bad mojo. Don't fuck with another team's traditions if you can't back it up.
That could be true
but I still have to place the brunt of my blame on Q. Every one gave him credit for out coaching Lemaire in the 1st round, but he has been handed is ass time and time again this series. He obviously has no ability to get this team ready to play against the Red Wings. 0-8 against them this season.
by Americanario on May 1, 2008 10:01 PM MDT up reply actions
Agreed.
I know i just ranted on Theo, but Q has been fucking awful as well. really really really bad. Catastrophically bad. Maybe i'm just a little cranky
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:11 PM MDT up reply actions
Unfortunately
Due to the fact that the Avs made the playoffs, and won the first round, I think Q is back next season...
Unless the Avs get smart and see this series as a sign that maybe Q just got lucky in the first round.
by Americanario on May 1, 2008 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't know
This complete debacle could be his undoing. Babcock had his way with Theo this series
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Budaj v. Theo
Not watching the game, so I can't comment on the two goalies tonight. Sounds like they've both been hung out to dry. That being said... maybe it's time the Avs gave up on the past, stop hoping that Theo would party like it's 2002 and become Patrick Jr. and actually trust their younger players enough to start turning the team over to them. Why is Wyatt Smith doing in the lineup when Chris Stewart could play? Why didn't Budaj get the chance to start a game to see how he would hold up under pressure? Why don't we have a dynamic coach who will give the youngsters a shot?
by dashielhammet on May 1, 2008 9:59 PM MDT reply actions
fixed
That being said... maybe it's time the Avs gave up on the past, stop hoping that Forsberg would party like it's 2002 and become the player he once was and actually trust their younger players enough to start turning the team over to them.
fixed.
by PaulinMiamiBeach on May 1, 2008 10:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Well,,,
Well, Budaj isn't young. And he's gotten his shot tonight and been just fucking awful. He's been left out to dry like Theo was, but he's also missed routine saves as well. Budaj is obviously not the answer.
Theodore was looking good after that first goal, but Q decided to try to spark things. It backfired.
No doubt, we need a better coach. Someone with some fire AND the ability to adapt. There's no reason why Smith should have been in this game, but it honestly doesn't make a damn bit of difference.
If I were Theodore, I sure as hell wouldn't have any interest in coming back to this team. His run since Jan 1st and the first round of the playoffs earned him a huge contract, and no talent evaluator worth his salt would blame this series on Theodore. I wish him the best of luck wherever he goes next year, and I sure wouldn't want the Avs to face him in the playoffs.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:04 PM MDT up reply actions
I'm out.
Taking off before I get nerfed. Throw Theo under the bus if you like. It's ridiculous.
This was an awful, AWFUL team effort. Worst I have EVER seen, and you're blaming the guy who got you here. The guy who dragged your team TO the playoffs and then stood on his head in the first round to get you to this series. And you're blaming him for the team just plain giving up. It's ridiculous.
Enjoy it.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:10 PM MDT reply actions
Why
are supposed Avs fans allowed to hang around this board and disrespect people? Isn't that just as bad as a troll, fan or not?
Blah blah blah.
ANOTHER
ANOTHER weak one. My word. Budaj is just AWFUL.
Okay, I am really gone this time.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:16 PM MDT reply actions
Well...
At least I had some hockey to care about into May. Last year really sucked not making the playoffs - but at least I got some great camping in without trying to hear the games. Tonight it has snowed a foot (and is still dumping) here on the Western Slope, and it was a good enough excuse not to go to the game (even down 3-0, I thought they would pull out one good effort). There are too many transplants here in Colorado that I'll have to hear from all summer. I feel ill.
by tele mon on May 1, 2008 10:20 PM MDT reply actions
Empty Can
Why do fans leave early? I've never understood this. I've never left a game, win or lose, not one second early.
Re: Empty
I think, with the season about to end in the worst way possible, that leaving early can be forgiven this time. I know I would have left by now.
Um
I made a very conscious decision not to go to this game tonight exactly for that reason. Glad I saved my money cause I would have to smack a Wang fan after the game, end up in jail, ect.
Train wreck
I decided not to watch the impending train wreck but am DVRing it instead. Everyone, is there any reason to watch it? Any glimmer of hope for the future? And did I read a post where Wyatt Smith actually did suit up? If so, did anyone spot the human torch in the press box?
Burn your DVR
Burn it in effigy...maybe it'll help cleanse the aura and regain our favor with the Hockey Gods.
by Americanario on May 1, 2008 10:31 PM MDT up reply actions
No reason
None. After tomorrow We shall never speak of this game again
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:34 PM MDT up reply actions
There was no redeeming quality to this game.
At all.
Unless you enjoy Johan Franzen, which I am starting to.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:37 PM MDT up reply actions
Detroit evens things up
at least in the history of the playoffs. We are now 3-3 against he Wangs in the playoffs...
Well see how different this team looks in a few months.
Hopefully the biggest chance is behind the bench. But I won't hold my breath.
This could very well....
This could very well be how Forsberg and Sakic end their careers.
Heck of a thought, eh?
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:38 PM MDT reply actions
I think
I don't think there's any way Forsberg comes back. It's obvious to EVERYONE that his body can't handle 1/4 of a season, let alone a whole one.
I bet Sakic comes back for at least 1 more, but i bet 2 and the Olympics. Hr could surprise me, but I think he's back for at least 1 more.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions
Well
Well, someone made an interesting point on some forum today...you're assuming that Sakic would MAKE the Olympic team in the first place. The person said (and I'd have to agree) that Sakic probably wouldn't have made the team this year.
He didn't look like Sakic this year, that's for sure. Maybe it was an injury thing and he'll come back and be better next year, I don't know. But he'd have to take a huge pay cut or I wouldn't be interested in finding out.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:53 PM MDT up reply actions
True
This season he would not have made the team, unless it was for sentimental reasons.
Next season will be interesting for him (if he returns). He is only 2 years removed from a 100pt season, but had an injury plagued season where he looked a step slow when he did play.
I hope he plays next season. Hanging on one (or two) seasons too long is better than cutting it short one season in my opinion. I would rather know, for sure, that I had used up everything i possibly could rather than spend the rest of my life wondering if I could have given one more season.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:55 PM MDT up reply actions
Unfortunately
I hope not, not after it was the Dead Wangs that ended Roy's career in a very similar blow out playoff game.
To see it again would be too much....
by Americanario on May 1, 2008 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions
Roy
Andrew Brunette ended Roy's career FYI
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:41 PM MDT up reply actions
my bad
it still sucked, and would suck even more this time.
Damn I need some sleep...
by Americanario on May 1, 2008 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions
According to Versus
Wangs ended Patty's career. Never admitted the mistake either.
by tele mon on May 1, 2008 10:51 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: According
Versus is wrong. Patrick Roy retired after Andrew Brunette (then of the Wild) scored a goal to win in overtime in the playoffs of the 2003 season.
The 7-0 meltdown was in 2002.
Yeah
Oh, I remember. Versus (OLN) was broadcasting either turkey hunting or a bass fishing tourney at that time, so they don't.
by tele mon on May 1, 2008 10:56 PM MDT up reply actions
I'm sure I probably heard the Versus error
And that led to my mistake
damn them for confusing me once again....damn me for believing them.
Nobody said anything
Nobody said anything about it. Other than DD at ITCS I guess. Figured maybe others hadn't thought about it.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:54 PM MDT up reply actions
MSM
Kiszla has his usual "How can I make a normal article seem as stupid as possible"on this point today. AOL Fanhouse, and Wyshanski both mentioned it, albeit in a much better way than Kiszla, as well. I think ESPN.com had something on it too, but I don't remember for sure.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:57 PM MDT up reply actions
Ah.
I don't live in Denver, and I don't visit DPO or RMN on a regular basis unless there's a reason to.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 11:01 PM MDT up reply actions
Good season everyone
I'm obviously very bitter right now, but it was a pretty good season, the ending just sucked. I know people will be around all summer, but i look forward to game threads in October again.
Not sure if we'll have open game threads for the remaining, non-Avs playoff games, but if we do and I'm watching i'll tune in. The game threads are fun...even if I completely disagree with Thomas/Neptune at times. (funny thing is i actually agreed with him for most of the second half of the season we're both just pretty damn stubborn about our opinions.)
Either way, good season and i'll have my own recap and stuff tomorrow.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 10:44 PM MDT reply actions
I know I'll be checking in
all summer long, see if you guys see something I don't.
I guess in a couple of months we'll have the draft to discuss, and prospects, signings, FA's and all that. Damn it can't really be over...can it?
by Americanario on May 1, 2008 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions
Re: good season
Painful though is may be, we can't win em' all and there's always next season. I still wouldn't trade being a Avs/hockey fan for any other team or sport and isn't that what it's all about in the end? Thanks to everyone who created this fine place and continue to hold it together. Go Avs damn it!
I'll be rooting for the Stars.
I'll be rooting for the Stars (or the Sharks if a miracle happens for them). If the Stars don't beat the Wings, then there is no way anything other than a complete freaking tragedy could occur.
Wings - Obviously the worst group of scumbag fans in hockey.
Habs - Canadian team.
Pens - It would mean Crysby would win a Cup. I don't ever want to see that.
The Stars are our only hope of averting a major crisis.
It was a fun season, I suppose. One of the most aggravating ever for me as a fan, but it's nice that the Avs finally have some quality representation in the blogging community is nice.
Here's mine, in case you haven't seen it...Blog
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 10:58 PM MDT up reply actions
Philly?
Philly's much more likely to win than the Habs. I'd figure you'd jump on their bandwagon (i will if the no major comebacks occur)
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 11:00 PM MDT up reply actions
Jeez
Jeez, I was so sure that the Habs were going to walk on the Flyers that I keep forgetting the Flyers are up in that series. And we even discussed it here yesterday and everything. Wow.
OK, so it's not that bad. There are two teams that could keep this from being a complete travesty.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 11:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Hehehe, funny you should mention that...
...because when the Wings trolls hit, I use my IP blocker to forward them to a rick roll.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 11:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Interesting
I think it's also worth noting that both Theodore and Budaj finished the game with .800 save percentages.
They both sucked. Hard. At least Theodore was pulled before he gave up four goals again---his fault or not.
True
Both allowed at least one really bad goal tonight. Both allowed a whole assload of goals. Both were left completely hanging by their defense.
I honestly don't think Theo would want to come back to Colorado after this. He's earned a big paycheck elsewhere, and I think he'll go chasing.
Budaj is clearly not the answer either.
I think we're going to see a lot of changes this offseason. I certainly hope so.
by Neptune on May 1, 2008 11:05 PM MDT up reply actions
Re:True
I honestly don't think Theo would want to come back to Colorado after this. He's earned a big paycheck elsewhere, and I think he'll go chasing.
I know i have disagreed with you a lot tonight, but I am going to again. The organization kept faith in him when most organizations would not. Maybe Q screwed him around too much in the first two seasons (and after doing the research I think that's true) but everyone in the hockey world had given up on him, yet the Avs stuck with him this season.
I was pretty hard on him tonight, as I think was just flat-out awful this series, but the fact is we wouldn't have been in it without him. I think he'll be back with the Avs and I'm fine with that. As long as Q's not the coach and we don't have to live with "bench-a-goalie" carousel for another season.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 11:29 PM MDT up reply actions
Well,
Well, I know if I were him, I wouldn't feel any allegiance to the team or the fan base. It's not as if the Avs had a whole lot of choice when it came to him. They could have bought him out, but after they signed his replacement, they would have only gained a mil a year in cap space, in all likelihood. And they would have had a cap penalty next year, when he would be playing somewhere else.
Basically, he was a good guy and a supportive teammate when he didn't have his confidence. When he got it back, he was lights out. Had a couple bad games because he was sick and the fans turned on him like I've never seen before.
Personally, I don't see another goalie available right now who approaches Theodore in terms of ability. If I were the Avs, I'd lock him up right now, assuming he was willing, and can Idiot immediately.
Whether he stays or goes, if Idiot stays, we're not going to get any better next year no matter what moves we make.
by Neptune on May 2, 2008 1:31 AM MDT up reply actions
Re: Well
Well, I know if I were him, I wouldn't feel any allegiance to the team or the fan base.
I don't know why, but I found this statement utterly hilarious coming from you...
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm with you. I don't know why you found that hilarious either.
by Neptune on May 2, 2008 9:40 AM MDT up reply actions
Phew
I'm not going lie...that hurt a lot. I feel a bit let down by the team that - injuries or not - they went out by getting dominated this badly.
I actually almost feel a sense of relief that it's over.
by Shane @ Mile High Hockey on May 1, 2008 11:10 PM MDT reply actions
GREAT NEWS!!!
As of the final buzzer, coach Quenneville no longer coaches the Avs...
Giguere, let's keep it that way.
by Jibblescribbits on May 1, 2008 11:31 PM MDT reply actions
I hope so .
Once it was 5-1. I was rooting against the Avs. I wanted a 10-1 rout to piss of Lacroix (Who is probably second behind Roy in hating Detroit) enough to pressure Giguere in letting him go.
well that was a kick in the nuts
it will suck thinking about this game until next season. maybe i can convince myself that this whole series never happened and we ended with a win over the wild... it's worth a shot
Interesting note - Team Sweden
The Wings scored 8 goals against the Avs. ALL EIGHT were scored by Swedes.
Maybe we need some Swedes. Didn't we use to have one?
by Neptune on May 2, 2008 1:38 AM MDT reply actions
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