Nine. Colorado is at 9 1-goal losses in regulation (I count the Chicago last-second empty-netter). Nine games where just one goal would have meant at least a point. Nine points left on the table, with the Avs sitting just three points out of the final playoff spot, and just 6 points away from the division lead. I recognize that this is not the most talented team out there - just making the playoffs would satisfy me. But if Colorado ends up 9th or 10th, just a couple points back of the final spot, I will be frustrated beyond belief. And it's these kind of lost points that will cause those early golf dates.
For the 4th time this season, Colorado has blown a 2-0 lead to ultimately lose the game (Dallas twice, Monteal and now Los Angeles). And three of those disgraceful losses were in regulation, meaning no points (see above paragraph). Excuse me while I go light myself on fire.
Forward Lines
- Sakic, Wolski, Brunette: 11 Shots, 12:46 ATOI, -3 (guh)
- Arnason, McLean, Hejduk*: 6 Shots, 10:24 ATOI, -1
- Stastny, Turgeon, Svatos: 4 Shots, 8:53 ATOI, +1
- Richardson, Laaksonen, Laperriere: 3 Shots, 7:49 ATOI, +1
*Hejduk left due to injury in the 2nd, with Laperriere mostly taking his spot after that.
Defensive Pairings
- Clark & Skrastins, 1 Shot, 14:14 ATOI, -1
- Liles & Leopold, 3 Shots, 12:52 ATOI, -1
- Klee & Vaananen, 2 Shots, 12:18 ATOI, +1
Quick Hits
- More than 1/4th of Colorado's powerplay goals this season have come against LA.
- Leopold has taken on a hefty workload since his hernia-delayed debut, averaging 20:35 minutes a game, second on the team to Brett Clark.
- Nice to see Laperriere get a chance to fight Steve "Chicken Shit" Avery. Except for the whole "Colorado is 0-7-1 in games where Ian Laperriere takes a fighting major" thing. EDIT: yep, I'm dumb. I really did type "Steve Avery" instead of Sean. sorry!