Note to the Colorado Avalanche: Saturday's game starts at 3pm. Please try to show up on time for this one.
The Avs came in a bit late to tonight's contest and, not surprisingly, it cost them. By the time they arrived, it was 4-1 Detroit and Jose Theodore was on his way home. Literally (he was pulled early in the 2nd period and left during the 2nd intermission due to illness, giving way to Tyler Weiman on the bench). I was scratching my head when I saw that, because I didn't think that was allowed. And, unless I'm reading this wrong, it isn't:
Except when both goalkeepers are incapacitated, no player in the playing roster in that game shall be permitted to wear the equipment of the goalkeeper.
In regular League and Playoff games, if both listed goalkeepers are incapacitated, that Team shall be entitled to dress and play any available goalkeeper who is eligible. This goalkeeper is eligible to sit on the player's bench, in uniform.
If I'm understanding that correctly, Weiman shouldn't have been on the bench unless Budaj also was hurt. Oh well, if the league isn't going to punish Stephane Veilleux, surely they won't do anything against the Avs, right?
Back to the game - Budaj played great and kept the Avs in it. Colorado came back in the 2nd and came really close to tying the game in the 3rd, but it was just too little too late. Osgood was his usual self tonight - he let in some goals but was big when it counted, like his game-saving stop on Liles with 8 seconds left.
Peter Forsberg missed the game. Wojtek Wolski left the game in the first and did not return - that could be a huge blow. Scott Hannan limped off in the 3rd but did return.
I'll have my recap up tomorrow as usual.