First off, my apologizes for the late recap. I had a prior obligation today that I had already put off once before, so I watched the DVR'd version of the game. I just finished it a few minutes ago and WOW. That is the only thing that comes to mind after watching that game. This is exhibit A in my case as to what can happen when this team puts together a full 60 minute effort.
I am not sure what the Craig Anderson Debt is up to, but I am pretty sure that it will never be able to be paid back. After matching his season high of 48 saves today against the Dallas Stars today, he not only helped the Avs move closer to catching Vancouver for the top spot in the Northwest, but put a serious dent in the Dallas Stars chances of making the playoffs.
With the win today, Colorado now has 84 points on the season moving them 3 behind the Canucks with 13 games to go, 6 back at Pepsi Center and 7 on the road. Picking up these points on the road is going to be crucial if the Avs want to make a serious run at the division title.
The biggest thing that I took away from this game, man is Paul Stastny overpaid! I mean, 4 goals in the last 2 games...definitely not worth $6.5 million.
How about Peter "Ferris" Mueller? Yup, all he has done is continue his hot hand since joining the Avalanche at the trade deadline. He picked up the primary assist on Paul Stastny's first goal giving him 8 points (2G, 6A) in his first 6 games for the Avalanche. It definitely seems that the change in scenery is working out as planned so far. He is helping out this power play in ways that I only dreamed about.
Milan Hejduk also showed just how valuable is to this team in netting a goal and getting an assist on...I can't believe I'm typing this, Darcy Tucker's 3rd power play goal of the season.
Chris Stewart also played a solid game as he netted the game winner, his 26th of the season, at 13:46 of the second period. It seems that there is no limit to the potential player that he is going to become in the NHL. I see nothing but great things coming from him for the foreseeable future. The only question that I have is how is Greg Sherman going to sign all this young talent when the time comes?
For now, I am just going to enjoy watching these Young Guns develop.
Next up for the Avalanche, Colorado heads to St. Louis on Tuesday night to take on the Blues. This game is going to be huge for the Avs as they continue to make the push for the division title. Then it's back home to take on the Flames on Wednesday night. The game against the Flames is another big inter-division game where points are at a premium.It will also go along way in keeping the Flames from getting into the playoffs. They currently sit 9th in the division.
Derek's Three Stars of the Game:
3rd Star, Chris Stewart (1G, GWG)
2nd Star, Paul Stastny (2G)
1st Star, Craig Anderson (48 saves)