Avalanche Commit to Pounding Blackhawks - Colorado Avalanche Updates, News and Game Reviews at Avs Talk

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Avalanche Commit to Pounding Blackhawks

Ian Laperriere of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Avs absolutely hammered the Chicago Blackhawks tonight in a 6-3 thrashing at the Pepsi Center. Did anyone see that one coming? Heck, I barely even saw it as it was happening.

I was busy shopping assuming the game was being recorded however the feed never kicked in on Shaw's end. So I ended up watching from the midway point via an online feed. I gotta tell ya, it's just not the same as watching on the ol' tube.

Goaltending
Jose Theodore got his 11th straight start, let in one goal and then sat out the third period with reported back spasms. Otherwise known as "We just got word the deal is almost done so sit him to avoid injury." Just joking. Seriously, I'm not a "source" so don't use this on your anonymous blog.

Peter Budaj came in for the third period sporting a killer new mask and held down the fort. He gave up two late goals to Yanic Perrault but by then it was far too late to truly matter.

As for the injury to Theodore, I'm not concerned at the moment. Players get back spasms, they sit out a few shifts. A goalie gets back spasms and it's a bit more noticeable. Hell, I get back spasms. But I just ask my in-office masseuse for a massage and it's all good. Man that'd be sweet. It could be as simple as some mild dehydration, it could be as complex as a sprained back.

I'm sure at some point, the Avalanche will tell us...well they'll tell us something. Whether it's true or not, we'll have to wait and see.

Offense
Marek Svatos led the way tonight with 2 goals and one of those ever elusive assist thingies. I only caught his second goal and it was a case of being in the right place at the right time.

Tyler Arnason made a beauty move down low and tossed the puck towards Svatos who had a wide open net to shoot at. The Versus announcers remarked "My what a shot" but my thought was "Damn, he almost missed that".

Tyler Arnason collected a goal of his own as well as adding two assists as he had his best offensive output of the season. Milan Hejduk had a goal and an assist and Wojtek Wolski had two assists.

Brad Richardson, fresh from a long stint with the Lake Erie Monsters, scored his second goal of the season. Keep it up, Richo. We're all rooting for you.

Commit to the what now?
The Blackhawks are no powerhouse team but you'd think they would have been a bit fired up after Denis Savard's rant about "committing to the Indian". I'm still surprised some human rights group hasn't latched on to that one yet. But we all know that nobody watches hockey so no worries.

Related Links
NHL.com Event Summary
In the Cheap Seats Game Notes
ColoradoAvalanche.com Recap

5 Comments:

Magnum said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Magnum said...

If Thedore's hurt, the Avalanche better swing a deal(in some way, shape, or form.) If Theodore is hurt, there goes the glue that's been holding together what little team they have left after glaring injuries.

Budaj is usually average anyways; I don't want to see him starting under these situations, especially after not starting a game since Jan. 2nd(he did not look sharp tonight...=[ )

Anonymous said...

I am not surprised he didn't look hot, Q has had him on the bench for almost a month (after looking very hot). After he gets a little more play time he will fall back into his groove.

Draft Dodger said...

"Otherwise known as "We just got word the deal is almost done so sit him to avoid injury." Just joking. Seriously, I'm not a "source" so don't use this on your anonymous blog."

I can't believe I didn't think of that!

Shane Giroux said...

I wouldn't be worried about Budaj. I'd expect anyone to be a bit rusty after sitting on the bench for 11 straight.

If Theodore is out for a few games, Budaj should settle into a rhythm of his own. With his killer new mask there isn't anything he can't do ;)

When Theodore didn't come back out in the third it reminded me of that Vancouver game last year when he injured his hip. Some folks started talking about how it was possible he had just been traded.

Then I wondered "Who likes perusing websites and making up rumours based on their content?" Possibly the same guy who a couple days ago said it was looking like Forsberg might announce he was NOT going to return to the NHL.

Post a Comment