Avs Talk - A Colorado Avalanche Blog

It's another clash of elemental forces as the Avalanche slide into Tampa Bay to take on the Lightning. This will conclude the Avalanche's 5-game road trip which included 4 games against Southeast division opponents.

The Avalanche are sitting at .500 on this trip and a win tonight would vault this into their most successful road campaign of the season. It would also be their first 3-game winning streak on the road. Dare we dream?

Starting Goaltender
Jose Theodore gets the start in net tonight coming off a couple less than stellar performances against the Hurricanes and Panthers. Is he starting to solidify himself as the starter in Colorado?

Adrian Dater thinks that's the case but does mention Q's proclivities at changing goaltenders on a whim. There is also the possibility that his recent rash of starts is to showcase him for a possible trade.

It doesn't necessarily mean that a trade is in place, but it could be a precursor to trying to ship him out rather than just letting him walk at the end of the season.

Theodore's Contract
And speaking of letting Theodore walk, in Dater's recent All Things Avs post, he raised the question of whether Jose Theodore should be re-signed at the end of the season.

Well, unless it's a 1-year contract for less than $1M, then I hope not. I wish Theodore all the best but he's brought nothing to the Avalanche in his tenure here and it's time to move on.
EDIT: Of course if he were to lead the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup, I'd consider going as high as $1.5M.

Of course, the Avalanche would then need to secure another goaltender to compliment - or even supplant - Peter Budaj. But that's for another day. Tonight, there's hockey to be played!

The puck drops at 7:38 ET and it should be a fun game to watch. Vinny L is always a treat and the freshly awakened Avalanche offense should be able to blast the Lightning for at least 3 goals.

Related Links
Theodore starting to put stamp on net
Forsberg to attempt return in February?
Healthy Svatos a goal-scoring machine