Let me tell you, I am picking the right games to miss. Unexpectedly, I had to leave the house during the game tonight and it seems I was saved some frustration.
I was heading out the door just as Brassard wristed the first one past Raycroft and I walked back in as the final buzzer sounded.
Given that Budaj was in for the 3rd period, I can assume Raycroft didn't get much better after the first goal.
And as the Jackets had only three shots on goal in the 3rd, I assume the Avalanche really turned on the pressure but couldn't convert.
Tough loss and a tough opponent coming up on Sunday in the Sharks, who currently lead the Red Wings 3-1 at the end of the 2nd.
I hope this season isn't as up and down as it's been so far or I'll need to stock up on some mood altering medications to even out the highs and lows.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Avs Jammed up by Jackets, Lose 4-2
Posted by Shane Giroux at 10:15 PM 3 comments
Labels: avalanche, blue jackets, budaj, colorado, raycroft
Avalanche vs Blue Jackets, Game 10 Preview
This is going to be quick and dirty.
Raycroft is in.
Nash is playing center.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Raycroft Gets Start vs Blue Jackets
The Rocky Mountain News is reporting that Andrew Raycroft will get the start in goal tomorrow night against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Coming off a loss it might seem like a punishment or loss of confidence in Budaj but this is nothing more than keeping Raycroft in the rotation as Granato pledged to do from the outset of the season.
You could make an argument to put Budaj in and let him "bounce back" against a weaker team but this is the right call.
Had Budaj - and the team - got the W last night Granato's call would have been more difficult. Lucky for him the team decided to sit out the 3rd period.
UPDATE: Frederick Norrena is in for the BJs so it's backup e backup tomorrow night.
Thanks to GoaliePost for the link.
Posted by Shane Giroux at 2:00 PM 8 comments
Labels: avalanche, blue jackets, budaj, colorado, news, nhl, raycroft
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Flames Dump Avalanche 3-0, End Streak
I play volleyball every Tuesday and tonight the games were at 7:30 and 9:30. So obviously I had to set the Avalanche-Flames game to record while I was away.
As soon as the last game was over, I raced home, showered up and settled in to the groove on my couch.
I got through the first period in about 5 minutes and things were looking all right. The Avs and Flames both had some chances, Super Joe upended Bertuzzi and Budaj was looking sharp.
I fast-forwarded through intermission and was all set for the second period when I got a text message.
I hesitated, thinking "I'll get back to them later." but I figured the period hadn't started, I could spare a second in case it was important.
And I was met with utter disappointment.
During the offseason, I had signed up at SportsAlert.com to receive text messages for Avalanche games. Although I watch most games, it was an insurance policy if I was ever unexpectedly out while a game was on.
I had yet to receive a single text from them this season. Until tonight.
It read "COLORADO: 0 CALGARY: 3 FINAL"
I'm going to bed.
Avalanche @ Flames, Game 9 Preview
Tonight, two gladiators meet in the center of the arena to decide once and for all who is *dramatic pause* the best in the business.
After suffering three devastating losses to start their season, the Avalanche have turned their fortunes around and delivered five straight stunning knockouts, including one against top contender *dramatic pause* the Buffalo Sabres.
Despite two straight wins from Raycroft, the Avalanche went back to their bread and butter in Peter Budaj, a true warrior who never gave up hope.
Tonight, the Calgary Flames will try to end their fortunes in devastating fashion. Calgary doesn't like to beat opponents *dramatic pause* they like to destroy them.
We'll find out tonight!
Ok, the above preview was done in my best imitation of Mike Goldberg's voice when hyping an upcoming UFC matchup.
That probably needs a bit more explanation, lest you think I'm off my rocker. Which I probably am.
I was about to start writing a quick preview when I began to wonder what it would be like if NHL matchups were decided not by a predefined schedule but by a "matchmaker" like Joe Silva in the UFC.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Oh how quickly they fall...
After rocketing out to a 4-0 start, the Edmonton Oilers have now dropped four straight games to fall to a 4-3-1 record.
And though the Avalanche are currently enjoying a 5-game win streak, it will end. Likely sooner than later.
And when it does, please remember to do the only rational thing.
Panic.
Peter Budaj Named Second Star of the Week
Well slap me silly and call me Sally. Peter Budaj has been named the NHL's second star of the week after posting 3 straight wins with a 1.62 GAA and .941 save percentage.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Avalanche Slide Past Sabres in Shootout, Win 2-1
(AP Photo)
The first period was one of the best periods of hockey I've watched this year. There was nothing that will make the highlight reel but it was all around good hockey. There were good scoring chances, solid hits and some good defensive play. It was everything hockey should be.
The Sabres got on the board first off a Daniel Paille deflection that went into the goal at a speed of approximately 1mm/sec. I waffled all game long on its stoppability. At the time of this writing, I'm giving it a 0.65 (more stoppable than unstoppable).
The Avalanche started turning up the heat in the third and were rewarded at the 13:36 mark as Jordan Leopold fired a shot from the point which bounced off two Sabres defenders and past Ryan Miller to tie the game.
Ryan Smyth was wreaking havoc in front of the net, causing Jaroslav Spacek to interfere with Miller just as the shot was released. Miller complained to the refs but I don't think a player can get called for interfering with their own goaltender.
Neither team could muster up another goal so it was off to overtime for the first time in the Avalanche's season.
And what an OT it was! The Avalanche dominated from start to finish and looked to make a case for moving exclusively to 4-on-4 hockey.
The Avalanche were very aggressive in the Sabres end and had no trouble clearing the puck out of their own. They had some great end-to-end rushes and were moving the puck around very well in the Sabres end.
However they only managed two shots on goal in that time and Ryan Miller was up to the task on both of them so it was off to the shootout.
Peter Budaj's shootout non-heroics were going through my mind but I was at peace with it. The Avs had just won four straight and had just grabbed their 9th straight point against one of the league's top teams. But Budaj and the Avs were making no such concessions.
Milan Hejduk came out first and made a silky smooth deke around Miller to take the lead. I've often given the "best hands in the NHL" title to Alexei Kovalev, but Hejduk has some soft, soft hands too.
After Kotalik evened it up, Miller and Budaj then made their next two stops on Joe Sakic and Drew Stafford respectively. Sakic needs to find a new shootout move.
Then up stepped Wojtek Goalski. Wolski made Hejduk's goal look like your out of shape neighbour grabbing their paper at 6am in their skivvies. I won't even describe it, just watch the game highlights and you'll see what I mean. I want to marry that move.
Ryan Smyth then went straight in and fired a shot under Miller's armpit and all eyes turned to Budaj. Clarke Macarthur came in, tried to go high glove but even though Budaj had dropped his shoulder, he was able to bring his glove up quick enough to make the save.
And so continues the streak.
Stastny scoreless
One streak did end tonight and that was Paul Stastny's seven game point streak. Why do they even keep that guy around?
What was with the Sabres dodging fights all night long? In the first period, Lapperiere had his gloves off but Patrik Kaleta backed away. Then late in the third, Adam Mair popped Adam Foote square in the jaw and then skated away after Foote dropped his gloves.
Man up, guys!
Avalanche vs Sabres, Game 8 Preview
It's a battle of offensive juggernauts when the Buffaslugs make their way to Denver to face the Avalanche as part of the NHL's Super Saturday.
If you're a betting person, you might want to line up to place some cash on the over for this game. Colorado and Buffalo are two of the highest scoring teams in the league with 28 and 26 goals respectively in their first seven games.
A crucial difference is that while Colorado given up 23 goals so far, Buffalo has only allowed 13. With a 1.74 GAA and .935 save percentage, it appears Ryan Miller isn't suffering from any post-contract performance issues while Patrick Lalime is being all the backup he can be with a 1.44 GAA and .953 save percentage. Lalime is the likely candidate in the Sabres goal tonight according to the Buffalo News.
Peter Budaj will be the man at the other end of the rink as he gets his second straight start. After giving up just one goal - a rather lucky powerplay goal no less - against Edmonton, it appears Budaj may be hitting his stride after a shaky start to the season.
David Jones is ready to go but it's questionable whether Granato will insert him into the lineup. Ben Guite took his spot on Thursday and played a whale of a game, making it hard to argue for sitting Guite.
Though Jones finally got his first goal of the season against the Kings - the game after I dropped him from my fantasy lineup - he might find himself watching from afar as not many coaches want to tinker with a winning lineup.
Buffalo is undefeated in regulation after 7 games while the Avalanche have reeled off four straight wins. One of those is likely to give tonight and it just might be in highlight-reel fashion.
I'm not sure yet if I'll be getting the Altitude or MSG feed but either way there will be some excitable announcers calling this one.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Finally! Embedded Comment Forms Have Come Back* to Blogger
Finally, Blogger is catching up with the times!
Well, that has all changed. I've finally figured out how to enable the embedded comment form on my customized template thanks to Blogger Buster.
*I know they haven't come back since they never existed before...but the kid in me wanted to hear The Rock saying that headline.
Posted by Shane Giroux at 1:30 PM 4 comments
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Avalanche Keep Streak Alive; Crush Oilers 4-1
What's the lesson there? Crash the net and good things happen. And every now and again, lucky bounces go your way. And sometimes the linesmen are on the take.
Don't think! Do!
Mats Sundin sighting
Related Links
How Badass Does Biron Look?
Is it just me or does this picture of Martin Biron make him look like a violent psychopath who will not only stop the puck, but then chase you down and bash your head in with it?
Posted by Shane Giroux at 4:29 PM 0 comments
Avalanche vs Oilers, Game 7 Preview
I'm running a bit behind today so the basics are this:
- Colorado is on the verge of a 4-game win streak
- Edmonton just had a 4-game win streak snapped by JQ and his Chicago Blackhawks
- Peter Budaj is in net
- AD is bored
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Sharks Edge Flyers in Barn Burner
Tonight the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers had a combined goal count of an even dozen in the Sharks 7-6 shootout win. That's more goals than the Islanders, Lightning and Leafs have scored all season long.
I only caught the last two minutes plus OT and shootout and those few minutes were as entertaining as they come.
Patty Marleau had two goals on the night but was also in the box when the Flyers tied the game late in the third.
And watch Joe Pavelski show you how to fire off a wrist shot. None of that leg kick crap was necessary for him to blow one past Biron.
Playoff Bound!
I was just looking at the TSN NHL Standings page to see what sort of streaks were going on in the NHL these days.
With a few 5-game streaks going on - Montreal with 5 wins and Toronto and Philly with 5 losses - it could be time to start betting on those streaks ending.
But what caught my eye was the position the Avalanche find themselves at in the standings: 3rd in the NW, 6th in the West. By gum, that's good enough for a playoff seed!
Now as long as Vancouver can stay where they belong, Marty Turco keeps crushing dreams and Kiprusoff keeps partying, the Avs will be a shoo-in for the postseason.
Posted by Shane Giroux at 2:45 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Cody Mcleod Lovefest Begins
I'll admit it. I thought putting Cody Mcleod in the lineup over Cody McCormick was a mistake. Mcleod was prone to bad penalties last season while yapping off at the most inopportune times. He just didn't seem in control of his emotions.
But he has proved me almost completely wrong this season. I say almost because McCormick has played like a beast as well, saving my bacon to a certain degree.
Today, the Forechecker - one of the premiere stats analysts around - has gathered together numbers on who is drawing the most penalties and in no surprise, Cody Mcleod finds himself near the top of the list.
He has drawn six penalties while only taking two himself, leaving him in 12th spot on the penalty +/- list.
The penalties he has drawn have been an equal weighting of retaliations by opposition and obstruction calls caused by Mcleod working hard and keeping his feed moving.
Keep it up, Cody. I'm loving the taste of my words.
I never thought I'd say this but Morrow could take a lesson from Mcleod on getting his emotions under control.
The Great Blogger Debate Continues
I was going to keep my mouth shut on the whole Covered in Oil fracas that went down yesterday as a lot of people had it well covered.
He has an interesting quote from J.J. Hebert, Edmonton's media relations director on credentialing bloggers:
Posted by Shane Giroux at 12:30 PM 0 comments
Monday, October 20, 2008
Avalanche Streak Past Kings; Win 4-3
(Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Ryan Smyth got the Avalanche going with an unexpected goal. Stastny fired a pass to Hejduk who whiffed on the shot but the puck went straight to Smyth's stick, much to Labarbera's chagrin.
Add in Smyth's beauty goal at the end of the second and the Avs looked to be cruising for a victory.
Ryan Smyth scores a beauty
As mentioned, Jones got his first goal of the season after I dropped him from my fantasy team. Sorry for jinxing him this long, folks! One down, 29 to go.
Cody Mac Effort Earns Play of the Week
Cody McCormick's superhuman effort got him 50% of the popular vote and since the poll is based on proportional representation, he walks away as the King of Kings this week. Good job, Cody. Keep that up and you'll be in the lineup all season long.
Posted by Shane Giroux at 1:01 PM 0 comments
Labels: avalanche, colorado, mccormick, news, nhl, playoftheweek
Avalanche @ Kings - Game 6 Preview
Wolski-Sakic-Tucker
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Where has *this* Kurt Sauer been?
Last night, Kurt Sauer absolutely creamed Andrei Kostitsyn in a game between the Phoenix Coyotes and Montreal Canadiens.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Avalanche On a Roll, Down Stars 5-4
(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The two teams came out with good energy to start the game but it was the Avs who had the upper hand after one period thanks to goals by Milan Hejduk and Darcy Tucker. On an overeall bad night for Turco, I thought he looked particuarly weak on the Tucker goal.
But what looked a commanding 5-2 lead dwindled down quickly in the third period.
Luckily for Andrew Raycroft, the Stars then had a goal called off followed by Brendan Morrow taking a most untimely slashing penalty and the Avalanche skated away with a nail-biting win.
Powered up
Budaj will be in next game
Either way, Peter Budaj should be back in net on Monday. Let's hope the Avs make it three wins in a row or the goalie carousel will really start to pick up.
Avalanche @ Stars, Game 5 Preview
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Colorado Avalanche face off with the Dallas Stars at 2:00pm ET, 12:00pm MT at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
The Stars and Avalanche have struggled to start the season with both teams only having one win in their first four game.
The Avalanche got their win Thursday versus the slumping Philadelphia Flyers and looked good doing it. Playing against a turnover laden team will do that too you but don't let that take anything away from the Avalanche win. The team looked good while doing it.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Aw fudgesicles!
So now we're back to the "earn the start" system that Q so wonderfully mismanaged the last three years. And let's be clear, Raycroft earned nothing last night except a win on the backs of the Avalanche skaters.
He can keep saying Peter Budaj is "our guy" all he wants but he has to back up the words with actions.
Posted by Shane Giroux at 2:13 PM 4 comments
Labels: avalanche, budaj, colorado, news, nhl, raycroft, ridiculous
Play of the Week Returns
The official Colorado Avalanche site has resumed its "Play of the Week" feature. Each week you get to vote on one of three nominees for the best play of the week.
This week has Joe Sakic's first goal of the year pitted against the Paul Stastny-Ryan Smyth beauty of a PP goal against Calgary and Cody McCormick'ss workhorse goal from yesterday.
I'm torn between the Smyth and McCormick goals but I think I'll give the edge to Cody Mac because he doesn't score often and it was a hell of an effort. And it involved David Jones.
Andrew Brunette Tearing It Up in Minnesota
When Andrew Brunette was forced out moved on this season, many of us lamented the loss of a solid leader. However, given the move to a more up-tempo style, it seemed that one of the self-professed slowest men in the league just didn't fit with the Avalanche's plan.
Let's just hope he doesn't retire anybody else on the Avalanche this year.
Avalanche vs Flyers, Game 5 Thoughts
(Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Avalanche Get First Win, Down Flyers 5-2
You move your feet, you win the game. It's an old adage and it works 95% of the time, every time. The Avalanche tried it tonight and scored their first win of the season on a fast-paced, skate flying adventure.
Avalanche vs Flyers, Game 4 Preview
It's another battle of un-undefeated teams as the Flyers are in Colorado to take on the Avalanche.
This is the second time the Avalanche find themselves in this situation and it did not end well the first time.
Svatos Rested, not Benched
According to the Denver Post, Marek Svatos sat out Tuesday's game to ensure he wasn't rushing back from his groin injury.
From Tony Granato in the article:
"He played only two exhibition games, and the first two games (of the regular season) were very fast-paced games and he's coming off that injury," Granato said. "We thought tonight would be a good night to keep him out and get him ready for Thursday."
If that is the case - and I have no reason to think Granato's a liar - then I'm a happy man. Last year my pet peeve - or at least one of them - was players coming back from injuries only to be injured again. This year, it sounds like Granato and the medical team are being a bit more cautious in their rehabilitation approach.
Days of Our Lives
Today, AD and DD are quarrelling in another dispute that threatens to tear apart their relationship.
Posted by Shane Giroux at 10:30 AM 2 comments
Labels: avalanche, colorado, daysofourlives
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Granato Needs to Take Charge
So far it appears Granato has: solidified the lines (good), opened up the offense (good) and put faith in the #1 goaltender (good). However it appears to have come at a cost. A lack of role identification.
The Avalanche still look disorganized on the ice and that can only be fixed by a coach grabbing control of his team, implementing a defensive system to complement the offensive one and holding players accountable for mistakes.
It's only three games in so there's still time to fix the problems. But they have to admit they are problems and not just bad bounces before they can move on to step two.
Special teams were atrocious last year so what happened? The guy in charge of them - or at least in charge of the PP - got promoted to the head coach position.
So far this year Granato has used over a dozen players on the PK including the young David Jones. Jones has actually spent more time on the PK than Joe Sakic has. He also spends more time on the PK than he does on the PP. Isn't that a bit odd for a power forward?
Backdoor passes are always wide open, except with Ian Laperierre who has done a good job covering the middle of the ice, and the team seems to get mesmerized by the puck as opposed to worrying about coverage.
Top Down Trickle?
But look past the lack of confidence in Budaj and he's right on the management issues. In fact, he was right nearly four months ago when he said:
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Avalanche Still Winless, Fall 5-4 to Flames
(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Larry MacDougal)
Unfortunately, the Flames got off the first two goals of the third period. Iginla scored the Flames third PP goal as David Jones failed to clear the puck, leading to a wide open Iginla firing a rocket shot top corner past Budaj.
An 0-3 start to the season and not only has the handwringing begun, there are some broken fingers starting to pop up.
The Avalanche lost out in the faceoff circle thanks to Tyler Arnason's stellar 2-for-11 outing. Ray Ferraro commented that "It looks like Arnason is scared to rip the tape on his stick in the faceoff circle." Yep, that's our Arny.
Avalanche @ Flames - Game 3 Preview
But should we panic? Of course not. Should we panic if the team loses tonight? Nope. You can throw something if you want, but don't panic or light anything on fire.
Related Links
Sakic senses 'no panic' despite winless start
Monday, October 13, 2008
Breaking News: Canadian Police Chase
Ok, I like to keep this blog as clean as possible by talking only about the Avalanche and hockey, but I just had to spread the word on this great commercial by Midas.
It's deep on so many levels. Ok, maybe only two levels but still...
Posted by Shane Giroux at 7:06 PM 0 comments
An Underwhelming Start to the Season
Two games in and the Avalanche are snake bitten with an 0-2 record after losses to Edmonton and Boston. Not exactly the start we were all hoping for but exactly the start many pundits expected. And boy do I hate when pundits are proved right. Especially after saying they were wrong.
Goaltending
If Peter Budaj wants to be regarded as a #1 goaltender, he's going to need to make saves when it counts - even on a redirected shot.
Budaj is certainly not to blame on the final goal in the 3-2 Edmonton loss. However he's not instilling confidence in his abilities to make the clutch save.
I'm still believing in him but it would be a lie to say I haven't questioned myself on it after just two games.
Offense
The Avalanche are firing shots at will and currently sit 4th in the league with 36 shots per game. And if records were kept for posts/crossbars hit, I think they'd be leading the league in that category.
Defense
Posted by Shane Giroux at 5:00 PM 0 comments