Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Game #24 - Dallas 3, Colorado 1

Same old story for the avs, they put tons of shots but can't beat a goalie (backup goalie too) until late 3rd but it isn't enough. With Boudreau and Maurice getting fired this morning, I think its time the avs let go of Sacco and snag up Boudreau before someone else does. I personally am a huge fan of Boudreau's coaching style, and he would be perfect for this young avs team. With that being said, it seems Greg Sherman is too stubborn and set on keeping Sacco, who just refuses to change up his gameplan. Nothing has been working for the avs, I don't get why they don't trade for a top 6 forward before their whole season is done. Simply put, there isn't even alot to say about this game the avs didn't play well enough and lost again at home. If they can't beat backup goalies (such as Raycroft, Dubnyk, Schneider etc) how do they expect to beat top goalies, its just so frustrating as an avs fan to watch these games and see such poor effort on the offensive side. The lone bright spot (besides his turnover at the end) was Stefan Elliot who picked up another point in his 2nd career game. I also thought that Semyon Varlamov has responded since his benching, and he played good tonight stopping 32 of 34 shots. Other than that, this team looks completely flat out there and is starting to get really hard to watch. Either pick up a top-six forward (what trading Chris Stewart really hurts) or fire Sacco (for Boudreau) or both, but the avs need a pick-me-up badly or their season is done.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Kevin Porter - Actually had a strong game for once, Porter's line of him Jones and McClement was the best line out there as Porter scored the lone goal.
2. Semyon Varlamov - Made 32 saves on 34 shots and was good despite losing the game
1. Stefan Elliot - Played another solid game, picking up an assist in 19 minutes of work

Misplay of the Game - O'Brien losing the puck at the blueline and Hejda not covering up, leading to Ryder's breakaway goal and the game winner. Just terrible play all around

Game #25 - Avs continue with game #6 of the home-stand and last game in November (awful month) Wednesday night vs. the New Jersey Devils (@930pm)

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Game #23 - Colorado 5, Edmonton 2

After an even first two periods, the avs still found themselves down 2-1 but that didn't stop them from coming back tonight. You really saw the urgency in the avs play in the 3rd, players were hustling (Jones to beat the icing leading to the 4th goal) and the defence chipped in huge with 3 3rd period goals (O'Brien's first as an av, Hejda and Elliot's first NHL goal) to lead the avs to a 5-2 victory. After Taylor Hall was knocked out of the game in the first period, the Oilers top two lines really didn't muster and offence as Tom Renney was trying to shuffle it around in order to replace Hall. The avs had a 4-line attack tonight, all 4 lines were going and I felt that the defence (Elliot and O'Brien in particular) were great tonight. Semyon Varlamov played in back-to-back games and finally picked up a win, his first in 8 starts, as he saved 31 of 33 shots and really played well all game long. With the absence of Erik Johnson, Stefan Elliot finally got the call and didn't disappoint in his first NHL game. He played well all night, was calm and collected with the puck, but most importantly scored his first NHL goal at a crucial point in the 3rd period and ended up being the game winner. It is definitely going to create some problems once EJ returns, because there is no reason Elliot should be sent down (O'Byrne/Hejda likely scrated as O'Brien Wilson Quincey have been solid all season). Sacco reunited two of his (and my) favourite lines tonight with Stastny Duchene Hejduk and O'Reilly Landeskog Winnik, and it really seemed to spark O'Reilly and Landeskog who both played great (O'Reilly in particular). O'Reilly is the leader on the forward group, and I believe he deserves the A more than anyone else on the team. Simply put, the avs needed a win tonight and really came alive in the 3rd to make that possible. Goals (in order) were McClement, O'Brien, Elliot, Hejda and Stastny (empty net). A huge (must-win) game for the avs, hopefully one that they should be able to build on to continue this home-stand.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Shane O'Brien - When the avs need a spark, it always seems to be O'Brien who steps up as the emotional leader on this team. Not the most talented guy, but he plays with such passion and really gives it his all, and he came up huge tonight scoring the tying goal that really got the avs going. He finished the game with 1 goal and 4 shots in just over 20 minutes of work, and has really been the best avs d on this homestand
2. Ryan O'Reilly - Talking about team leaders, O'Reilly is just a great hockey player with tremendous sense for the puck on both ends. He was making defensive plays all night long, really seemed to find his game with Landeskog back on his line, but came up clutch on offense in the 3rd. He had a great feed to O'Brien for the tying goal, and won the draw cleanly on the Elliot goal for 2 assists, +1, 3 shots in just under 20 minutes of work
1. Stefan Elliot - With Erik Johnson sitting, the rookie playing in his first game came up absolutely clutch at the right time. He played very solid all night, but played outstanding in the 3rd period scoring the winning goal. He had 1 goal, 2 shots, and +1 in just under 20 minutes of work, and hopefully looks to cement his place on this roster after a phenomenal first game

Misplay of the Game - Shane O'Brien gets it tonight (despite a stellar game) for turning the puck over at the blueline then running into Varlamov on the oilers first goal

Play of the Game - Easy choice here, Stefan Elliot scoring his first NHL goal in his first game was a great sight to see for all avs fans. David Jones a close second for his great hustle leading to Hejda's goal

Game #24 - The avs play the 5th of 8 games on the home-stand with a rematch against the visting Dallas Stars Monday night (@9pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Game #22 - Vancouver 3, Colorado 0

After starting the home-stand with a 3-0 win, the avs have mustered 1 goal in 2 games and have really just played awful. With Johnson out with a groin injury, the avs d really weren't active in any way even though his replacement Matt Hunwick actually played good for once. I really dislike playing Lindstrom with Duchene, he stands still and makes it harder for Duchene to make plays, Sacco needs to get Hejduk back with him and Landeskog. It's time for a change, Sacco needs to go or they need to bring in a top 6 forward: I have been saying it for time but this game really pissed me off and Sacco needs to be replaced. He has no idea how to get his team going, they come out flat-footed and fall down atleast 2 goals before the 3rd every game. Another huge mistake is the avs PP, after starting so strong they looked awful tonight (mind you EJ wasn't playing). They need to stop dumping and chasing because they are killing too much PP time, they gotta take a book from Detroit and learn how to properly carry the puck into the zone. The only positive so far has been the PK, only allowing 1 goal (empty net in San Jose) so far on the road trip. There is nothing more to say, these games are starting to get hard to watch as an avs fan and change is needed right now.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Matt Hunwick - Getting a chance to fill in for the injured Johnson, Hunwick actually played decently well with 3 hits in just over 17 minutes of work
2. Milan Hejduk - Had 4 shots on net, and was the avs best forward in a bad game
1. Semyon Varlamov - Despite yet another loss, Varlamov was pretty solid stopping 26 of 28 shots

Misplay of the Game - Goes to the avs forwards for not covering up for Kyle Quincey on the 2nd goal, he gets a shot on net and no one covers up as the play goes the other way for a 2 on 1 and Burrows scores

Game #23 - The avs look to get back on track with game #4 of the home-stand, Saturday night vs. the young and talented Edmonton Oilers (@7pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Return of Crosby

While I mainly write about Avalanche news and info, I have to comment on the return of Sidney Crosby. The guy is just incredible, almost non-human, he gets out on that ice after 10+ months of not playing and plays as if he never got hurt. In total, Sid the Kid racked up 2 goals, 2 assists, +3, 8 shots, 14 of 21 faceoffs and the game winning goal in just under 16 minutes of work in his first game of the season. Sid is the best player on the planet, no question about it, he just loves the game and plays at a level that is matched by no one in the league. Everytime he took the ice tonight, the Pens faithful exploded with cheers and Crosby didn't let them down. With Crosby healthy, this team is just scary good especially down the middle with Malkin and Jordan Staal. Throw in their talented D (Letang, Orpik etc) and Marc-Andre Fleury (one of the best goalies in the league), and there is no reason this team doesn't go far (if not to the cup) this season. Simply put, Crosby being back is the best thing for the NHL and its fans: every single hockey fan is simply amazed at how good he is. Not only that, but he is by far the most respected player in the league and everyone from Bettman to coaches to players all want and are thrilled to have him back. To conclude, I (along with everyone) couldn't be happier to have #87 back, and he certainly didn't let anyone down tonight.

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Game #21 - San Jose 4, Colorado 1

The avs played a hard-fought game, but really couldn't beat Thomas Greiss and fell to the powerful San Jose Sharks 4-1. The avs played well, heavily outshot San Jose 37-17 but took too many penalties (6 to San Jose's 1) and lost too many faceoffs (lost 33 of 54). Simple mistakes cost the avs this game, after jumping to an early 1-0 lead they were unable to clear the puck out of their zone several times leading to the Sharks 2nd and 3rd goals. The big guns were moving for the Sharks tonight, Marleau with the hatrick, Pavelski 1 goal and Big Joe Thornton with 3 assists really played phenomenal. For the avs, the line of Duchene Hejduk and Landeskog continued to produce several good scoring chances, as well as the lone goal. J.S Giguere wasn't tested much, but really didn't make the saves when he needed to and after two solid games tonight he was mediocre (leading to Varlamov most likely starting next game). The avalanche have learned how to start games well, but continue to collapse in their own zone and have problems getting the puck out and it cost them big time tonight. The avs need to start figuring out how to play in their own zone, because they are getting outmatched by bigger/faster teams and find themselves stuck in their own zone without being able to clear. Tough game considering they had so many chances, but a loss is a loss and this one was bad.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Ryan Wilson - Was the best defenceman tonight, he had 1 assist on a beautiful give and go with Duchene. He played almost 21 minutes, and had 4 shots on goal
2. Gabriel Landeskog - So far on his new line, he has played really well and is getting numerous chances. Gabriel had an assist on the Duchene goal, and registered 4 shots and 4 hits
1. Matt Duchene - Once again, Duchene was the best av on the ice scoring his 9th goal of the season and really creating chances every shift. After a really slow start, he has really come along and started to play as everyone expected him to

Misplay of the Game - Failing to clear the puck on both the Sharks 2nd and 3rd goals, as sloppy defensive plays cost the avs

Play of the Game - Duchene's goal gets it tonight, nice give and go with Wilson

Game #22 - The avs look to get back on track, with their 3rd game of the 8-game home-stand Wednesday night vs. the Vancouver Canucks (@930 pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Game #20 - Colorado 3, Dallas 0

The avs finally got the home performance they've been seeking this whole season, playing a very good complete team game en route to a 3-0 shutout of the visiting Dallas Stars. After a 13-goal game last matchup with the Stars, the avs were much (much) better defensively tonight and really played well in front of J.S Giguere. The past two games, the team has played much better in front of Jiggy and it's certainly going to create some goalie controversy after two straight brilliant games from him, with Varly struggling the way he has recently. With that being said, the avs started their 8-game homestand with a high note and really outplayed the Stars in every aspect of the game outshooting them 44 to 24 while winning 34 of 55 faceoffs. Giguere had 24 saves for his first shutout as an av, and the team also solved its recent PP issues scoring 2 goals on 5 chances. Tonight was the first time the OWL (O'Reilly, Winnik, Landeskog) line was broken up and it really benefitted the young Landeskog to play with Dutchy and Hejduk. On the first line, he was active and involved, as the line poured on 14 shots together (Landeskog 6) and really showed skill at both ends of the ice. This left David Jones to replace Landeskog on that line, and they played a solid game as well. The other two lines were Stastny-Porter-Yip, I felt that Brandon Yip has been playing well in only his 2nd game since returning from his preseason injury, and Kobasew-McClement-Galiardi which scored the first (and game winning) goal off a Kobasew deflection. On D, I felt that both the Wilson-Johnson and O'Brien-Quincey pairings were good, once again O'Brien was the best one out there. His solid play has seen his icetime increase (20 and a half minutes tonight) as well as time on the 2nd avs PP unit where he picked up an assist. The goals tonight were scored by Kobasew (deflection), Stastny (PP-rebound) and Duchene (PP-empty net). Overall, it was nice to see this team play solid at home, and in general get a win that has been rare this month. I'm not planning the parade, but it was certainly a great showing from a team that needed a W.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Gabriel Landeskog - The young forward finally got his shot with the big boys, and certainly didn't let his coach down. He fired 6 shots on goal, 2 hits and had an assist on the Stastny goal after firing the puck on net. I thought he played exceptional tonight, despite not being with his normal linemates
2. Paul Stastny - Despite being moved off the first line, Stastny had a very solid game and seemed to jump-start both Brandon Yip and Kevin Porter's games. He picked up a PP goal, his 6th of the season
1. J.S Giguere - He watched his team heavily out shoot the opponent again, but was equally effective (if not better) then he was last night in Minnesota. He stopped all 24 shots for his first shutout of the season and first in an avs uniform

Play of the Game: After playing poorly and being benched recently, Chuck Kobasew responded tonight with a beautiful deflection goal. Kobasew gets it tonight, but Giguere a close-second for his overall play in a 3-0 shutout.

Game #21 - The avs look to continue their 8-game home-stand strong, as the Sharks are in town Sunday night (@8pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Game #19 - Minnesota 1, Colorado 0

For 55 minutes the game was 0-0 in a very tight-checking game, 1 missed call and it cost the avs atleast a point. This is another game where the refs screwed them with a non-call, similar to the Calgary game when they got away with a blatant slash and scored the winning goal. Not much else to say about this game, the avs outplayed the wild but again couldn't get any offense and scored 0 goals on Backstrom. I don't know what this team has to do to win a game, but Sacco clearly isn't cutting it and needs to be replaced asap. Other than that, they need a top-6 forward or else there going to keep losing games. Besides the lucky 1 goal, the OWL line did a great job suffocating the Wild's top line. I thought that Shane O'Brien had another exceptionally strong game on the blue line. This was a slow and boring game, with not many chances and the avs just got unlucky. Can't do anything about it, but terrible no-call on the Clutterbuck high-stick and the wild capitalized. J.S. Giguere was solid in stopping 17 of 18 shots, and the 1 goal not his fault. The avs outshot them 27-18, and were outplayed in the faceoff dot 26 to 24. Brandon Yip made his season debut, as finally Porter/Kobasew were benched. Another tough loss, in a brutal month for the avs, and these games are starting to get hard to watch without thinking a trade or firing should take place.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Matt Duchene - Was the best forward on the ice, and his line was the only effective one tonight despite not scoring. Duchene had a nice setup for Hejduk who rang it off the post late in the 3rd
2. Erik Johnson - Was strong in shutting down the top line, and fortunate bounce on the goal led him to being -1. However he had 4 shots, was active and played almost 23 minutes
1. Shane O'Brien - For the 2nd straight game, he was the best D on the ice for the avs. He continues to play well this season, playing over 20 minutes tonight

Misplay of the Game: Easy choice once again, terrible no call on Clutterbuck leads to only goal of the game. Tough break for the avs who drop to 1-6-1 in the month of November

Game #20 - The avs start the first game of a 8-game home-stand vs. the Dallas Stars tomorrow night (@9pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Game #18 - Pittsburgh 6, Colorado 3

Not much to say about this game, the avs got the start they finally needed going up 3-1 in a great first period. After that, they hit the snooze button and handed the game over to the Pens with 5 straight goals including a 4-goal 3rd. Simply put, the avs got outplayed by a better team as great players such as Malkin (beauty), Letang and Neal all scored for Pittsburgh. I thought that through 2 periods, the avs played great defence, really limiting the chances, but really just completely collapsed in the 3rd. Another tough outing for Varlamov, and its really time to give Giguere his chance in net as he is 3-1 and Varlamov is 5-8-1. After starting the season extremely well, Semyon has played sub-par and really hasn't looked comfortable since the early road trip. The lone bright spot for the avs was the re-uniting of top line Heduk Duchene and Stastny, as they produced two goals including a ridiculous move by Duchene. The avs desperately need Mueller back, because they are lacking a 3rd and 4th line punch after the first line and OWL line, except for David Jones who is playing well. I think it is time to pull the trigger on a trade for a third line LW/C to play with Jones and Galiardi and really make a solid 3rd line. Tonight was also the first game with Hejduk as captain, and he played well with 1 assist and also ringing one off the crossbar that would've put them up 4-2. Tough game to watch, as the avs had it through two periods and just gave up in the 3rd, opposite of what they have been doing recently.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Erik Johnson - Had 1 assist in just over 22 minutes of work, but most importantly kept Geno Malkin in check most of the night (was off the ice for Malkin's beauty goal)
2. Milan Hejduk - In his first game as captain, he was reunited with Duchene and Stastny and really was the only effective line out there (the first time the OWL line was not the best on the ice in a while). Him and Duchene seemed to be the only ones skating out there by the end of the game
1. Matt Duchene - After a slow start, Duchene has really picked up the pace and looks very comfortable on the wing. He scored an absolute beauty tonight for his team leading 7th goal (tied with Hejduk and Jones) and 14th point.

Misplay of the Game: Ryan O'Byrne gets it tonight, he was just awful and knocked Varlamov out of place for the Pens 2nd goal that really started the momentum shift. He was also -2 with 3 penalties

Play of the Game: Easy choice here, Duchene's goal with a simply nasty toe drag through his legs. Surely will be a tsn highlight of the night and top goal of the year candidate so far

Game #19 - The avs look to escape the November funk, as they head to Minnesota for a divisional game with the Wild on Thursday night (@8pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Monday, November 14, 2011

Milan Hejduk 3rd Captain in Franchise History

I'm not sure what other people think, but I strictly believe in teams having a captain and am really against coaches that go without one during the season. Every team needs a captain, someone who leads by example on and off the ice, and that is something that was lacked this year. Today, Coach Sacco finally decided on his captain, selecting RW Milan Hejduk as the 3rd captain in franchise history. By all means, this is the right choice as Hejduk is not only the oldest on the team but also the most veteran in a young group of forwards. While players like Johnson, Stastny and even O'Reilly/Duchene all deserved the captain, Hejduk was the player that I (along with many other people) thought deserved it the most, and Sacco definitely made the right choice. I have had quite some time watching Hejduk, hes been here since his rookie year in '99 and was a key member of the 2001 Stanley Cup team. Hejduk will certainly have a lot of expectations and big shoes to fill after previous captains Joe Sakic and Adam Foote, both legends in Denver. While Foote was only captain for 2 years, Sakic was the longtime captain of the avs and my favourite player and he was a leader in every respect. Joe possessed leadership qualities that were amongst the best of all time (up there with Yzerman, Messier, Gretzky etc), and lead just as much on the ice (with his amazing play) as he did off it. Hejduk is a much different player then Joe, but that doesn't mean he isn't deserving of this job, and as the oldest guy on the team he is the logical choice. Hopefully this decision will pay dividends immediately, as the avs are in need of a Captain to help the team when they need leadership (as they are a very young team). Overall, I really like this decision for two reasons: Hejduk was the right man for the job, and we finally have a captain because every team needs one.

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Game #17 - Calgary 4, Colorado 3

Once again the avs lackluster start provided too much of a gap to get back into the game, but man oh man was that 3rd period like a playoff game. It had a hell of a pace, back and forth action and a wild flurry where the avs scored twice and had numerous chances on a 6-on-4 in the last 2 minutes including a deflection just wide at the buzzer. There is a simple message from this game: Coach Sacco needs to go, because he isn't doing his job getting his team started and it is costing them games. He continuously changed the avs lines, and then finally realized in the 3rd that Duchene needs to be up with Hejduk and Stastny and it paid off. If Sacco isn't going to be fired, the avs need to make a move and pickup another centre/winger so that they can have 3 solid lines of attack. Despite the loss, the OWL line was just incredible tonight and while O'Reilly and Landeskog were great, Daniel Winnik was just oustanding. He was all over the ice, throwing his weight around and fired 7 shots on goal in probably his best game in an av uniform. The same can be said on d about Shane O'Brien, he really has started to develop into an emotional leader for this team. When they are down, he is jumping into the play and controlling the puck as he flew down the whole ice and created the 3rd avs goal. However, the game shouldn't have even been 4-0 because the refs missed a clear slash by Stempniak before scoring his goal, as he blatantly slashed Hejda's stick out before coming out and scoring. Semyon Varlamov really had a rough first period, allowing 3 goals on 7 shots, but was better the rest of the way through. However, it is time to give Giguere a chance to play as Varlamov isn't getting the job done like he was early on. Despite losing, the avs continued a trend dominating both faceoffs (34 of 57) and shots (39 to Flames 20). The biggest gap in this team is starting slow, as they continue to start slow and not play well through 40 minutes. This is what happens when a team has no captain, they need a leader on the ice and its simply time to name one. If Johnson or Hejduk/Stastny aren't going to be named captain, in my opinion Ryan O'Reilly deserves it as he is simply leading this team right now despite him being 20 years old. These games are really starting to piss off avs fans until the 3rd, and its time to pull the trigger on a trade or coaching change. Hejduk, Jones and Duchene all scored for the avs in a great hockey game despite the slow start.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3.Daniel Winnik - Daniel had his best game in an avs uniform, with 3 hits and firing 7 shots on goal. Despite not getting a point, he was all over the ice tonight and his line of him Landeskog and O'Reilly was by far the best out there
2. Shane O'Brien - The past two games, the avs have been down 3-0 and 4-0 respectively and it was O'Brien (and partner Quincey) who voiced their displeasure and really caried the avs. O'Brien was spectacular tonight, playing his best game as an av picking up an assist and +2 in just under 20 minutes of hard work
1. Milan Hejduk - Milan continues his hot start, scoring his 7th on the season and picking up an assist on Duchene's goal. He really picked up his play when Dutchy joined his line, and this line NEEDS to stay together in order to make the avs a better team as through 2 periods Sacco shifted his lines to much and left Duchene out to dry

Misplay of the Game - Awful no-call by the ref on the 4th Flames goal, cost the avs the game after the no call on a blatant slash

Play of the Game - Goes to Shane O'Brien for his end-to-end rush leading to the avs 3rd goal

Game #18 - Sitting at 500 (8-8-1), the avs head on a two-game road trip starting with the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Tuesday (@730pm) in which could be the first game that Sidney Crosby plays in.

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Friday, November 11, 2011

Game #16 - Colorado 4, New York 3 (OT)

A must-win game for the avs sure didn't look like it through two periods, as they peppered Montoya but couldn't beat him and quickly found themselves down 3-0 early in the 2nd period. At this point, it was J.S. Giguere's time to shine as he refused to allow another goal and made some key saves to keep the avs in range, and a 5-on-3 advantage in the dying minutes of the 2nd saw the avs finally score off the stick of Paul Stastny. From that point on, the avs really showed the hunger to win, something that wasn't there through 40 minutes but certainly was in the 3rd. Goals from Hejduk and Hejda got this game tied, and again Giguere made several key saves including a breakaway and point-blank shot at the buzzer, both off the stick of the red-hot Michael Grabner to force OT. The avs killed off a crucial powerplay in the last 2 minutes of the 3rd, and then got their own in OT and made no mistake as Kyle Quincey's point shot made it through traffic to seal the come-from-behind win for the avs. In a game that could have gone so sour for the avs, Giguere stood there and was the backbone of this team, really giving them a chance to get back into it. Despite the win, the avs are getting into a horrible habit of being slow through 2 and then pushing hard in the 3rd, but tonight they were able to get back into the game. Through 2, the avs had chances but couldn't score, but after Stastny's goal the top 3 lines (Lindstrom Stastny Hejduk, OWL line and Duchene Galiardi Jones) really pushed the Islanders and all played outstanding the rest of the way through. On D, I felt that Shane O'Brien and Kyle Quincey were outstanding tonight as O'Brien really controls the play out there but Quincey has become a force for the avs, pitching in another 2 assists to put him tops the avs d at 12 points. I also felt the pairing of Johnson and Wilson really woke up in the 3rd, as Johnson was solid with the puck but Wilson was standing out delivering several big hits. Overall, not the prettiest game, but the avs certainly are happy to walk away with 2 points after being down 3-0 for most of the game. The avs also finally got another home win, as well as ended the November losing streak at 4 games. Regardless of the 2 points, I really feel that its time to make some moves and the first step is either making a trade or bringing in a new coach because simply put it isn't working. The avs winning this game saves Sacco's job for another night, but he is certainly very close to being replaced.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Kyle Quincey - I can say a lot about Johnson, Wilson and O'Brien (and even Hejda for his first goal as an av) on how they played tonight, but Quincey simply was the best d out there. After 1 point and a whole season missed last year, he has responded very well with 12 points so far and really playing exceptional on the powerplay. He had 2 PP points (1g, 1a), including the game winner, and has been a big part of the avs early success on the PP as the leagues #1 unit
2. Milan Hejduk - Hejduk was the best avs forward all game long, picking up a goal and an assist. He is so good with the puck, and despite being the oldest av on the team he has not lost a step in his game. He is a true sniper in every way, and whether they have him with Stastny or Duchene, he makes both of them better
1. J.S Giguere - Despite allowing 3 goals, Giguere played very well infront of a completely flat avs team. Regardless, he made saves at crucial times when the game could have gotten out of hand and enabled the avs to fight their way back. He made a brilliant save on Grabner at the end of the 3rd to give them a chance in OT, and it paid off.

Misplay of the Game: Kevin Porter taking draws on the PK, he was beaten cleanly in the 1st as the Islanders scored 5 seconds after. The avs need to make some moves to get another winger or 2 in the system, as players like Porter shouldn't be in the lineup

Play of the Game: Easy choice, Giguere's great save on Grabner at the buzzer takes the cake tonight

Game #17 - The avs have the Calgary Flames in town next, in a must-win divisional game on Saturday night (@10pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Game #15 - Detroit 5, Colorado 2

The losing streak continues, as this team has simply been invisible through 4 games in November picking up a measly 1 point out of 8. This one was no different from the rest, except that the Red Wings just simply outplayed them in every way. Johan Franzen burns the avs every single time he plays them, and scored another hat trick against them. I didn't understand in anyway why Sacco went with 7 d tonight, not only did it screw up chemistry but it really messed up the forwards having to continuously shift players around. Regardless of the struggles, the avs d pairings have been solid and putting in the small Matt Hunwick was a huge weakness for them as he simply just shouldn't be playing. The only positives of this game was the play of young guns Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog, as Duchene has really found his game skating on the left wing. Duchene is no longer waiting for the puck, he is asserting himself in the game and making plays, the dangerous player we have come to love and admire over the past few seasons. Simply put the avs desperately need a change, and that needs to be either a trade or coaching change, or they will keep losing trades and give up a top 5 pick to Washington. After a 5-0 road trip to start the season, the avs are now 7-7-1 and at .500 for the first time, and if they don't fix the problem soon they will find themselves well below it after this month. After a hot start, Varlamov has struggled and simply isn't seeing the puck as well. While it is still early, I feel he still needs time to develop his rhythm as he is still new to the team. If the avs won't make a trade, then atleast name a captain and put someone in charge of this team (Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly or my choice Erik Johnson). While it is always fun to watch this rivalry, I'm getting sick of watching this team lose games that they should be in, and change is needed asap. Everytime the avs got back in the game, Detroit took control and calmed things down, as teams are figuring out how to stop the fast-paced avs. If the avs continue to play this way, Sacco has to get fired, and I have been a supporter of him from day 1 but he just isn't cutting it right now. It will be some time before Mueller comes back, and the avs need to get another top 6 forward asap.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Erik Johnson - The bright spot for the avs this season has been the defence chipping in offensively, and on the 2 goals tonight the avs d picked up 3 of 4 assists. Johnson had 1 assist in just over 23 minutes of work, and has asserted himself as the leader of the back-end which is why I believe he needs to be named captain
2. Gabriel Landeskog - The rookie continues his strong play, scoring his 5th career goal and first on the PP. He had 3 hits, and fired 5 shots on goal to lead the avs this season with 56 shots and 3rd in the league.
1. Matt Duchene - After a horrid start, Duchene has really heated up of late notching an assist for 6 points in his last 3 games. Duchene looks more comfortable on the wing, really finding his place on a line with Hejduk and Stastny and has been one of few good players for the avs this month so far. He now has 5 goals and 7 assists on the season

Misplay of the Game: Easy choice, Hunwick's soft cover in front of the net led to the 4th Wings goal. Simply put, Hunwick shouldn't even be in the lineup as 7 d was just silly, but he definitely played his way back to the press box after tonight (atleast I and many other avs fans hoped so)

Game #16 - The avs look to solve their home and November issues as the New York Islanders are in town Thursday night (@9pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Monday, November 7, 2011

Game #14 - Calgary 2, Colorado 1

Eventually this team needs to start learning from their mistakes, or they are going to find themselves sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference once again very quickly. Simply put, the avs are outshooting every opponent but not producing, and its time right now for a trade or coaching change. Even with Mueller coming back, players like Kevin Porter and Chuck Kobasew are being forced into roles they shouldn't be in, and it cost them the winning goal tonight as Kobasew made an awful attempt at the clear before Calgary scored. There are two obvious things from this game: that the OWL line and top line of Duchene Hejduk Stastny are going to stay together, as both lines were great tonight chemistry wise. The problem was the other two lines, as Coach Sacco continuously switched guys on these lines and couldn't find the right mix and they cost the avs both goals. Varlamov played well tonight, despite allowing Giordano's soft point shot in, but once again the offensive couldn't back up his strong play. Regardless of the outcome, change is needed asap as they need to either bring someone in or let Sacco go and replace him with a new coach. A healthy Mueller should provide a spark for this team, but after a hot start they have played simply awful and have just been invisible in their own rink, an embarrassing stat at 1-5 in Denver. Another tough one to swallow for this team, but it is early and they need to learn from this game: Change is needed.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Shane O'Brien - Has been a great player for the avs all season long, and he chipped in tonight with an assist in almost 20 minutes of work.
2. Paul Stastny - The first line has emerged after the past two games, and Stastny has some chemistry with Duchene and Hejduk as he scored the avs lone goal tonight
1. Matt Duchene - Matt finally seems to have found his game, as he picked up an assist on the lone goal but more importantly is starting to become a presence on the ice. With true linemates, he is creating scoring chances not trying to find them, and he is primed for a good run with this line

Misplay of the Game: Both goals tonight, the first just a soft goal let in by Varlamov. But the real thing that pissed me off was the 2nd goal, as Chuck Kobasew just lazily dove at the puck and didn't clear the zone, allowing them to score seconds later. Kobasew needs to be sent a message for his awful play, and that should be him being benched next game

Game #15 - Doesn't get any easier for the avs, as they head to Detroit to face the Red Wings on Tuesday night (@730pm) in search of their first win in November.

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Game #13 - Dallas 7, Colorado 6 (OT)

In a high scoring western conference tilt with the Dallas Stars, they avs came up short losing in OT - a tough one to swallow after dominating OT before allowing the goal. Coach Sacco finally gave Duchene the linemates he needed, and man oh man did he respond tonight recording his first career hatrick and picking up an assist for a 4-point night. Duchene skated on the LW with Paul Stastny and Milan Hejduk, and the best three forwards on the avs didn't disappoint providing 4 of the avs 6 goals. If this game was a sign for Joe Sacco, he needs to keep this line together as it showed what having good linemates can do for Duchene. Duchene only had 2 goals and 4 assists before this game, but he broke out in style recording his first career hatrick, and I believe this will come as a huge confidence boost for the 20-year old despite the loss. Simply put, the avs D and goaltending were awful tonight, as they were allowing too much traffic to get in front of Varlamov and he had a hard time seeing several of the Stars goals. The avs gave up three leads in this game, a 2-0 (and allowing 4 straight 2nd period stars goals), 5-4 lead and 6-5 lead before losing it in OT. For the second straight night they were defeated in the faceoff dot, only by two draws winning 35 of 72. The avs have been great at getting tons of shots, firing 40 on goal tonight for 6 goals, but came up one short. In a game where the offense was clicking, but the defence was awful, the avs just couldn't get the two points and walked away with 1. Besides Duchene, McClement Winnik (2nd straight game) and Stastny scored the other goals. Ryan Wilson had his best game of the season, with 3 assists he now has 1 goal and 7 assists as well as a team best +8. Despite a great game from the top line, the avs can't be happy with this loss and certainly will serve as a learning point for the whole team.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Erik Johnson - Despite getting victimized on the game winning goal, Johnson had another rock-solid game picking up an assist while logging just over 27 minutes of work. I thought he made Ryan Wilson play a lot better in a new pairing on d, but most importantly he continues to lead with force and strong play on the ice, big reasons I believe he eventually will be named captain of this team
2. Ryan Wilson - Had his best game in an av uniform tonight, picking up 3 assists being paired with Erik Johnson. Wilson has been known for his physical play, but he has really chipped in offensively with 8 points this season and a team best +8. I didn't think he would even make the team this year, but he has been a great surprise and surely solidified his spot on the team after years of fighting for a spot
1. Matt Duchene - What a game for Duchene, paired with Stastny and Hejduk he really got a chance to showcase his top notch talent tonight in scoring his first career hatrick and picking up an assist for a 4-point night. I have been saying for weeks that he needs a true winger, but playing on the wing with Stastny and having Hejduk on the other side really creates room for him to find his place. Simply put, this line is dominant with the puck and can cycle as good as any first line in the league, and Coach Sacco needs to keep them together. Congrats to Matt on his first career hatrick

Misplay of the Game: Two seperate plays here, first being Ryan O'Byrne knocking the puck into his own net for the first Stars goal, which was a real momentum shift for Dallas in the 2nd. But the obvious choice was the OT goal, as Hejda knocked Varly out of his net and Erik Johnson couldn't cover up as Eriksson banked it off EJ in the net for the game winning goal

Play of the Game: No brainer here, Matt Duchene's hatrick goal was simply nasty as he split two Stars defenders with a beauty toe drag and put it past Lehtonen for his first career hatrick

Game #14 - The avs head home for a divisional matchup with the Calgary Flames, as they look to rebound following two straight losses as well as revenge on the Flames who beat them a few games ago. The game is Sunday night (@8pm).

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Game #12 - Phoenix 4, Colorado 1

It seems that the avs haven't figured out their woes at home, as they put everything towards Mike Smith tonight but only to score 1 goal on 40 shots. At some point, the avs need to figure out their game at home or it is going to be a tough season for them despite a good start. The avs found themselves out-dueled in the faceoff dot for the first time this season, losing 36 of 66 faceoffs. I was only able to catch the first period and a bit of the second before going to my own hockey game, but it seemed that the avs were creating scoring chances just not capitalizing. There have been several similar games like this (e.g. vs Edmonton) where the avs pour on the shots but can't muster up any offence. It seems that the only line really clicking for the avs once again is the OWL line, as they produced the only goal. While Varlamov didn't play amazing, he played alright and the avs are starting to lose games without being able to produce anything for Varly at the other end. While he has played exceptionally well so far, he isn't going to steal every game, and the avs found that out tonight losing to a more defensive Coyotes team. Overall, this wasn't as horrible as some of the other losses this season, but the avs really need to start fixing their scoring issues particularly at home. I think it is time to pull a trigger on a trade and get Matt Duchene a winger he can become comfortable with (something they've lacked since Fleishmann last season, who I hated seeing them let go I thought it was a no brainer to keep him after his hot start with the avs).
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Ryan O'Byrne - Picked up an assist on the only avs goal, and was the only avs player in the plus tonight with +1 in almost 15 minutes of work
2. Daniel Winnik - Probably the most underrated player on the roster, he gets overshadowed by Landeskog and O'Reilly, but Daniel is really playing well this season and his line is by far the best. He picked up an assist on O'Reilly's goal
1. Ryan O'Reilly - The young centre is off to a great start this season, finding his offensive game and he scored the lone avs goal. He now has 2 goals and 7 assists to lead the avs in points with 9

Misplay of the Game: Jan Hejda failing to clear the puck, leading to the Coyotes 2nd goal scored by Vrbata gets it tonight

Game #13 - The avs head to Dallas to meet the streaking Stars on Friday night (@830pm)

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Andy Sutton Suspension - Was it Enough?

My Thoughts: From having watched this game first-hand, I thought Sutton should have been given 5 and a game for the elbow and I knew suspension was looming for him. He was given 2 minutes for elbowing, but I loved how Shane O'Brien stepped in to fight him immediately (showing exactly the reason why the avs signed him in the offseason - to provide size and grit, but to protect their star players). This could have and was a scary incident, and luckily, Landeskog shook it off right away, but Sutton clearly targeted the head as Shanny stated in his explanation. These are the type of hits that are trying to be eliminated from our game, especially in terms of the veteran Sutton going after the 18-year old rookie Landeskog, it just looks horrible on Andy's part. In simplest terms, Sutton wasn't trying to injure Gabriel but it was a head shot on a player who wasn't expecting it, a blindside hit where Landeskog wasn't looking before getting the elbow to the head. For me, if James Wisniewski was given 8 games for his elbow, I felt that Sutton should have gotten a similar suspension as I felt his hit was much worse (and like Wisniewski, Sutton is a repeat offender). Ultimately the biggest factor was that Landeskog was not hurt, but I still felt that it was a vicious elbow deserving of a 8-10 game suspension. Regardless, Sutton paid the price and was suspended 5 games yesterday, forking over $57,432.45 in salary. For me, I love the way Shanahan is handling his disciplinary role so far, and I think he is making our game safer for everyone.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Andy-Sutton-gets-5-game-ban-for-Landeskog-hit-a;_ylt=AqHulA94F_g8dDWgWBvILrd7vLYF?urn=nhl-wp16409

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tSuisrmpnU

Above I have posted two links: the first is yahoo sports' Greg Wyshynski's take on the hit (with video of Shanahan's explanation), and the second is the actual Youtube video of the hit. 

-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News