The avs fought hard in this game, but an unlucky bounce lead to the 3-2 goal that doomed the avs. Giguere, playing again for the avs, was solid all night but let in a breakaway goal in the 3rd to Carson McMillan. Galiardi and Kobasew played for the avs, who were without top centres Matt Duchene and Ryan O'Reilly. Stefan Elliot was a healthy scratch, and looks to be the odd man out with Ryan Wilson/Jan Hejda both healthy. Overall, a good effort but not enough for the 2 points. The avs now head into the Allstar Break in 9th with 54 points and 1 back of 8th.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. J.S Giguere - Had 31 saves, and really gave the avs a chance to win despite allowing 3 goals
2. Gabriel Landeskog - Another solid game, 1 assist +1 and 6 hits in over 21 minutes of work for the rookie
1. T.J Galiardi - Scored the opening goal, his 8th, and gave the team a boost without O'Reilly
Misplay of the Game - Turnover that lead to the 3rd goal, doomed the avs
Game #52 - Following the Allstar Break, the avs take a week rest into action against Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night (@930pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Monday, January 30, 2012
Game #50 - Anaheim 3, Colorado 2
A great team game by the avs, but several stupid mistakes cost them a big 2 points. Two breakaway goals by Bobby Ryan off terrible turnovers doomed the avs, even though they outshot the Ducks 48-15. Hiller was incredible in net, as he certainly outdueled Giguere as he was facing his former team again. After being down 1-0, the avs coughed up a quick goal in the 3rd followed by Ryan's 2nd 4 minutes later. However, the avs continued to play hockey and picked it up. Goals from O'Reilly and Hejduk a minute apart got the avs close, but they couldn't tie it in the end.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Milan Hejduk - Hejduk had a goal, his 12th, and got the avs close
2. Ryan O'Reilly - Got the avs going with his 14th of the year and a great game overall
1. Gabriel Landeskog - 2 assists, 2 shots, 3 hits, just a great game
Misplay of the Game - Terrible line change leading to both Bobby Ryan's goals, can't give him 2 breakaways in the same game
Game #51 - The avs play their last game before the allstar break, against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday January 24
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Milan Hejduk - Hejduk had a goal, his 12th, and got the avs close
2. Ryan O'Reilly - Got the avs going with his 14th of the year and a great game overall
1. Gabriel Landeskog - 2 assists, 2 shots, 3 hits, just a great game
Misplay of the Game - Terrible line change leading to both Bobby Ryan's goals, can't give him 2 breakaways in the same game
Game #51 - The avs play their last game before the allstar break, against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday January 24
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Game #49 - Colorado 3, Los Angeles 1
A hard fought game for the avs, and they came away with the 2 points. Goals from Mcleod, Mueller and Landeskog got the avs ahead and J.S Giguere made 25 saves for another big win. Mcleod scored off a beauty breakaway feed from Stefan Elliot, and then Mueller put the avs ahead with a deflection goal late 2nd. Landeskog scored late 3rd on the PP to seal it for the avs. Avs won 35 of 59 faceoffs and outshot them 31-26.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Gabriel Landeskog - Big PP goal, his 10th, sealed it for the avs
2. Peter Mueller - Another goal, his 3rd in as many games, and the GWG
1. J.S Giguere - Made 25 stops and was solid all night
Play of the Game - Cody Mcleod's goal gets it, beauty feed from Elliot
Game #50 - The avs head to Anaheim for a meeting with the Ducks on Monday January 22
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Gabriel Landeskog - Big PP goal, his 10th, sealed it for the avs
2. Peter Mueller - Another goal, his 3rd in as many games, and the GWG
1. J.S Giguere - Made 25 stops and was solid all night
Play of the Game - Cody Mcleod's goal gets it, beauty feed from Elliot
Game #50 - The avs head to Anaheim for a meeting with the Ducks on Monday January 22
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Game #48 - Colorado 4, Florida 3 (OT)
Despite a great effort and come-from behind victory, the sweetest part of this game was seeing Mueller score 2 goals and become a force the avs needed. After a slow start and rough 1st period, Mueller tied it at 1 as he came streaking in and beat the goalie five-hole. After late 2nd and early 3rd period goals by Florida, the avs went down 3-1 in the 3rd and were in a familiar situation. However, this situation is a comfortable one for the avs and a healthy Mueller/Stastny combo led the charge. Mueller got the avs within one with a rocket point shot on the PP, and then Stastny tied it up on a rebound with around 3 minutes left. Not the prettiest game for the avs, but the team fought hard and were able to gain atleast one point. In overtime, J.S Giguere made a huge save on a 3-on-1 and O'Reilly scored seconds later for the winner. Giguere made 26 saves on 29 shots, but really kept the avs in it after allowing the 3-1 lead. Overall I felt this was a good team game, as lines are clicking at the moment. With a healthy Mueller, the avs now have 3 good lines with Stastny Mueller Galiardi, Landeskog Hejduk O'Reilly and Jones Winnik McClement (with Duchene hurt too). On D, Johnson and O'Brien were excellent in this game. The avs won 30 of 51 faceoffs, and outshot them 44-29. Overall not the best game, but a big two points
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Paul Stastny - Paul had a goal and an assist, and most importantly the late tying goal, but was really clicking with Mueller and Gali all night. He is under a lot of pressure to lead by example, and has picked it up without Duchene
2. Ryan O'Reilly - If it weren't for Mueller, O'Reilly would be walking away with yet another first star. However, O'Reilly was just brilliant again and continues to be a leader on the forwards. O'Reilly has stepped up all season and really led the charge without Duchene
1. Peter Mueller - Mueller finally scored his first goal of the season, and first in two years, but didn't stop there collecting 2 goals, 1 assist and 5 shots. He was a force all night, scoring from the point on the PP and infront, and really got Stastny going all game long. Great to see him back
Play of the Game - Both Mueller's goals deserve it, but just cause his first was so important to him it gets it tonight. The joy on his face said it all, Mueller was overjoyed to be back on the scoresheet
Misplay of the Game - Stefan Elliot's terrible turnover leading to the 3-on-1 in overtime, Giguere bailed him out luckily
Game #49 - The avs head on a 2-game road trip, starting with the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night (@1030pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Paul Stastny - Paul had a goal and an assist, and most importantly the late tying goal, but was really clicking with Mueller and Gali all night. He is under a lot of pressure to lead by example, and has picked it up without Duchene
2. Ryan O'Reilly - If it weren't for Mueller, O'Reilly would be walking away with yet another first star. However, O'Reilly was just brilliant again and continues to be a leader on the forwards. O'Reilly has stepped up all season and really led the charge without Duchene
1. Peter Mueller - Mueller finally scored his first goal of the season, and first in two years, but didn't stop there collecting 2 goals, 1 assist and 5 shots. He was a force all night, scoring from the point on the PP and infront, and really got Stastny going all game long. Great to see him back
Play of the Game - Both Mueller's goals deserve it, but just cause his first was so important to him it gets it tonight. The joy on his face said it all, Mueller was overjoyed to be back on the scoresheet
Misplay of the Game - Stefan Elliot's terrible turnover leading to the 3-on-1 in overtime, Giguere bailed him out luckily
Game #49 - The avs head on a 2-game road trip, starting with the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night (@1030pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Game #47 - Phoenix 6, Colorado 1
Missed the day game due to school, Avs lost 6-1
-no 3 stars or recap
Game #48 - the avs are back home to face the Florida Panthers for the 1st of a 3 game home-stand on Wednesday night (@930pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
-no 3 stars or recap
Game #48 - the avs are back home to face the Florida Panthers for the 1st of a 3 game home-stand on Wednesday night (@930pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Game #46 - Colorado 2, Dallas 1
The avs played the early game on Saturday, beating the Dallas Stars 2-1. The avs got a lucky one early off the stick of David Jones, and kept a 1-0 lead all game as J.S Giguere played very well. In the 3rd, the Stars tied it at 1 with 15 minutes left, leading to Stastny's PP goal with 9 minutes left that was the game winner. I thought that J.S Giguere played solid in this game, allowing only 1 goal on 22 shots. On forward, Stastny and O'Reilly led the charge as Stastny had a goal and an assist. On d, I really felt Erik Johnson played a tremendous game on both offence and defence. Overall a good team effort by the avs
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. J.S Giguere - Giguere played solid all night, stopping 21 of 22 shots for the W
2. Erik Johnson - Picked up an assist on the winning goal, and was solid all night in 19 minutes of work
1. Paul Stastny - Had a goal and an assist, the GWG in 17 minutes of work
Play of the Game - Stastny's tip for the game winner gets it
Game #47 - The avs play a 2nd straight day game, Monday vs. the Phoenix Coyotes (4pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. J.S Giguere - Giguere played solid all night, stopping 21 of 22 shots for the W
2. Erik Johnson - Picked up an assist on the winning goal, and was solid all night in 19 minutes of work
1. Paul Stastny - Had a goal and an assist, the GWG in 17 minutes of work
Play of the Game - Stastny's tip for the game winner gets it
Game #47 - The avs play a 2nd straight day game, Monday vs. the Phoenix Coyotes (4pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Game #44/45 Nashville 4, Colorado 1 and Nashville 3, Colorado 2 (OT)
The avs dropped back-to-back games 4-1 and 3-2 in OT, as both were pretty different games. In the first game, a slow slow start got the avs behind for good as they just couldn't beat Pekka Rinne besides the lone O'Reilly goal. However, the second game the avs got out to the good start scoring twice in the first before coughing up 3 goals for the OT loss. The avs really need Shane O'Brien back in the lineup, his prescence was missed greatly in these games. However, big addition the lineup as Peter Mueller FINALLY returned after missing 42 games this season. Just to have him on the ice is a massive addition, but Sacco looks for him to start contributing asap. No 3 stars because this is a few days late
Game #46 - The avs continue on the road, where they face the Dallas Stars on Saturday afternoon (@3pm)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Game #46 - The avs continue on the road, where they face the Dallas Stars on Saturday afternoon (@3pm)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Game #43 - St. Louis 4, Colorado 0
A few days late, but I also didn't catch much of this game to see. A few notables O'Brien and Johnson got hurt, and the avs got outplayed thoroughly. The avs were outshot 39-15 and really didn't show up all night, injuries played a big part. I watched the first and the team looked flat for the first time in almost a month, with that being said it was at the expense of a great St. Louis Blues team. Nothing much else to write because I didn't see much of the game so no players of the game or anything.
Game #44 - The avs meet Nashville at home for the first of a back-to-back with the Predators on Tuesday night (@9pm).
Game #44 - The avs meet Nashville at home for the first of a back-to-back with the Predators on Tuesday night (@9pm).
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Game #42 - Colorado 4, Chicago 0
Probably the most complete game of the season, the avs walked into Chicago and controlled the Hawks all game long, leading to a much deserved two points. Everyone contributed in this game, whether it was Varlamov with the shutout, EJ on d with 2 assists or four different goal scores in Jones, Galiardi, Van Der Gulik and Kobasew. The avs how now won 4 straight, 9 of 10 and are 3-0 on this current 4 game road trip heading into St. Louis tonight. There were a lot of little things that went the avs way in this game, but I think on the whole it was a complete team effort. All four lines were going, whether it was O'Reilly's or Stastny's, but even the 3rd and 4th line were chipping in. On d, I thought that EJ/O'Brien were great all night, as well as Elloit/Quincey. Stastistically the game was in favour of the Hawks, with the avs being outshot 27-22 and winning only 25 of 60 faceoffs, but the biggest factor was staying out of the penalty box and the avs only took 1 penalty all game. When the Hawks stars have room to make their moves, they are lethal and the avs did a great job limiting chances and letting Varlamov see the puck. Overall a great team effort and another big two points.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Erik Johnson - EJ was big in this game, he had two assists and was +3 in just over 20 minutes of work
2. TJ Galiardi - Offensively was the best av on the ice, huge spark plug tonight. Gordie Howe Hatrick for Galiardi, and he really played a great game
1. Semyon Varlamov - Best player on the ice, Varlamov made 27 saves for the shutout (his 2nd). He was great at all points in this game
Play of the Game - Galiardi's rush leading to the first goal, great play to keep holding the puck.
Game #43 - Colorado head's to St. Louis for the 2nd game of a back-to-back Saturday night (@8pm)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Erik Johnson - EJ was big in this game, he had two assists and was +3 in just over 20 minutes of work
2. TJ Galiardi - Offensively was the best av on the ice, huge spark plug tonight. Gordie Howe Hatrick for Galiardi, and he really played a great game
1. Semyon Varlamov - Best player on the ice, Varlamov made 27 saves for the shutout (his 2nd). He was great at all points in this game
Play of the Game - Galiardi's rush leading to the first goal, great play to keep holding the puck.
Game #43 - Colorado head's to St. Louis for the 2nd game of a back-to-back Saturday night (@8pm)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Game #41 - Colorado 2, Los Angeles 1 (SO)
The suddenly hot avalanche have figured out their road play of recent, and most of the credit goes to the goaltenders. In the last month or so, both Giguere and Varlamov have played stellar in net and this game was no different. The Kings scored the first goal of the game in the first minutes of the 2nd, but all 60 minutes Varlmov was making huge saves to keep it at a 1 goal game. After that, the game rested on O'Reilly's stick once again as he buried a wrist shot with 6 minutes left in the 3rd to tie it at 1s. In OT, the avs killed of a crucial PP (4-4 in the game) and ended things with another shootout win (7-0 this season). While this game had little scoring, it had two excellent goalies in Varlamov and Quick and two teams playing north-south hockey. Coach Sacco must be pleased with his team's play of recent, especially since the loss of Duchene they have won 3 straight. On d, all 3 pairings are working equally hard but I thought Hejda/O'Byrne did a great job on the PK (same as Winnik/McClement on forward). On forward, O'Reilly led the charge one again and continues to produce points at clutch moments. The avs were outshot 32-21 and won 25 of 56 faceoffs. Overall not a game that has much to write about, but a very exciting game to watch and big 2 points for the avs.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Kyle Quincey - Quincey had a big game, keeping the puck in to set up the lone goal and picked up 2 shots, 3 hits and +1 in over 25 minutes of work. Quincey has excelled this season, but even more so of late being paired with Elliot
2. Ryan O'Reilly - Another clutch game tying goal, O'Reilly was at his best again in this game. He plays great most games, but in the last month or so he is physically asserting himself in big game situations and its paying off huge for this team
1. Semyon Varlamov - One of his best performances of the season, Varlamov was all over the place making save after save. He stopped 31 of 32 shots, but most importantly made the big saves to keep the avs in this game and let them claw their way back
Play of the Game - Kyle Quincey keeping the puck in leading to the tying goal, huge play for the avs. Honourable mention to Varlamov for several highlight reel saves
Misplay of the Game - T.J Galiardi gets it for failing to clear the puck leading to the Kings goal
Game #42 - The first game of the 2nd half of the season (@ 45 points currently), the avs play their 3rd of a 4-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night (@830pm)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. Kyle Quincey - Quincey had a big game, keeping the puck in to set up the lone goal and picked up 2 shots, 3 hits and +1 in over 25 minutes of work. Quincey has excelled this season, but even more so of late being paired with Elliot
2. Ryan O'Reilly - Another clutch game tying goal, O'Reilly was at his best again in this game. He plays great most games, but in the last month or so he is physically asserting himself in big game situations and its paying off huge for this team
1. Semyon Varlamov - One of his best performances of the season, Varlamov was all over the place making save after save. He stopped 31 of 32 shots, but most importantly made the big saves to keep the avs in this game and let them claw their way back
Play of the Game - Kyle Quincey keeping the puck in leading to the tying goal, huge play for the avs. Honourable mention to Varlamov for several highlight reel saves
Misplay of the Game - T.J Galiardi gets it for failing to clear the puck leading to the Kings goal
Game #42 - The first game of the 2nd half of the season (@ 45 points currently), the avs play their 3rd of a 4-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night (@830pm)
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
Monday, January 2, 2012
Game #40 - Colorado 4, Anaheim 2
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE.
A little late, but still worth getting the summary of this game (as I was out of town and haven't had time). Nonetheless, a huge 2 points for the avs as former duck J.S Giguere stuck it to his new team. Playing without injured Matt Duchene, the role players (along with Hejduk/O'Reilly/Landeskog line) chipped in equally and led the avs to a 4-2 win. Goals were scored by Hejduk (2), Quincey and Kobasew and the avs outshot them 26-20 and won 36 of 60 faceoffs. On forward, the top line led the way offensively as Hejduk scored twice off O'Reilly feeds. Without Duchene, the top line has to be big and they were in this game. As well, Galiardi stepped in Duchene's place and he played effectively. On D, I felt that all 3 pairings were good in this game but the best was Quincey/Elliot, as since Quincey returned from injury hes been paired with Elliot and the two have fed off each other. Giguere made 18 saves on 20 shots, and really stuck it to his old team as he beat them in his first return in two years. Overall a big win and huge two points for the avs, as they now are tied for the 8th playoff spot.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. J.S Giguere - Giggy wasn't amazing tonight, but made the saves at the right times and gave the team a chance for the W. He gets the 3rd star for winning against his former team
2. Milan Hejduk - Hejduk broke his 13-game goal slump with a pair of goals tonight, including his 2nd on a nifty passing play from Landy to O'Reilly to Hejduk. With Duchene out, Hejduk must lead as the captain and as a top scorer
1. Ryan O'Reilly - With Duchene out, O'Reilly has even more pressure to keep playing top notch hockey. He was at his best tonight, with two beautiful passes for Hejduk's goals and also won 11 of 17 faceoffs. Look for him to continue his strong play in the coming weeks with Duchene out
Play of the Game - Hejduk's 2nd goal gets it tonight, beautiful pass from Landeskog to O'Reilly who faked the slapshot and fed Hejduk
Game #41 - The avs head to LA to play the Kings on Monday night (@1030pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
A little late, but still worth getting the summary of this game (as I was out of town and haven't had time). Nonetheless, a huge 2 points for the avs as former duck J.S Giguere stuck it to his new team. Playing without injured Matt Duchene, the role players (along with Hejduk/O'Reilly/Landeskog line) chipped in equally and led the avs to a 4-2 win. Goals were scored by Hejduk (2), Quincey and Kobasew and the avs outshot them 26-20 and won 36 of 60 faceoffs. On forward, the top line led the way offensively as Hejduk scored twice off O'Reilly feeds. Without Duchene, the top line has to be big and they were in this game. As well, Galiardi stepped in Duchene's place and he played effectively. On D, I felt that all 3 pairings were good in this game but the best was Quincey/Elliot, as since Quincey returned from injury hes been paired with Elliot and the two have fed off each other. Giguere made 18 saves on 20 shots, and really stuck it to his old team as he beat them in his first return in two years. Overall a big win and huge two points for the avs, as they now are tied for the 8th playoff spot.
Avalanche Three Stars:
3. J.S Giguere - Giggy wasn't amazing tonight, but made the saves at the right times and gave the team a chance for the W. He gets the 3rd star for winning against his former team
2. Milan Hejduk - Hejduk broke his 13-game goal slump with a pair of goals tonight, including his 2nd on a nifty passing play from Landy to O'Reilly to Hejduk. With Duchene out, Hejduk must lead as the captain and as a top scorer
1. Ryan O'Reilly - With Duchene out, O'Reilly has even more pressure to keep playing top notch hockey. He was at his best tonight, with two beautiful passes for Hejduk's goals and also won 11 of 17 faceoffs. Look for him to continue his strong play in the coming weeks with Duchene out
Play of the Game - Hejduk's 2nd goal gets it tonight, beautiful pass from Landeskog to O'Reilly who faked the slapshot and fed Hejduk
Game #41 - The avs head to LA to play the Kings on Monday night (@1030pm).
-Joel Forman - Colorado Avalanche News
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