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
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