Time for the Avalanche to leave the Nest

by J. Scott Moore


It’s time for the Avs to grow up. I think they are ready, but a few things need to go down to make this plausible.

Step number one is a coaching change. I believe Joe Sacco has done about all he can for this young talented group. If he was brought here to play the role of the hard-ass adult then I give him credit for keeping the inmates from running the asylum. However, these kids are ready to take the next step and I don’t think Sacco knows how to facilitate that step. They don’t just need to grow up, they want to take that next step and right now Sacco is one of the biggest obstacles to that.

These young men need a coach that believes in the room, believes in doling out responsibility and holding them accountable. Sacco gets it half right. He does put the young guys out there on the ice in all kinds of challenging situations. Though one could easily argue that he hasn’t much choice, nevertheless, I’ll give him the credit. Where he fails these men is mentoring. Instead of mentoring he punishes by benching and dropping them to lines they have no business playing on. Sacco seems to think that these young, talented men will respond when treated like children. It’s worn thin and it’s time to change.

The other thing that needs to happen is just a tad more veteran leadership on this team. Bringing in JS Giguere was brilliant. Milan Hejduk has also been expected to fill that role. But it just isn’t enough. There needs to be a couple more of these guys on the team with a winning pedigree to get this team over the hump in the big games. To keep them from playing down to the Columbus’s and Edmonton’s of the league. It’s the difference that could have meant the playoffs this season.

As I write this the Avs season is likely over. I can’t help but think that these two things will make all the difference next season. The Avs management has been pulling the trigger here and there to get the puzzle pieces in place. Just a few more pieces and things will be looking mighty fine.

Joe Sacco – Tough SOB

It’s all about the A. Dater said the other day in his Twitter feed that Sacco is a tough SOB. I’ve suspected as much for a long time now. Here and there I’ve seen interviews and such that made me think that he projects this persona, or perhaps it is not a persona, that you don’t want to mess with the guy.
I don’t get the feeling that he is a players coach. You aren’t going into his office to have a warm sunny chat. If you are in that office at all you are probably in big trouble.
Sacco has sent TJ Galiardi down to the minors to “work on his game.” While I agree that Galiardi hasn’t been as good as we’ve seen, I’m not really that surprised either. Couple reasons, the first is that I never thought the kid was 1st line material anyway, nor do a lot of bloggers/fans. Second, seems like Sacco wants 3rd line mentality on the 1st line and that might be a bit difficult to achieve all the time.
Regardless, Sacco is sending a message once again with his tough love.
Will it work?
I have no idea.
But if it doesn’t, get ready for the fall out.
Sacco seems to have a tendency to look a bit schizophrenic with his lines. Defensively he has really messed with a few guys…but mostly with good results.
Liles got a little bench time last season and that was shocking, to say the least.
Hunwick is finally getting the seat after the fans have ridden him mercilessly for weeks. We saw this same thing with Wilson earlier in the season where it seemed that Sacco could have benched the guy a little sooner. However, I do have to think that perhaps Sacco should be given a little credit for trying to let guys play their way out of a slump.
We all saw what a mess you can make of a player (goalies specifically) when Quenneville was here with his quick hook. So maybe Sacco should be given a little credit for being patient with really young guys?
But when he does drop the hammer, he’s not fooling around. For now at least, the message seems to be getting through.

-From the Point

Second Annual Real Denver Sports Helmet Awards

With the season over for the Avs, I thought we could once again pass out some awards to some deserving Colorado Avalanche players. Real Denver Sports would like to acknowledge the players of the Colorado Avalanche with the meaningless Helmet Awards.

The categories, strictly made up on the spot, by myself and the staff are:

For taking more Shit than any other Avalanche Player that actually did his Job-David Koci
People who say Koci is worthless clearly don’t understand his role on this team. He wasn’t here to score goals, kill penalties or skate fast. He was here to fight and I never saw him shy away from a fight. So you can assault (pun intended) his role, but it’s hard to say he didn’t do his job. Did he win every fight? No. But I’m pretty sure that every guy he fought could kick your ass easily. Unless Scott Parker is reading this. (hopeful)

Highest pay per TOI Award-Ruslan Salei
Salei wins this by a mile racking up a whopping $12,452.00/minute of playing time. Don’t tell me about injuries, all the runners up were injured as well. And some of them were benched extensively.

Best ball cap Award-Peter Budaj
No Competition.

What?  I couldn't find a pic of Budaj in a cap, seriously.
I think he scrubbed the internets of them!!
So here is a pic of a cap...and an ice girl.
WHAT??

Meanest Nickname- Marek Svatos for "Midget"
According to Liles that is one of his nicknames, which he pointed out during an interview. Joking or otherwise…that's just mean!

I’m not Granato Award-Joe Sacco
Nope, not even close. Did you notice those Pens are done? Granato.
The only thing that worries me about Sacco is the hard-ass mentality. I saw an early season interview with him and he was asked if the players could talk to him, did he have an open door policy? The answer: No. Emphatically.

Was G-Money driving the Zamboni after the Pens loss??

The Mike Milbury Just Hit Someone Award-Ryan Wilson

If Wilson can stay healthy I think he has a future on this team.  I like a D-man that knows when to hammer a guy and when to make a play.  Wilson at his best can do both.  Pretty good for a guy that was a throw-in on a trade.

Peter Pocklington Award-Greg Sherman
For trading Ryan Smyth. Captain Canada! I love that guy! I’m still pissed! I can’t let go!
Ok, maybe that is a bit overboard but was Kyle Quincey really THAT valuable this season and Preissing sure wasn’t. Just imagine if this young team had the experience leadership and scoring ability of Ryan Smyth?

Best toothy(less) grin-Ryan O’Reilly

Best Duo since Drury/Hejduk-Duchene/O’Reilly
While The Duke and Drooooory were pleasant surprises for such late round picks. You’ve got to give the kids a lot of credit for living up to the expectations at 18 years old. These two should be great for years to come. Until we trade O’Reilly and THAT will be the worst trade EVER….sheesh!

Game 5 - What was that?!?!?!?

               To be honest, I don’t even know where to begin with this.  I thought the Avs would come out flying tonight, or better yet, hoped they would.  Not so!  They only had two shots in the first period compared to the Sharks 12.  I don’t call that a good start to a game.  Although they did get 17 shots in the third period, a bit late in the game if you ask me.

                I won’t complain too much about the officiating although there are obviously some errors being made on calls.  I’m not saying the Avs don’t deserve some of these penalties but the whole melee with Hannan, Duchene and McGinn, that was pretty weak.  I get why Hannan got the penalty but why McGinn didn’t get more than two minutes blows my mind.  He obviously took a couple of swings at Duchene’s face; I don’t really call that roughing.  But... enough of that.

                

                My question is this “Where is the offense???".  The Avs have scored 9 goals in five games.  But 5 of those came in game 2 and one was technically scored by Boyle in his own net.  The top line of Stastny/Stewart/Galiardi has a combined point total of 1 in the last three games.  That’s only one assist by Stastny!!  When you’re the top line for a hockey team, they need you to be more productive.

                Maybe it’s time Sacco changed things up a little bit.  I know he put Tucker on the second line last night but I think that’s a lack of options more than anything.  I’m sure he’s scratching his head with the coaching staff today trying to find some way to revive this team.  Its do or die tomorrow night and something need to happen pretty darn fast.   Maybe put Duchene/Yip/Galiardi back together, they were pretty good when Sacco first put them together.

                One thing I did enjoy though, and I don’t really know why, is that the Sharks scored 5 goals and this is what the stats sheet looked like.

                Talk about not stepping up big Joe.  You had zero points when your team shows up and scored 5 and you only have 2 assists this whole series.  But than again, who could have seen this coming……..ehhh…..anyone from anywhere that’s followed hockey even a little bit in the past few years, that’s who!

                As for Anderson, you can’t be superman every night, you’re only human.  Shake it off and come back with a vengeance tomorrow night.

-Frenchy

Sacco's Party Tricks

You know that friend of yours that tells the same joke or does that same cheesy trick at every party? Everyone knows a guy like that, right? And the thing about it: it’s one of those “funny-once” things.
Joe Sacco is one of those guys.
But it’s no joke and the trick isn’t working.
Sacco’s “trick” is his penchant for sitting guys that make one mistake.
He’s been doing it to the defensive squad of this team for weeks.
You can’t run a team this way, it makes guys hesitant. They start second guessing themselves in the D zone, when it comes to pinching in, when it really counts. Just ask any forward and he will tell you there is nothing better than going up against a tentative defenseman.
BAM! The winger is around him in a millisecond and the goalie is on his own.

There is one thing about “Sacco’s trick” that is noticeably odd.

Why is it only defensemen?

Many a mistake-prone, low production winger or center on this Avalanche squad is allowed time to work his way through a slump. Ask all the Avs fans that wonder how Darcy Tucker seems to have escaped the wrath of Sacco.

When it comes to mistakes none are more noticeable than those made by the men playing defense. But no one can play a perfect game night in and night out, not even on this level.

Sacco’s party jokes are going to start wearing thin on this team, if they haven’t already. I’ve already pointed out HERE that Liles can’t seem to do anything right for Sacco. Just when you think he’s out of the doghouse, he’s right back in! 

Liles and Mueller had this team’s power play clicking along at a nice pace and now that Liles has been pulled off of it (and last night he was benched), it is a full blown disaster!
Sacco needs to learn a new party trick…and now.
The Avs haven’t been playing well lately and the onus isn’t all on the players.
-From the Point

If Budaj was guilty of Drinking and Dialing...

The Scene: In the middle of the night someone has been drinkin’, and thinkin’...


- In Chicago, Coach Quenneville’s phone begins to ring…

...ring...ring...ring...ring

Quenneville: ...sleepy...Hello?

Boods: Hi Coach, it’s me.

Q: Boods? Why are you calling me…?

B: I just um, called…I...just wanted to say “Hi”

Q: It’s the middle of the night.

B: I know, I’m sorry…but…I miss you.

Q: ...pause...um,

B: You don’t have to say it back

Q: Boods you shouldn’t be calling me, we’re not together anymore…

B: Don’t worry, he won’t find out.

Q: But what about me?

B: You always were selfish

Q: I’ve changed

B: Not much

Q: I don’t treat goalies like I used to…

B: I know, that’s why I called…

Q: Boods…

B: Look, I know I complained all the time about how you would sit me after a good game, pull me before I could work through a rough spot

Q: I only thought I was doing what was best for both of us.

B: No, you were doing what was best for you, but I guess I didn’t know how good I had it actually.

Q: I played you as much as I thought I could

B: I know! I know that now…It’s just, things now…

Q: …with Anderson?

B: Don’t you EVER say his name! EVER!

Q: Ok, ok!

B: I’m sorry, it’s just that he’s like a machine…I don’t know how he does it.

Q: You’ll get your chance

B: I had my chance, things are different now…

Q: how so?

B: I just want to be back with you.

Q: Boods, you know I can’t do that, I’ve moved on…

B: Coach, please? Can’t you trade for me?

Q: What? No Boods, I can’t…

B: But I NEVER get to play anymore!

Q: I know, I’ve noticed...

B: You have?

Q: I keep my eye on you!

B: I didn’t know, I just thought you were all wrapped up in your new goalies. I mean, all I want is just one of a back-to-backs, that isn’t too much to ask, is it?

Q: Boods we can’t talk about this, you know that. What if someone found out?

B: I know, I was just hoping…

Q: ...soothingly...You’ve got a new coach now…

B: ...sigh...

Q: …and I’ve got new goalies, we can’t live in the past.

B: ...sob...

Q: Now Boods, don’t…

B: I can’t help it, I just want to play…sniff

Q: I know, It’ll be ok, I promise. You’ll be an UFA next season and find a coach that will treat you right, I just know it!

B: …maybe…

Q: It’s true, there’s a coach out there that will play you and appreciate you for who you are.

B: You think?

Q: Yes

B: But what if Sacco wants me back? And they offer me another one year deal?

Q: You’re better than that, turn it down!

B: Maybe you will need a solid backup…?

Q: Boods, we can’t talk about that…

B: Ok…

Q: Now get some rest, you never know when that machine might break down.

B: Ok! I’ll keep my chin up and my 5-hole tight!

Q: Way to be!

B: Ok, I’m going to go now.

Q: Goodbye Boods. And good luck!

B: Thanks Coach! Bye.

...click...

-From the Point

What's in Your Stocking St. Patty?

We've got 1st place in ours! Woohoo!
See who's home for Xmas and who isn't on my new post over at HockeyIndepedent.com
Thanks for taking a look, and HAPPY HOCKEYDAYS to all!

Does Duchene need a Marty McSorley?

A lot of people have noticed Koci out on the ice here and there with Duchene. Some people, I think, have interpreted this as a demotion for Duchene. However, I think something else is going on here. I think Sacco is just getting them out there together once in a while to let the other team know that he is tired of people running Duchene. He has taken some pretty big hits so far this season and despite the snickering in town about Koci’s willingness to fight, let alone his ability win, he is the only legitimate heavy weight that the team has. And you work with what you’ve got. McLeod was out for a while with that eye injury and then playing with a face shield for a month (but still had two fights). I think his absence hurt Duchene’s game.

Duchene is a young, skill guy and I don’t think it’s a bad thing for Sacco to be concerned about the opponent taking runs at him. He is having a tough start to the season and he could use a little more room on the ice. I think Sacco has the right idea and tonight Chris Stewart was added to the formula and I think it was very successful. Stewie is a guy that can do more than fight; he is a significantly better skater, passer and scorer than Koci. Obvious, I know. But he is also a pretty tough guy that could be out there making plays and making space at the same time, unlike Koci who only makes space. Or takes up space, depending on who you consult.

That’s what McLeod was doing for Duchene early in the season when he was getting SO many good chances to score. But Sacco needs to give Stewie the job for good. Duchene is a little too subtle of a player for McLeod’s crashing style. Where as Stewie gives Duchene a little more to work with. So maybe Sacco HAS given Stewie the job but he isn’t always responding? I don’t know but I know that Duchene needs people on his line that can read plays and make and receive passes for scoring chances.

Right now this team is hurting more than ever for those players. Stewie has been on and off Duchene’s line, and the recent injuries make the juggling even more difficult for Sacco but I think Stewie could excel in this role. Remember earlier in the season when McLeod was skating with Duchene quite a bit? Duchene was getting more room on the ice and therefore more chances. Right now Stewie is hitting the enemy like he’d hit his little sister. In the recent game against the Wild I saw him line guys up for perfect hits only to end up bumping them and he only had one hit tonight. Doesn’t seem like his style, so either the coaching staff has him on a leash or he has just lost his game.

So I don’t really think that Duchene needs a McSorley but I do think the kid needs the space out there that a tough guy will give him.

-From the Point

Colorado Avalanche at the halfway mark in division

The Colorado Avalanche wrapped up the back-to-back against the Minnesota Wild this weekend in poor fashion. Limping away with a mere one point, the Avs aren’t the only ones limping. David Jones, second on the team in goals is effectively done for the season with a torn ACL. The winger has been struggling with injuries since the Avs tapped him to be Andrew Brunette’s replacement in 2008.
Off to a great start this season, Avs fans have been hoping that Jones would finally pan out to be the power forward that the team is in desperate need of , especially after trading away Ryan Smyth over the summer.
The back-to-back with Minnesota wasn’t really any different that the rest of the month of November for the Avalanche. Let me list the ways;

...please go the HockeyIndepenedent.com the read the rest of this post.

The Sacco Gambit

Joe Sacco said it was a must-win. We are a quarter of the way into the season. We were up 7 points on the Vancouver Canucks, leading the division, second in the conference, top 5 in the league. Sure, the Avs haven’t been nearly as hot in November as they were in October. But pulling out the must-win gambit seems like a rookie mistake.
Today the Avs are on road in Alberta. After that 8-2 debacle, what are we faced with on this road trip?
Let's check the Word thesaurus: “must win” can also be;
have to win
have got to win
be obliged to win
ought to win
should win
be required to win
necessity win
obligation win
Never mind the grammar. That is but a minor concern here!
Add those to your lexicon of lame declarations Mr. Sacco. You can use all of these and more, no doubt. But can you do it without eye-rolling by every guy in the dressing room?
What’s the chance that Sacco lost some of the players with this move? Like Foote, Hejduk, Duchene…? Probably not but was it really smart to call game 20 a must win?
Let's say the game turned out 8-2 in favor of the Avalanche. What would have been accomplished by that? Make the playoffs? Move into first place? What? Wasn't much point to it, was there?
The ‘Nucks are sitting around for nearly a week while the Avs have a chance to go get 4 more points on them. So again, what was the emergency? You would think that a guy like Steve Konowalchuk would have signaled Sacco that this was an apprentice ploy.
Was the incredible start to the season giving Sacco a Mark Messier ego? I am the Sacco! This is a must-win, therefore…WE SHALL WIN!
Whew, talk about laying an egg.
Was he thinking that Luongo was still going to be in early season "form" and let everything but the kitchen sink into the goal?
It's a small mistake for now…for now.
Chances are the exuberant energy that has been a blessing for Sacco so far in the season will work in his favor. The guys won’t think about it much, they just want to play. And they want to win, they don’t need manufactured tactics.
Let's hope he and the team just move on and forget the Sacco Gaffe.
-From the Point

Avs Fire Everyone in Sight

A day after the carnage at the Pepsi Center, I’m still a little surprised that Michel Goulet was fired, probably a situation where he was looking for a new role as GM and Pierre Lacroix wasn’t going to give it to him. That or Goulet was complicit in this entire fiasco of the last season, telling Lacroix that everything was fine and he had to pay for that with his job. Some think Goulet was tired of being the Dwight Schrute of hockey! I think he was the assistant to the general manager for a very long time. Kudos to the guys over at MHH for the Dwight Schrute references, funny stuff. I think that Goulet was tired of 10+ years of being Dwight and was pushing for a bigger role. Instead he got pushed out the door. All “Office” references are funny, period. And this one is already getting plenty of work.

I think the new “management structure” isn’t structurally very different from the old. But an accountant as the GM and a hockey guy as the asst. GM is actually ok with me. Let’s face it, with a salary cap and all its complexities, an accountant and some lawyers are essential.

It should not be a surprise that Eric Lacroix is back in the organ-i-zation. Nepotism: I guess it is what it is, as Bertuzzi would say. One thing for sure, you can’t blame Eric for bailing on the Coyotes! I know a lot of people are disappointed in the continuation of internal hires. I can’t disagree; we will just have to see how it all pans out.

Now that Greg Sherman is “in charge” here is what I expect from General Sherman:
-No sleep for the next month, work, work, work!! Your first day off is July 4th, until then I expect you to down a case of Red Bull a day!
-We need three coaches hired – Ok, Joe Sacco and Sylvain Lefebvre…no complaints so far. The talk of Crawford was probably just that, but I would have had trouble with that hire.
The General also needs to get working on free agents:
-Call Martin Biron and that Swedish goalie
-Make nice with Lappy and get him signed, this team will need that leadership
-Find a way to sign Sakic w/out bludgeoning what little cap room we have
Now, just a warning, you are bound to start getting a little sleep deprived and your judgment may be slightly impaired, so on about July 3rd or 4th, beware of a phone call from an agent wanting you to sign Skyler Erinnson, or Byler Aaronnsen or some such player. There will be mention of a temptingly low contract. It’s a trick. Don’t do it. Calmly hang up the phone.

On the goalie front, the Flyers are reportedly going to sign Ray Emery. I can't see Biron sticking around, as I mentioned before, the Avs should take a serious look at this guy.

Now, about the head coach. While the Sacco hiring is a bit anti-climactic after the Roy saga I'm willing to give the guy a chance. As I predicted, PL did not recycle an NHL guy and I am happy about that. Many people brought up names like Laviolette, Crawford and even Hartley. Sacco is well aware that he was second choice, at best. In his favor, the expectations are low. Ouch.

Keep in mind that much of the delay of getting this all done was due to Roy's protracted decision making process, probably Lacroix's health issues and the Nuggets run deep into the playoffs. Everyone is assuming the Avs didn't interview anyone else, but we don't really know that.


Posted by: From the Point