Avalanche Goalie-Go-Round

by J. Scott Moore

Ever since the Avs went with Budaj/ Raycroft it’s been a joke. What you say? But Craig Anderson! Yes, yes. BUT. But, if you can be honest with yourself, that was a shot in the dark, a gamble, a roll of the dice. Ok, over doing the metaphors? It wasn’t a complete shot in the dark, maybe a shot in a dimly lit room.

Read the rest at Hockey Independent

 

Third Annual Real Denver Sports Helmet Awards

With the season over for the Avs, I thought we could 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 are:

The P. T. Barnum Award goes to David Koci
For suckering y'all into thinking he's as good on D as anyone on this team. Surround him with a team this bad and he actually looks like he can play hockey and fooled everyone from broadcasters to bloggers.


The Friends with Benefits Award goes to Peter Budaj
For always being there when Avs management fucks up the goalie situation. He’s that fall-back slut that will always answer the phone but in the end doesn’t really make you feel any better. But you keep telling yourself he’s better than nothing.

The Endorsement Award goes to Cody McLeod
For makin’ it far enough in this town to get a Subway commercial! It would have been great to see him take a bite without his two front teeth or beat up a Sandwich Artist but it was still an entertaining commercial. Unfortunately McLeod’s Subway commercial was about as entertaining as his on-ice performance.

The Player Most Likely to be a Car Salesman Next Year goes to Peter Mueller
For…wait, who? Oh yeah, the guy who looks like he’s in a Shakespearean troop. Let’s check back next year.

The Best Call-up Award goes to Kevin Shattenkirk
Yeah, well that really worked out well, for St. Louis.

The Most pointless Call-up Award goes to Ryan Stoa
This kid is so bad that even on this team he doesn’t look good. Greg Mauldin and Mark Olver look like keepers next to him. And they’re not.

The Twitter Pollution Award goes to Matt Hunwick
He singled-thumbedly muddied up my Twitter feed with the #blamehunwick hash tag for most of the season. Why wasn’t it #blamesherman?

The Head-Scratcher Award goes to Peter Forsberg
He shows up to practice a week before the All-Star break thus preventing him from practicing with the team while the team was away. Impresses everyone with his two road games but hurriedly announces retirement before the Valentine’s Day Massacre. Did he have a vision of the future? Clearly there are things going on in Foppa’s head that no one else understands. It’s like that itch on your head that you can’t get to because of the helmet you have on. Frustrating.

The Forget-me-not Award goes to Chris Stewart
Wow, I’m gonna miss this guy. It was man-crush at first fight. He is my perfect idea of what a hockey player ought to be. He’s got scoring swagger, he’s got attitude and he’s willing to bust you up if you mess with him or a teammate. I need another tub of ice cream to help me get over this.

The Survivor Award goes to John-Michael Liles
For not getting voted off the island. He won’t win the race for the Captaincy; he just doesn’t have the coconuts for the job. But every time the tribe tries to snuff out his torch he manages to survive. The Liles trade rumors are as old and tired as the stupid show I’m using here as a metaphor.

The Inaugural David Jones Broken Man Award goes to TJ Galiardi
So much promise, so many broken body parts. Jones finally had a reasonable unbroken season and he should be honored that such an award has been named after him. Here’s hoping Galiardi gets healthy and turns out to be the kick-ass 3rd liner that we all know he really is.

The Worst Gordie Howe Hat Trick Award goes to Brandon Yip
It was one of the many things he did poorly this season, but this one just shames the idea of a GHHT. I refuse to recognize it but officially it’s there.

And finally, Adam Foote whose head is so hard he doesn’t need a Helmet Award
Nonetheless he gets the Helmet Award for being a True Avalanche. The man said he “bleeds burgundy and blue” at his retirement press conference. Man, that was beautiful.

-From the Point
  

Mission Impossible

Remember the way Mission Impossible always starts? With the secret message self-destructing? Well in this case Peter Forsberg is watching the Colorado Avalanche self-destruct and apparently, just like in Hollywood, he is going to take the impossible mission.

Injuries
The latest blow to the injury-wracked Avs is the season long loss of Tomas Fleischmann, diagnosed with pulmonary emboli or in English: a blood clot in each lung.
The Avalanche are up to 235 man games lost to injury. Obviously not satisfied with last year’s huge statistical loss of players to injury the Avs are on pace to blow that number out of the water this year.
And these aren’t just role players that are missing time. Chris Stewart went down for seven weeks when he was the leading goal-scorer on the team.
TJ Galiardi missed several weeks with a broken wrist. A guy that was depended on for top six work.
Kyle Quincey though not quite playing to expectations was slated for top four defensive duties: out for the season.
Let’s not forget that Peter Mueller, a top six forward has missed the entire regular season.
And then there is Craig Anderson, a workhorse last season, missing multiple stretches at a time.

Goaltending
And that brings us to the glaring issue this season. Inside the drama of Mission Impossible could be another classic: Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Budaj.
Is this the season like 2006-07 where Budaj salvages what he can of a Theodore-like season? I shudder to make such a comparison but at this point Budaj has played 23 games and Anderson is sitting at 28 games. Granted much of that is due to injuries but Anderson is not anywhere near his 2009-10 form. They have near identical stats and at this point Anderson’s are headed in the wrong direction.
And after another weak game Saturday, Peter Budaj is getting the call once again.
Arguments that Anderson’s defense isn’t giving him any help are only as valid as they were last season when Anderson faced a shooting gallery night after night and nonetheless stood on his head for this team.

PK and PP
Sure, sure. The Avs are up there in the power play but so are the Blackhawks and they just recently climbed into the top eight. And Peter Forsberg is sure to nudge that number up some more. But where the Avs really need to improve is on the horrific penalty killing. Currently the third worst team in the league. And Forsberg isn’t going to help that much. In fact he will likely challenge it as Foppa has never been short on PIMs.

Your mission Peter Forsberg, should you choose to accept it: play till the trade deadline and see how that ankle/foot performs at the NHL level. If everything goes well be prepared for the weight of a city’s expectations to be placed on your shoulders.

-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!

Avs - Sharks Game 3 Photoblog

It starts and ends with Andy

Andy's name spelled wrong.

Playoff beard sighting!

O'Reilly dropped his breezers and got his shorts taped on, mid-game.

For the Boods fans!

Crowd rockin' it!

Picking up after the yard sale.

Tired penalty killers.

AN-DY! AN-DY! AN-DY!

-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

Avs New Years Resolutions

Did you see Attitude doing those lame locker room interviews before the Wings game? Asking the guys what their New Year’s resolutions are? I mean, you gotta have some connections, like me, to get straight answers outa these guys. So I sat down for a beer with each and every one of the guys, all in one night, so I might not remember all this correctly, but here we go;

Stats said he is gonna give up the wooden twig – the highest paid guy on the team is playing with the cheapest stick. So maybe Dad’s advice isn’t always gospel.

Svats said he is gonna fight more often, if he ever gets back in a game.

Budaj resolves to play no more games for the Avs this season, thereby making him the highest paid player-per-game for the Avs.

David Koci gave Boods a look on that and said, Whatever, I’ll still be the highest paid player-per-minute! Koci’s reso is to find time to read more books.

Milan Hejduk: I recall he told the Altitude crew last year that he didn’t think he had any personal improvements to make, therefore no resolutions! That’s some funny stuff Milan. Ok, I agree, you have been one of the most consistently producing Avs for a long time, don’t change! I really have no idea what he told me, I was pretty drunk by then and he is pretty tough to understand sober!

WW said he is going to live up to your expectations no matter how unreasonable they are!  And he reminded me that he dated her,  so how is that for a start?

Liles said he is going to stop growing that pathetic looking beard until the Avs make the playoffs.

Dater is going to give the attendance issues a break till next season, wait, how did that get in here???

David Jones said he is gonna stop getting hurt so much…then promptly slipped in my vomit. If it wasn’t for bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all.

McLeod said he is gonna throw more octopi, more punches and more pucks at the net.

Andy said he is gonna be the #1 star at home more often so he can give those great interviews that the crowd loves.

Stewie said he is going to get more Gordie Howe hat tricks Trivia, how many Gordie Howe Hat Tricks did Gordie have? Leave a comment with your answer!

-From the Point

Avs Eastern Conference Road Trip

The Colorado Avalanche took a three game run through the Eastern conference picking up three points out of a possible six. Not bad, not great. The Avs took it to the Lightning in the first game and Matt Duchene caught fire, seemingly appearing out of nowhere with 7 points in the last 5 games. Chris Stewart shares the same stat and not coincidentally has been playing on the same line of late. Perhaps some, if not all of Duchene’s success is due to the space that Stewart creates on the ice for Duchene. As I pointed out in my blog post, “Does Duchene need a Marty McSorley?” I think Matt Duchene has been a target and needed a little toughness on his line to open up the ice. Looks like its working, Avs win 3-0.

Despite a day off, the Avs skated like zombies through a game against the Florida Panthers, trailing the entire game. In the last minute of the game the Avs scored two goals to tie it up to send the game to overtime. With approximately 40 seconds remaining in the OT period, THE Keith Ballard was flying down the wing and recklessly crashed the net, stunning goalie Craig Anderson. Ballard’s most recent example of “careless stupidity” was still a hot topic when he got careless and stupid again, running Anderson’s head into the post and putting him on day-to-day status with a neck injury. Nope, no need to suspend idiots. Avs lose this one in the shootout that a cold Peter Budaj was forced to finish due to Anderson’s injury.

After the Carl Hiaasen-like Double Whammy trip to Florida the Avs only had to face the Defending Cup champs the very next night. No problem!

Their best game so far on this trip could arguably be the one against the Pittsburgh Penguins who were well rested while the Avs were playing their 3rd game in four days. Though Milan Hejduk was back (and looking a bit rusty) goalie Craig Anderson was out and back up Peter Budaj played against a very hot Pens team. No, the Avs didn’t win the game but they were obviously up for the challenge of this juggernaut of a team, losing this one 4-1. However, two of those goals were empty netters in the last minute of the game and the Avs were also the victim of another “intent to blow” call that looked like it should have been a goal. But Avs fans don’t cry over that like Detroit Red Wings fans.

Saturday the Avs will visit Columbus and Adam Foote will no doubt be welcomed back with boos and derisive signs. As I recall, Puck Daddy had no problem finding jersey fouls such as this one. You can’t blame a guy for being that cranked about the captain of his team up and leaving so quickly. Based on Avs blogger Jibblescribbits’ “Official guide to buying an Avs sweater” a fan should be able to assign a tier to a player and therefore judge the risk involved in buying said sweater. In Columbus, Foote was a tier one guy. So it’s no wonder the kid is so angry.

The Avs need to continue to believe in themselves and play the opposition tough. They will wrap up the road trip in St. Louis and despite their record it should be noted that the Central Division is much tougher than it once was when Detroit ruled the roost and every other team in the division was a lock to be on the golf course in the spring. If the Avs can get a couple more points out of this road trip they may well be on their way to recovering from a poor November.

This story was originally posted at HockeyIndependent.com, check it out!

-From the Point

What the hell happened last night?!?!?!?

Ok, I really don't understand what happened last night. The Avs lost 8-2. Anderson looked pretty human last night with those four goals he let in. But what I can't believe is Budaj, holy crap! Just to show how bad it was, I went on nhl.com to get the stats.




Total saves for the night, 4 out of 8 shots. That's 50% folks. WOW!! I've never been a fan of Budaj, didn't agree with him getting a raise at all. But last night he brought the sucking to a whole new level. Yes yes, he came off the bench and all that stuff but an NHL goaltender need to be better than 50%.

The Avs better get back on track soon because they don't look like the team at the beginning of the season. I really want this team to do well this season. I really thought Duchene would have more points by now but on a good note for last nights game, he was 0 in the +/- while most of the team was in the minus. Hopefully he'll get in the groove of things soon and start scoring some goals. I still have hope in this team, just not Budaj!





- The Shocker

Colorado Avalanche 2009-2010 Season Prediction Part III

We are back to make more predictions and this time I brought the Avalanche Tarot Cards to help us see the future of the season. But to get this started off correctly, we should all dim the lights, light some incense and sincerely (yet softly) chant the following:

I took a black cat, a cave bat, and threw them in a pot pot, pot pot, pot pot.

I took a blue snake, a green snake, and tied them in a knot knot, knot knot, knot knot.

I took a hog jaw, a dog's paw, and hung them on the line line, line line, line line.

I took a horse hair, a green pear, and made a crazy sign sign, sign sign, sign sign.

I'm castin' my spell on you, I'm castin' my spell on you...

Thank you Johnny Otis, for those mojo-powerful lines!

Ok, ready?

Well that wraps another 2009-2010 season prediction. The Shocker obviously wasn't buying the Peter Budaj MVP prediction, though I don't really know what the heck was saying there at the end, but anyway. And how about TJ Hensick as the surprise player for the year? The cards are bold and careless with the future! But I don't think it's too bold to predict that Matt Duchene will be the rookie of the year, maybe even for the whole league!!! Hey, Don Cherry believes in him.
-From the Point, The Shocker and Gooseberryland

Free Agency – Day One

The Colorado Avalanche remained relatively quiet on day one. That is both a good thing and a bad. With rumors again surfacing that Smyth, Hannan and even Foote are up for trade, the fact that they are still here is good. Complain all you want about those deals, at least it isn’t a 12 year deal (see Hossa), that is just crazy.

At the same time, Avs fans are looking for management to do SOMETHING to help this team improve. So far they have signed a goalie and shown more than a hand full of guys the door. Not that that is a bad thing considering some of those guys were less than successful here. But of course Lappy being one of them is not sitting well with most of us. Even Ryan is upset!

So Lappy goes the Philly for about what he was making here in Colorado. Though he signs for three years, and that was probably the sticking point. Good luck Lappy!!!

To “replace” Lappy’s toughness, the Avs signed David Koci for $575K for one year. Just by comparing PIM, I would assume that is the plan. This is not what I had in mind for today. At least sign someone that can kill penalties…or skate… Maybe he is just going straight to Erie.

So far Arnason and Raycroft are still sitting by their phones…no surprise.

Goalies and Five-Holes
Dater reported today that Ty Conklin got 3 offers! But the Avs were not one of them. That’s fine by me, the Anderson signing looks ok. But really? Three offers? The decent, but affordable goalies were snatched up pretty quickly! Biron is still sitting out there. And no one picked up Belfour? Shocking! And Khabibulin ends up getting pretty good money, $15M / 4 years.

Let the Battle of the Avalanche Goalies Begin!
Craig Anderson has signed with the Avs. I don’t see Anderson as a clear starter for the Avs, though I’m sure management sees it differently. I believe the #1 position will be Anderson’s to lose. Not what I would call a real solid move for a true starter. But, he has been playing behind some pretty good goalies, so it may be his time. I’ve thought that Biron would be a solid signing, but I’m sure Anderson was cheaper. The other interesting battle will be for the #31. They both wear the same number, and have their entire NHL career. This is going to cost someone some money or pride…or both.

Speaking of cheap, after spending very little today, what can we infer that means? Well, good luck, do you have some Tarot cards to read? It could confirm the reports that the Avs are trimming salary. Or it could mean the Avs are leaving room for both Joe Sakic and Matt Duchene to be on the roster this season. I like the second option, frankly.


Non-Avs News

Is Marian Hossa a mercenary, or what? The Wings should be glad they lost out on him, the guy is just in it for the money.

The Rangers, in a rare moment of clarity, hosed the Habs and unloaded that Gomez contract. Correction! Spoke too soon. Gaborik for $7.5M a year??? Hahahahaha! What idiots!

Posted by: From the Point

Adrian Dater: Martin Biron or Ty Conklin, the Next Avalanche Starter

According to this Bleacher Report article:

The Denver Post's Colorado Avalanche beat writer Adrian Dater was interviewed on the June 22nd, 2009 edition of NHL Live! with E.J. Hradek and Deb Placey and he stated that he believes that either Martin Biron or Ty Conklin will become the next starter for the Avalanche.
Martin Biron was originally acquired by the Philadelphia Flyers for a second round pick in 2007 and has been the team's starter since. He was inconsistent throughout his Flyer career and the team has decided to move on by signing free agent goalie Ray Emery.
Subsequently, Biron is not expected to be retained and will hit the open market on July 1st.
Ty Conklin's NHL career looked all but over in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals when he coughed up the puck behind the net to Carolina Hurricanes' captain Rod Brind'Amour with 31.1 seconds left, allowing him to score the game winning goal into an empty net.
Conklin returned to the NHL in the 2007-08 season following injuries to Marc-Andre Fleury and Dany Sabourin in Pittsburgh. He would hold the starting position until Fleury's return from injury.
Conklin then spent this past season sharing time with Chris Osgood in Detroit.
Of note, Conklin has played in both Winter Classics and has been in the Stanley Cup Finals three times, all losses.

As I stated here, I think Biron could work out well for the Colorado Avalanche.

Posted by: From the Point

Could Martin Biron be an Avalanche?

Don Brennan at the Ottawa Sun is 'reporting' that there are some rumors that the Philadelphia Flyers are interested in Ray Emery. This could be good news for the Colorado Avalanche. If the Flyers are ready to part ways with Martin Biron, the Avs should move in that direction. Biron will be an unrestricted free agent this year.

Biron is coming off a 2 year deal at 3.5 M. Seems to me that price maybe depressed by two factors, the fact that the Flyers are willing to let him go and the apparent reluctance of GM's across the league to pay out too much salary with the fears of the salary cap being reduced. But at the same time Biron may benefit from the same situation that Theodore did this last off season. A shortage of quality goalies at reasonable prices on the free agent market. So it's kinda hard to predict what kind of salary Biron may command.

I think Biron is a pretty good, affordable goalie. Statistically he fared well this year, certainly better than Jose Theodore or Peter Budaj, the Avs goalies for the past 3 seasons.
Another reason I like Biron is that he can't be accused of being the product of a dominantly defensive team system. The Avs can keep Budaj as an affordable backup.

Certainly Biron will not come as cheap as this seasons line up of goalies. And the Avs are facing some cap challenges. But some how they are going to have to find a way to pay a decent goalie. Of course the defense is going to have to improve in front of the goalie. But to a degree, I believe that a step up in goal tending can elevate this defense to a more respectable level, and in return, produce better goal tending. Or maybe I'm just dreaming.

Posted by: From the Point