I only caught the first period before I had to go coach the Mites. The rest will all be based on highlights from "NHL on the Fly."
The Wings came out very flat in the first ten, and as a result gave up a bad goal to the Avs. Wolski continues to make sick moves, and this one was in slow motion. Arnason slowed it down that it made it hard to play. Wolski is turning into a goal scoring machine as of late, and his value to this club continues to grow.
The Stastny goal was a thing of beauty as well. Upper deck in the far corner, hard angle, what a goal. This makes me believe that he is still growing, and has even more potential than what we have seen.
The speed of this game was very impressive as well. The Avs controlled the neutral zone against a team that makes its living off of a fast transition.
The turning point in the game was when the Avs killed the five on three. Very strong performance by Raycroft as well. The Avs played like they believed in their goal keeper. Raycroft showed some real flashes of brilliance tonight. As much as we have been frustrated with goal tending this season, tonight we got a treat. Half of the highlights shown were of him and his glove hand.
Shot blocking was done very well too. Keeping the wings to the outside is a very good plan. There is so much talent on that team, and they normally work very hard. Babcock has talked several times about his team not playing a complete 60 minutes. They certainly didn't show up the first period.
Something of note tonight was the speed. Lots of rushes, and lots of development of plays by both teams. This is what led to Leopold penalty shot. A great set up that required the Wings to take a penalty. In turn Leopold made a good move and beat Osgood. Congrats Jordan, way to make your first.
T.J. Hensick skated well from what I saw in the first period, he looked like he had a bounce in his step that he hasn't the last couple of games. If I have to pick a forward to send back to Lake Eerie at this point when the team gets healthy it would probably be him. He is struggling with his consistency.
Stewart got pushed around a little tonight. He is hockey fearless, and looked surprised that guys at this level can take his checks. Jones has had several moments like this as well. Jones was a step away from brilliance again tonight. He will have to work on his speed this summer and the rest of this season. He needs that half a step to beat NHL defensemen.
No more rumor talk, lets see how the Sundin sweeps effect the whole plain of the NHL. Hope this finds everyone doing well, and of course enjoying the win.
Who the heck was wearing Raycroft's jersey in net? He played unreal, it's scary how Detroit can still make a game of it even without thier best effort.Have the Av's been putting in a more consistant effort lately?Is there a sense whether or not they can pull out of the 500. club?
thanks man, good blog! I'm glad we finally beat 'em :)
Shorty, what it really comes down to is there is a youth movement of sorts going on in Colorado. They didn't expect to have to start it, but it kind of just happened last year during the playoffs when the Wings swept the Avs. If the kids(Jones, Stewart, Wolski, Stastny, Svatos, Hensick and even Budaj) can turn in consistent effort, then they could easily make the playoffs. If they aren't ready to handle that load, then it will be about acquiring picks to continue the youth movement.
That's probably the best way to go about it, the Av's have seem to been reeling a little bit ever since the lockout.With the right deadline deals you could pull off something similar to what the Flyers managed two summers ago.It would be nice if the Canucks could get Hejduk, just so I don't have to watch him slaughter them everytime.:)
Hejduk does like to play against the Canucks, heck lately whenever the Avs have needed a win, the Canucks are never far away in the schedule. If the Avs do it right, and deal right I think they could do well in two seasons. It will take that long, and that much experience to get all of the youth performing like they need to. I hate to say it, but th Sakic era could very well be over, and if that is the case, I expect to see guys get re-signed more than trades or free agent stuff.
heck lately whenever the Avs have needed a win, the Canucks are never far away in the schedule.* sreekers*The last two have been really frustrating as the Canucks deserved a better fate in both. Must have really pissed off the hockey gods or something :)
When it comes to playing the Canucks, the "bounces" never seem to go their way. Until last night we had a streak similar to what the Canucks have going. I never think we match up well against Nashville. It may just be in my head, but the Avs never match up well against the Preds. Its funny how there is always a team or two that no matter what the standing say, plays well against any one team.