The Avs were supposed to win this game. Atlanta is not a playoff team and these were two points the Avs needed and should have won. With two Andrew Brunette goals, Milan Hejduk, a Joe Sakic wrister, and David Jone's first NHL goal, that's exactly what they did. Making 23 saves on 25 shots was Jose Theodore.
It was a great all-around effort by the team. They got the lead early and refused to squander it. Five goals and a killer instinct is what we all expected from this team in the beginning of this season.
Power Play
The Avalanche power play was 1/4 and that's a huge improvement over past games. It's nice to see the trio of Stastny, Sakic, and Brunette, three of our biggest playmakers, working so well together.
Congratulations
Congratulations to David Jones, who had a three point night and his first goal. Jones has been working hard all season to keep a spot on the Avalanche roster. Quenville has noted how hard he plays on numerous occasions and it's good to see that it is finally paying off for the kid.
Wolski Scratched
After coming off an average home-and-home series against Dallas, Wolski was once again a healthy scratch in favor of Jaroslav Hlinka and Scott Parker.
Parker Injured
Scott Parker suffered an apparent knee/ankle injury. No news on his return.
Foote Re-Injured
Came back today for the first time since the Dallas game on Saturday. He left in the first period with a hip injury.
Kyle Cumiskey Returns
Due to the various defensive injuries, Kyle Cumiskey did play in tonight's game.
Other Injury News
Brett Clark is out with a shoulder injury and is out indefintely.
Ruslan Salei was cut in the eye, but should be back for the Edmonton game.
Peter Forsberg is day-to-day with a groin injury.
Marek Svatos is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Ryan Smyth seems to just be resting his sore shoulder. He should be back by the weekend games.
Jordan Leopold is out with something. He needs a bubble to avoid future injuries.
Three Stars of the Game
1. David Jones (First NHL goal and two assists)
2. Andrew Brunette (Two goals, most consistent offensive performer for a month)
3. Joe Sakic (A goal and two assists, regaining form since injury)
Next Up
The Avs head back to the Pepsi Center for a 9:30 game on THURSDAY night against the Edmonton Oilers. Ten of the next eleven games are against divisonal opponents. This is obviously a key point in the season.
On the Bubble
Big win tonight with some good results.
6. COLORADO - 82 POINTS (11 GAMES REMAINING)
7. Minnesota - 81 Points (12 Games Remaining)
8. Vancouver - 80 Points (13 Games Remaining)
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9. Nashville - 78 Points (11 Games Remaining)
Northwest Division Leader: Calgary Flames - 82 Points - 13 Games Remaining
With a loss against the surging Sharks, the Predators lost a lot of ground. They are trailing the Nucks by a full two points and have played two more games. The Avs took over sixth place tonight and are tied for the division lead.
Tomorrow's Key Games
Calgary vs Washington
Avs fans will pray that Alexander Ovechkin will score six more goals to reach sixty tomorrow night against the Caps.
Vancouver vs Anaheim
A tough matchup for the Canucks who have been failing to get points lately.
Video Fix
None tonight, but tomorrow I will put David Jones's first goal in its very own post!
Speaking of which, this is now this blog's 100th post. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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