Without Liles, the Colorado Avalanche begin a key stretch. In the next 6 games before the All-Star break, the Avs play Detroit, Calgary, Anaheim, San Jose, Phoenix and Detroit again. 5 of those 6 teams are above the Avs in the standings (and, theoretically, Pheonix could be by the time that game rolls around).
The Avs have a 3 game winning streak (and the Wings a 3 game losing streak). In the last 12 games, Colorado is 8-4 with Budaj (tonight’s projected starter) at 7-2.
Brisebois (back) is still out and it doesn’t sound like the Avs plan to recall anyone from Albany at the moment. That makes it - Clark, Skrastins, Klee, Vaananen, Sauer, Cumiskey. Clark is the only member of that group to have a point on the powerplay this year (with 5). Liles has accounted for 63% of the PP points from defensemen this season.
For the Wings, Matt Schneider is out (knee). Chelios was expected to miss the game (following the recent double homicide in his restaurant), but with Schneider on the shelf, the Wings were short on eyebrows and will rush Chelios back. No word on who will be in net for Detroit, but I think Hasek is a safe bet.
Brett Clark. I understand you’re taking more ice time now that Liles is out, but if you’re tired, get off the fucking ice! That lazy turnover lead straight to Detroit’s second goal. Grumble!
That third period was so bad we absolutely stole that last point. The Avs were slow, tired and flat footed the entire period (none worse than Turgeon) and seemed to make lazy passes throughout the period. Also - am I the only one who thinks we need to run some people into the boards a little more? When Vanannen has a guy down in his own zone, I’d like to see him deliver a big hit every now and then (it wouldn’t kill our forwards to be a bit tougher either). It really eats me up and makes it so much worse when Detroit, of all teams, looks *soo* good in comparison.
Sakic’s shootout goal was the only real highlight of the game. I almost heard a video-game like computer voice say “Humiliating Defeat!” inside my head after the goal!
There is nothing more frightening in this world for an Avalanche fan than to have Turgeon or Brisebois on the ice when they are gassed.
can’t disagree with that, Dario.