(Getty Images)
I’m going to keep it short today. The Red Wings beat the Avs 1-0 last night, with Dominik Hasek recording what has to be his 1 billionth shutout. Colorado played very well, especially their defensemen and goaltender Jose Theodore, who put in his 2nd straight solid effort. And if you think that means I’m anxious to see him in net again, you’re crazier than Joel Quenneville and Terry Frei.
Our offense, to put it mildly, is hurting. We’re 0 for our last 17 on the power play, and don’t seem to show any signs of snapping out of the funk any time soon. Just watching the team stumble around with the man advantage is enough to make a grown man cry. At the very least, you’ll cringe and attempt to avert your eyes. It’s that bad.
vs. last year:
On December 9th, we whipped the Blues 9-5. In the 12 games since then, we’ve scored just 28 goals, an average of 2.15 per game. As a comparison, over the same stretch last year (game 30 to game 42) we scored 44 goals (3.00 per game). As of today, we’ve scored 15 goals less than we had at the same point last season - the biggest gap of the season - and just 2 points ahead of last year, the closest we’ve been since November 7th. Essentially, we’re down a 1st line and every line has moved up one. And that strain is starting to show on the ice and in the standings. I know GM Francois Giguere prefers a patient, build-from-within approach, but, honestly, I’m not sure this team can wait until Sakic and Smyth return from their injuries. By then, we may be out of contention.
Game Notes
Game notes are here.
Lines
Cody McCormick returned and played on the 4th line in place of Kyle Cumiskey. This was the only change made from the Islander game. Line reports for this game have been uploaded, as well as the NY game.
Quick Hits
- Johnny Boychuk again played at forward (and also the point on our PP late in the game). He led all players with 6 hits.
- TJ Hensick, playing in front of his hometown crowd, had several good offensive chances and was on the ice for some key shifts in the 3rd period. He was thanked for his performance after the game by being sent down to the AHL.
- John-Michael Liles had 23:37 of ice time, tops on the team.
Next Up
The Avalanche play the Capitals in Washington tonight. Tyler Arnason may make his return in the game.
Other Recaps
Winging It In Motown (I don’t have to tell you this is a Detroit blog, do I?)
Hensick was sent down to make room for Arnason. Let me get this straight, they would rather have Parker, Boychuk, Cumiskey and Arnason playing as forwards and let Richardson, Hensick and Jones play in the AHL. I just want to make sure I understand this.
I do believe that is the case, yes.
We’re having trouble scoring, so it makes sense to get rid of the offensive guys. Or something.
News:
Quenville has decided that since Theodore is so good at letting in goals, he might as well score some. Theo to start at forward against Washington tonight. Boychuk in net*
May or not be made up
I don’t get the forward moves either, Dario. Maybe they’re trying to not put too much stress on those guys so they develop properly? Who knows.
if Q breaks up the Mc* / Guite / Lappy line with Arnason back, i’ll go postal on someone.
rage________________building
Must_________________fight_______________________urge__________________________to____________________kill____________________________Quenneville
NO Mike…please don’t…wait a m i n u t e. Maybe we should let you go postal on him. Then we can finally get rid of the bum and get back to playing offense instead of playing 6 defenseman and rotating which one plays in net every 5 minutes.
Seriously, keeping Boychuk and sending Richardson and Hensick back to Lake Erie? Some one please find out what Quenville is smoking and destroy it quickly.