I’m still concerned about a more top heavy scoring line going against this defense. Is Q going to shift Cumiskey against Thorton? I’m not sure how it’s going to work out and if you juggle your defensive pairings I’m not sure how the defensemen gain any chemistry together.

I’d really be interested to see Finger and Hannan play as a pairing. I have a feeling that Finger can contribute more on the offensive side of the ice than we think. He and Liles are the only blue-liners doing any slap shots from the point right now. With Smyth on your team that has to be like a hockey sin or something. On the flip side if Hannan and Finger have a couple shifts together, that leaves Liles and Cumiskey. Not only would that be a surreal tandum (perhaps the shortest defensive pairing in the history of the NHL post 1980), but it would be hilarious and intriguing at the same time. This has to happen at least once this year. I don’t care if it’s because the Avs have an eight goal lead or three defensemen in the box with five minute majors and there’s nothing left. I would be horrified and riveted all at the same time.

color me confused. also makes you wonder what will happen when Richardson comes back.

No especially not. In the ALT broadcast of the Wild game they mentioned Wyatt Smith was playing on the 3rd line as a promotion for his work this season and the first thing I thought of was “Why the hell wasn’t Guite on the third line instead?” I’d like the Avs to form a true checking line whose goal is to frustrate the hell out of the other teams top line. Maybe when Richardson comes back it’ll be:
Rich-Guite-Lappy but I have the feeling that the coaches prefer Smith over Guite for whatever reason right now.

I’m very excited to have him back, and love to watch him play. His toughness is understated.

Hlinka? The 4th line is just not a great place for him.

Hlinka won’t get going again until he spends more than one game with the same linemates. Q has moved him around a ton, and it doesn’t seem to be a result of poor play on his part, more he’s trying to find a spark for other players. Another example of Hejduk’s absence throwing other stuff out of whack. However, if the missing H-link doesn’t do anything but continue his stellar work on the PK for the Avs all season, I’d be happy and consider it $600k well spent.

1) Am I the only guy really happy when Ben Guite comes on the ice? He’s shown a lot of hustle and good work the last few games, reminding me a little bit of (and I pray I’m not hexing anything here) Steve Moore in the few weeks before the Bertuzzi attack.

2) What needs to be done to get Hlinka going again? I feel like I’ve seen him make some good shots, but he’s been all around the line up, including time on the 4th line.

On a related note, I have a very distinct feeling that Scott Parker is going to get beat up by Laraque on Thursday.