“The goaltending wasn’t there.” That’s what Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville had to say about Jose Theodore after yet another disappointing game against the Dallas Stars. “I wasn’t there to make the big saves when I needed to.” That’s Theodore. “It’s time to ride Peter Budaj for a while.” That one’s me.
Is Theodore solely to blame for the Avs blowing a 2-goal lead for the 3rd time to the Stars? Yep. The difference between Budaj and Theodore can be attributed to one main area: the opposing powerplay. When not shorthanded, Theodore has a stellar 1.91 GAA - even better than Budaj’s solid 2.28. Against opponents’ powerplays though, Theo’s GAA balloons to a dismal 8.90 against Budaj’s 4.05. Colorado is 0-7 in games where they’ve given up 2 or more PP goals in a game. Theodore is responsible for 5 of those game, and has been in net for 25 of the 32 PP goals the team has given up.
So here’s the scenario. The Avs can outscore opponents at even strength (about a +10 on the season) and have a much-improved powerplay. Take away the PK and the Avs are an upper-tier playoff team: 18-9-2 when they hold opponents to 1 PP goal or less. Colorado just finished a 9-game stretch where they allowed just 4 PP goals and went 6-3. Budaj allowed 1 PP goal in 5 starts (4-1). Theo? 3 PP goals in 4 starts (2-2). See a pattern? Simply put, Jose Theodore isn’t getting the job done while shorthanded, and it is holding this team back.
EV Forward Lines
Svatos (groin) missed his 3rd straight game. The lines were the same for the 2nd straight game - the first time in 8 games that Quenneville has used the same lines back to back.
- Sakic, Wolski, Brunette. +2, 14:23, 8 shots.
- Arnason, McLean, Hejduk. -3, 10:22, 5 shots.
- Stastny, Richardson, Rycroft. E, 11:15, 5 shots
- Turgeon, Laaksonen, Laperriere. +1, 10:45, 4 shots
Defensive Pairings
No changes here either, although Patrice Brisebois left early in the 2nd period with a back injury. He might miss the next game…if the next Denver blizzard doesn’t wipe it out.
- Clark & Skrastins. +1, 18:38, 2 shots
- Liles & Brisebois. -2, 11:27, 8 shots
- Klee & Vaananen. +1, 15:33, 0 shots
Quick Hits
- Dallas was without Mike Modano, Brendan Morrow and Eric Lindros. Not that it mattered. Stars’ Chris Conner scored his first career goal against the Avs. Loui Eriksson also scored. The pair have scored 3 of their 4 career goals against Colorado. Do I even have to tell you which goalie gave them up?
- Wojtek Wolski had, IMO, his best game in the NHL. I criticize him often for his lack of effort, but it was there last night. He skated all game, handled the puck well, went to the net with authority, and even doled out a couple of hits. Wolski has 5 points in his last 2 games and is 3rd on the team in EV scoring.
- John-Michael Liles had a season high 7 shots. He is on pace to eclipse career-best totals in goals, assists, points, and shots.
Great analysis regarding Theodore Even Strength versus Shorthanded. I had *no* idea the difference was that pronounced. Budaj is definitely getting some serious playing time, and he’s earned it.
A few comments:
- If we can’t beat the Stars without Modano, Morrow and Lindros, we’re in trouble.
- Sakic’s goal off Wolski’s rebound made me jump off my couch and cheer - what a FUN play to watch unfold.
- With Brisebois out, it really makes me think how nice it would be if we had another highly-touted young puck-moving defenseman to (L…) come (…E…) in (…O…) and (…P…) pick (..O…) up (…L…) the (…D) slack. Oh well.
Good analysis on the goaltender PK performances. Skrastins had another horrible game as well. I hate having McClean on the second line, it makes absolutely no sense. Put Richardson on that line….please?
Additionally, and by no suprise Skrastins is our worst PK defender according to your statistics at http://inthecheapseats.com/avs/pk.htm://inthecheapseats.com/avs/pk.htm
Kyle Cumiskey has been recalled. Not highly-touted, but does seem to be a good young puck-moving d-man. That will be interesting.
Nice analysis as usual, DD!