Posted by The Colorado Avalanche are one of the surprises of the early NHL season. At this writing, the Avs have the Western Conference lead with a 6-1-1 record. Even more amazing
is that they have amassed a 4-1-1 road record.
Colorado is in the midst of a season-long seven game road trip that sees them play five of the Original Six teams in the span of one week. Here’s a recap of last weeks
action:
10/10 Chicago 4 Colorado 3 SO
The Avs were the guests for the Blackhawks home opener and the Hawks came out flying in front of 20,000 roaring fans. The game was even throughout regulation and
overtime and went to the 9th round of the shootout before Andrew Ladd won it for Chicago
10/12 Colorado 4 Boston 3
Once again the Avs were the guests for a home opener, this time a Columbus Day matinee against the Boston Bruins. The Avs blew an early 2-0 lead, jumped back up 4-2
and then held on to win. David Jones got the game winner in his first action of the season.
10/13 Colorado 4 Toronto 1
Darcy Tucker had a happy homecoming, scoring a goal and an assist as the Avs whipped up on the woeful Leafs in a game seen be very few in Denver (more on that
later).The only bad news was a shoulder injury suffered by John-Michael Liles.
10/15 Colorado 3 Montreal 2
Another opponent home opener, another Avalanche victory. The Canadiens came out flying for their 100th home opener, but the Avs were able to weather the storm and
ended up the first period down only 1-0. Play evened in the second period and stayed that way until 18 year old rookie Ryan O’Reilly scored his 1st NHL goal in the 3rd
period. It proved to be the game winner.
10/17 Colorado 4 Detroit 3 SO
Last season, the Avs won 3 of 4 from the Wings. They start this season the same way, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game and winning the shootout 2-1.
The highlight of the game was the first NHL goal of 18 year old rookie Matt Duchene.
COMING UP
10/21 Colorado @ Minnesota
After a few days at home the Avs end their road marathon with a quick trip to visit the Wild.
10/23 Colorado – Carolina
The first home game in 3 weeks. Before the game the Avs will honor Alexei Gusarov as the second member of the newly-formed Avalanche Alumni Association. (Joe Sakic
was the first)
10/24 Colorado – Detroit
The Avs play back-to-back home games for the only time this season. Wings Todd Bertuzzi and Brad May can expect a hostile welcome from what should be a sellout
crowd.
ANALYSIS
The 6-1-1 start for Colorado is something that not even the most avid fan would’ve predicted. Many thought that the seven game road trip so early in the season would bury
the Avs, but the team has come together and surprised almost everyone. Unlike previous seasons, they handle adversity without folding and their wins are a result of hard
work and solid team play.
Much of the Avs success can be attributed to the play of:
-Craig Anderson. The ex-Panther has played every minute of every game and been outstanding. His calm, assured manner has rubbed off on his teammates and they
display a confidence playing in front of him that has not been seen here since the days of Patrick Roy.
Last year saw Andy play a career high 35 NHL games. This year should see him play more than 60.
-Wojtek Wolski. Many believe that this is a make-or-break year for Wolski and he has risen to the challenge. He is playing well on both ends of the ice and is tied for the
team lead in scoring
-Darcy Tucker. Avs fans and management were sorely disappointed in Tucker’s play last season, but he has been one of the highlights this season. He is fifth on the team in
scoring, and his hustle and hard work are paying dividends.
-Kyle Quincey. Quincey was acquired from L.A. in the off-season and has given the Avs a shot in the arm. He is an anchor on defense and is adding much-needed scoring.
He is third on the team with 6 points.
-David Jones. He missed the first four games with a preseason injury but he has come out of the gate on fire. He has 2 game winning goals in the 3 games he’s played.
OTHER STUFF
The Avs got a break on the shoulder injury to John-Michael Liles. At first, it was feared to be a separation, which would have lead to a lengthy recuperation. But it was later
determined that it was not separated and that Liles should miss only about two weeks.
Avs management has until the 10th game (10/23 against Carolina) to decide the fate of 18 year old rookies Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly. At that point the Avs must
decide to keep them up in Colorado or send them back to their junior teams. Both have shown that they belong in the NHL, and it will be very unpopular among the fans if
either is returned to juniors.
The Avs game in Toronto is the latest example of an ongoing problem with Avalanche media coverage in Denver. The game was not shown on local cable, Altitude, or
national cable, Versus. If you wanted to get coverage of the game you had to try to tune into the Avalanche radio station, 1510AM. Despite claims of an offseason upgrade in
signal strength, their signal is still spotty in many parts of suburban Denver, and is all but impossible to get in nearby Castle Rock or Brighton.Quite a few fans were left with
no coverage at all.
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
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Colorado Avalanche – Attendance – Is Anybody Out There?
HOCKEY IN THE ROCKIES I I I – NHL leaders…who woulda thunkit?
Summertime in the Rockies
Colorado Avalanche – Attitude of Gratitude
Flames Flip into High Gear Against Ottawa After Flop Against Tampa Bay
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