Eurolanche

Postgame: Oilers

That Parenteau signing looks pretty good, right? PA got his sixth goal of the season against the division rival Oilers, on a redirect of a Wilson shot. This happened in the second period, a short time after the Avs wasted yet again a penalty. It was the tying goal, after Yakupov scored the Oilers only goal in the first minute of play.

Apparently the theory that the Avs have an advantage at the beginning of the season because they play at altitude and the teams are not yet in game shape could have some truth to it. Well, regardless the Avs are undefeated at home. Even their PK is excellent at home, after being absolutely horrible on the road. The power play remains at its usual crappy level, something like 5%, including three 5-on-3 opportunities wasted in the few games played so far.

But talking about Parenteau, him, Mitchell and Zanon are good additions to the team. Of course the Avs are still missing "the one that should not be named", caught in limbo, somewhere between NHL and KHL. You might notice my "Harry Potter" reference... I'm trying to pass for a younger guy than I actually am. On second thought, I should've gone with something from "Twilight" or whatever the kids are into these days.

But the actual stories of the game were Duchene and Varlamov. Varly is a beast, so far he mostly gets beaten by guys left alone close to the net. Matty was active, he's a good presence on PK at times, due to his quick hands. Of course, he still has some giveaways, but he's harder to separate from the puck and a little more mature. By which I mean he now can grow a beard. Just kidding, I don't know if he can.

Okay, this is it for now, I don't want to pull a brain muscle by trying to think of actual smart things to say. Don't worry, not even a short season can't force me to do that.  Meanwhile, the one and only Duke will play his 1,000 game as an Av. How about that?

Next time we'll try and understand why the Avs are still dumping and chasing. And also why they do that to the puck too. Haha... I've got nothing if not lousy humor.