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The road trip is over with a record for the Avs.
For the first time in their franchise history, the Avs finish a 5 games road trip going 5-0. Pretty big thing, right? And pretty lucky, but luck is part of the game, as they say. And winning with luck is just as important as destroying teams with 7-1 scores. So admitting that luck and goalies helped the Avs against the Canadiens and Maple Leafs, we should be glad the team is where it is, on top of the Western Conference and the League, with 10 points! Print that standings and put them on your wall, you'll never know how long is it gonna last.
Robert Ciubotaru, Romania, eurolanche@eurolanche.com
19/10/2011 - 19:00
Postgame thoughts: Habs and Leafs
The road trip is over with a record for the Avs.For the first time in their franchise history, the Avs finish a 5 games road trip going 5-0. Pretty big thing, right? And pretty lucky, but luck is part of the game, as they say. And winning with luck is just as important as destroying teams with 7-1 scores. So admitting that luck and goalies helped the Avs against the Canadiens and Maple Leafs, we should be glad the team is where it is, on top of the Western Conference and the League, with 10 points! Print that standings and put them on your wall, you'll never know how long is it gonna last.
They've been there last year and then we all know what happened... I'm just hoping that all the changes will pan out this time. Speaking of changes, how about Johnny Liles in blue, against the Avs? Weird, right? And he didn't pull any punches either. The Leafs were in it till the bitter end but finally David Jones put'em out of their misery keeping the Avs impeccable road record intact.
Truth be told, some things still aren't there for Colorado. For one, I think Duchene, as gifted as he is, at times is too selfish. He's trying too much and he doesn't always get it. Still, I see a better start from him this season than the last two.
For as much as I didn't like Johnson because of the Stewart trade and, frankly, because I don't think that having a big mouth makes you a leader, he was crucial against the Habs on two occasions. The sweet pass to David Jones for his wrist shot and late in the 3rd period, on Avs' PP, when he fought to keep the puck in the Canadiens' territory, which then led to the tying goal. So good job!
Otherwise, the defense was not the best and finally the offense bailed them out. Too bad about Peter's concussions issue. Again... But what will happen now, that he's good to go again? Will Sacco take Lindstrom out? I hope not, the guy is good and he's finding a nice rhythm with Matty and the Duke. Of course, the 3rd line is untouchable, only a deranged man would mess with the chemistry there. So expect Sacco do to that. Just kidding... Sort of...
I'm hoping Kobasew will be moved from that line and Lindstrom or Mueller will take his place. I know, Peter hasn't been that great so far, but he'll get there. Still, something tells me Joakim is the odd man out. Will find out Thursday night, against the Blackhawks, the first game in a home-and-home series.
Robert Ciubotaru, Romania, eurolanche@eurolanche.com
19/10/2011 - 19:00
