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Two in a row at home, first time this season.
With about 25 games gone in the season, it's a sad comment about this team that only now it managed to win two games in a row on home ice. But this was one beautiful game and I'm not saying that just because the Avs won. It truly was an entertaining game which ended fittingly in shootouts. And, of course, the man of the moment in Denver, Ryan O'Reilly, scored the winner, after scoring once in regulation and assisting on Hejduk's goal. So Ryan is proving that Factor is the right nickname for him.
Robert Ciubotaru, Romania, eurolanche@eurolanche.com
05/12/2011 - 16:00
Postgame thoughts: Blues
Two in a row at home, first time this season.With about 25 games gone in the season, it's a sad comment about this team that only now it managed to win two games in a row on home ice. But this was one beautiful game and I'm not saying that just because the Avs won. It truly was an entertaining game which ended fittingly in shootouts. And, of course, the man of the moment in Denver, Ryan O'Reilly, scored the winner, after scoring once in regulation and assisting on Hejduk's goal. So Ryan is proving that Factor is the right nickname for him.
Of course, the big thing of the night was the return of Stewart and Shattenkirk to town. Both had points, Shatty scored and Stewey had an assist, but to my surprise Chris wasn't playing with a mean streak. Maybe seeing his old buddies soften him a little. Varlamov was again good, with 35 saves out of 37 shots, and you can't fault him for the goals.
What I really noticed this season and I think it gets overlooked is Duchene's defensive play. He may not score too much and some even called him invisible against St Louis, but the kid is finishing his checks, he's more responsible defensively, he's trying to be play "all 200 feet of the ice", like Factor does.
Speaking of young guns, Landeskog seems to be tired or affected by the line changes, because he's not as efficient as before. Also, Elliott's points streak ended after his first three NHL games but it's worth noting he hit the post.
The next game is against the beloved Red Wings and if the boys would put out a similar effort things would be great. But two great games in a row in Pepsi Center? Should we dare hope? Can they get as far as possible from that lottery pick that won't be theirs? Actually, can they do it with Sacco on the bench?
Robert Ciubotaru, Romania, eurolanche@eurolanche.com
05/12/2011 - 16:00
