Archive For October 2009
Anderson Dominating NHL Goaltending Stats
on October 28, 2009 by Kevin Nash in General Avalance Talk, Comments (0)
I was not able to watch the Avalanche v. Oilers last night because my DirecTV signal was being jammed by a giant storm cloud dumping 4 inches of snow on us in just a few hours. So, since I really cannot have an opinion on the team’s performance (other than what is in the highlight video), I thought I would just discuss some of Craig Anderson’s stats after the first 12 games.
Because of the dismal performance of the team last year, there are a lot of “experts” who are very cautious about giving this team any credit for where they are in the standings. We have added some good players like Quincey, O’Riley, and Duchene, but Craig Anderson is the main reason for the team’s current success. Here are his impressive numbers after making all 12 starts for the Avalanche:
Do The Avs Need a Goon?
on October 22, 2009 by Kevin Nash in General Avalance Talk, Comments (0)
After watching the spectacle on the ice during the 2nd period between David Koci and Derek Bougard, I can’t help but ask the question that is the title of this blog. I would also like to ask this question of the NHL as a whole, but I will just start with the Avalanche for now.
First of all, don’t get me wrong. I love a good hockey fight as much as the next guy. If two players are in the heat of competition, their emotions start flying, and that leads to an impromptu fight, then I am perfectly ok with that.
They Might Just Be For Real
on October 18, 2009 by Kevin Nash in General Avalance Talk, Comments (1)
One of the biggest tests of a good team is whether or not they can overcome adversity. I think it is safe to say that last year’s team would have packed it in during the third period Saturday night, and there would not have been much of an attempt to tie things up. Among our biggest gripes of the team last year was that the goaltending really did not give us a chance to win each night. There was constantly a feeling that if Budaj or Raycroft could have made a few more saves, then we would have had a chance to steal a point here and there. On Saturday night, across the board, from Anderson, to the youngsters Duchene and O’Reilly, the team just did not quit. I am not at all saying that they planned it this way, but it reminded me a bit of the old “Rope-a-Dope” move that Ali used to put on guys. I think that there was definitely a stamina advantage on the Avalanche bench toward the end of the game. The ice started to tilt toward the Detroit end, and the Avalanche took advantage of their opportunities.
“They all even out…”
on October 16, 2009 by Jay Vean in General Avalance Talk, Comments (3)
That second Habs goal last night made some Avs faithful pretty upset, myself included. During the play in question, there’s little doubt that the puck hit the protective net behind Craig Anderson. There should have also been an interference call on whoever launched Kyle Quincey’s stick out of his hand while he protected the passing lane that was left open after his stick disappeared. We all saw what happened, but all of the guys with the whistles, whose opinions matter in those situations, didn’t. I was more disappointed and frustrated that everything became an even larger issue with all of the Avs players and coaches after the puck was behind Andy, but that’s what happens in the NHL, or any sport, when players quit playing and look for a call when the whistle hasn’t actually blown.
What I’ve Noticed So Far…
on October 15, 2009 by Jay Vean in General Avalance Talk, Comments (3)
I’ll admit it, I’m guilty. I was wrong. Many of you were too. Time to admit it.
We’re six games into the season and I feel like many of you. We let the press, news, hockey experts, Avs blogging “experts” (who I’ll always follow anyways though), etc. lead us into believing the fact that this season was going to be horrid from beginning to end. Overall, I like the way this team is playing, and the wins are just a bonus. There is health, energy, and accountability; just a few of the things that were missing from last year’s team for many reasons that really don’t matter now so they’re not worth talking about.
I’m just going to keep it simple and share some random thoughts on what I’ve liked and what I’m worried about when it comes to the future of our 2009-2010 Avs.
The Avs Hockey Podcast, and a Big Thanks to Kevin!
on October 14, 2009 by Jay Vean in General Avalance Talk, Comments (0)
Hi Avs fans!
First of all, I just want to thank Kevin for always being willing to help me out with some publicity when it’s appropriate. We’ve known each other for a few seasons now and continue to stay in touch in the name of our passion for our favorite hockey team. I respect fans like Kevin in that things may get rough (anyone remember what last season felt like?), and he’ll always be a fan. Those are the fans I get along with. Kevin…thanks for the forum and thanks for the blog. Platforms like them, even with the small crowd, are way better than the huge forums where grown up hockey talk doesn’t happen near enough. I’m looking forward to seeing where this new adventure takes us and who joins in on the conversation.
New Look for AvalancheTalk.com
on October 13, 2009 by Kevin Nash in General Avalance Talk, Comments (1)
I have decided to go with a Newspaper theme for now. We will see where this goes. I would really like to give this the old, “Post college, and degree means nothing” try. Please feel free to send me comments and suggestions. I will try not to think badly of you if you are too critical.
Over the years, the Avalanche Talk forum has been a place where a few people have come to share their feelings on the state of the team, as well as the rest of the NHL.
