They Might Just Be For Real

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.

The Duchene goal to tie the game at 2-2 was great to see.  He jumped in the air like he just scored the game winner in overtime of game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.  As he skated to the bench, you could read his lips as he shouted “Finally!” to his teammates.  Besides the celebration, the goal itself was a masterpiece.  It was a soft-touch wrister from a tough angle that tagged the far corner over Osgood’s right shoulder.  After seven games without a goal, I think Duchene would have taken a deflection or a put back of some garbage in front of the net, but it was extra special to see his first be a quality, goal-scorer’s goal, wrist shot.

Another indication I am getting that this team may be for real is that the stars on the team are playing like stars.  So far, Hejduk and Wolski are tied for the team lead in points with seven, and Stastny is a close second with six.  Ryan O’Reilly also has six points to solidify his argument to stay with the team after the ten game cutoff.  His faked shot & pass to McLeod for the Avs 3rd goal of the night showed skill beyond his 18 years.  It was a total finesse play, and he definitely deserves to stay in the big show.

Good teams also need to get the random support from their 3rd and 4th liners.  Cody McLeod had two gigantic goals Saturday night, and he now has four points and is a +3.  For a guy that we generally only associate the occasional fight, he can be pretty dangerous with the puck.  After this performance, we may have to start calling 2 goals and a fight a “McLeod Hat Trick.”  Let’s not forget Darcy Tucker who has  five points on the season.  I think a lot of Avalanche fans made him one of their whipping-boys last season, but he is showing a lot of skill and intensity so far this season.

With the win last night, the Avalanche have guaranteed themselves a successful and winning road trip, and they are on top of the Western Conference with 13 points.  I had to take a screenshot of the standings because it has been quite a long time since we have seen this.

I know that it is still early, but this team definitely has a great mix of good goaltending, veteran leadership, and young talent.  I think that we are at the very least least looking at a playoff caliber team.  And after finishing last in the West a season ago, that is saying a lot.

Burying bad teams is the next test that this new team needs to pass.  They head to Minnesota on Wednesday night for the last game of the road trip before coming back home for two games.  The Wild are just 1-6-0 in their first 7 games.  They are struggling, but the Avs cannot let their guard down.  They have always had tough games played in St. Paul, and the Wild will be hungry for their second win.  As long as they continue to play like they have lately, the Avalanche should have no problem coming home after going 5-1-1 on their first road trip of the season.

Please note that the new edition of The Avs Hockey Podcast #42 is now on the virtual shelf.  Take half an hour out of your day to listen, and support regular fans discussing Avs hockey.