Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have completed a total overhaul in the goaltending department.

Earlier today, the Avalanche traded their first-round draft pick in 2012 and their second-round pick in either 2012 or 2013 to Washington for goaltender Semyon Varlamov.  Now, J.S. Giguere has decided to head to the Mile High City.

Continue reading "Colorado Avalanche Sign Jean-Sebastien Giguere"

oint total?

The Northwest Division, which features the Canucks, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers, saw only one of its teams make the playoffs.  This is the only division in the NHL to do so.

Continue reading "Weak Northwest Division Could Benefit Blackhawks"

What else can go wrong for Craig Anderson?

After suffering a freak knee-injury in warm-ups on October 26, Anderson was the victim of a groin injury Wednesday against Vancouver.  The knee injury came when Anderson was doing a routine wrap-up in warm-ups that consists of all of the Avalanche skaters converging on Anderson in the crease, trying to shove a puck past him.  But Anderson came out of the shuffle with a knee injury that sidelined him ten games, in which the Avalanche went 6-3-1 and outscored their opponents 38-27 during his absence.  Anderson came back with a swift punch to the New York Rangers, stopping 25 out of 26 shots, including a fantastic sprawling save on Marc Staal in the slot.  The Avalanche went on to demolish the Rangers 5-1.  Things were looking very bright in Denver, as the Avalanche played brilliantly without Anderson, and then the star goalie makes a return in a convincing win.  Things sure can change in just a few short days.

Continue reading "Colorado May Struggle Without Anderson"

July 9th was a dark day for the Colorado Avalanche hockey club.  After 20 seasons, all being with the Nordiques-Avalanche franchise, long-time captain Joe Sakic announced his retirement from the NHL. Not only did Avalanche personnel say goodbye to their on-ice leader, but their most valuable player.

Continue reading "Avalanche Should Make Pitch for Tanguay"

The Avalanche have taken yet another step to try and answer their troubles in net.  Craig Anderson, one of the best back-up goaltenders in 2008-09, has accepted a 2-year, $3.6 million deal. 

Continue reading "Avalanche sign Craig Anderson to ..."

So I'm sitting home, watching the game, season opener, wondering if our boys will have what it takes this season. And I just think there is so much to be excited about right now. First and foremost: it's hockey season, baby! I'm so excited for fall because of three things: old sweatshirts, pumpkin beer, and hockey season. I used to work out almost everyday, take my dog for a walk, help my girlfriend with dinner, but during hockey season, I'm sad to say I lose a bit of my figure, so does my dog, and my girlfriend is pissed at me for how much time I spend glued to the TV tracking a puck too fast for her to see. All the nay sayers think the playoffs are a long shot for us this year. Sure we lost the big 2-1. But even without Forsberg, we have a lot to be excited about this season. On Sakic's between-period interviews on Versus, he promises, "Our D is as good as it's been in years."  I couldn't agree more. Liles is playing tight. Foote is healthy, and Salei has found his niche, to name but a few. The forward lines are as solid as ever, of course, led by the legend himself, Joey Boy. The acquisition of Darcy Tucker will solidify a much-needed physical presence in the offensive corners. Svatos and Wolski are coming off a fantastic season last year and will only keep building on their willingness to grow and adapt on the ice. Not to mention the stalwart presence of Brunette and the ex-Denver Pioneer Mr. Paul Stasney. Overlooking it all, the suit on the bench, Tony Granato. I never really understood why he was coach a few years a few years back, stayed with the club and now gets the big call. I was ok with Quenneville. i hale from from Missouri as an old guard Blues fan from the Hull/MacInnis days. That Quenneville. He's alright. But I really think Granato has his head right, is motivated to do good by the club and will prove it in the win column. 

Continue reading "A season pending"