Avs' final prayer almost answered
Liles' point-blank shot to tie score foiled by Osgood
By Rick Sadowski, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Friday, April 25, 2008
Dave Reginek / Nhli Via Getty Images
Avalanche goalie Jose Theodore, who was replaced in the second period by Peter Budaj and returned to his hotel room feeling ill, can only watch as the Red Wings celebrate one of the four goals he allowed.
Carlos Osorio / Associated Press
Colorado's Cody McLeod loses his balance as he tries to control the puck against Detroit's Dan Cleary during the Red Wings' Game 1 win Thursday at Joe Louis Arena.
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For just a split second, John-Michael Liles' eyes "got pretty big," he acknowledged, with time winding down and the Avalanche trailing by a goal.
When a bouncing puck landed near his skates while he stood just a few feet from Detroit Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood, the Avalanche defenseman was thinking overtime.
But it wasn't to be. Osgood stopped Liles' point-blank shot with 8.4 seconds remaining and the Red Wings held on for a 4-3 win Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena in the opening game of the Western Conference semifinal series.
"It happens," said Liles, who beat Osgood from a sharp angle in the second period for his first goal this postseason. "Hopefully, there'll be more opportunities like that and I'll bury the next one.
"It's definitely disappointing. What can you say? He ended up making a good save on it. That's how it goes sometimes."
The main problem for the Avalanche, other than losing Peter Forsberg and Wojtek Wolski to injuries, and a subpar performance from an ill Jose Theodore, was falling into a 4-1 hole against a team like the Red Wings.
That can't happen in Game 2 on Saturday if the Avalanche is going to leave town with a split.
"We battled hard and we've done that all year, so nothing new there," captain Joe Sakic said. "But it wasn't enough. We're still down 1-0 and we have to be better next game. We know we have to play better, especially at the start of the game."
The Avalanche did strike first for the seventh consecutive game when Paul Stastny scored from right in front at 8:53 of the opening period off a pass from Ryan Smyth, but the Red Wings countered with four goals in a row.
Johan Franzen scored two of them, his second coming at 1:13 of the second period on a shot from above the right circle that beat an off-balance Theodore to the short side to make it 4-1.
Theodore, who didn't allow more than two regulation goals in any game against Minnesota in the first round, gave way to Peter Budaj at that point, having faced 16 shots. He returned to the team hotel after the second period.
"Jose was sick (Wednesday) night," coach Joel Quenneville said. "Normally, he skates in the morning of the game. He rested all day. He said he felt better come game time and he wanted to play. He went back to the hotel and he's not feeling great right now. Hopefully, it's a short little spell and he'll be fine."
Budaj, who hadn't played since March 22 against Edmonton, stopped all 20 shots he faced the rest of the way in his playoff debut, with minor leaguer Tyler
Weiman serving as the emergency backup.
"I felt pretty good," Budaj said. "I think our team really stepped up. We took it to them. We had our chances. We almost tied the game. Guys really battled. We just showed that it's going to be a tough series."
Liles pulled the Avalanche to 4-2 at 5:17 of the second period and Milan Hejduk drove to the net to redirect Stastny's pass by Osgood at 16:29.
"It says that we can compete against this team," Quenneville said. "We have had some tough games. (It's) another tough loss. We would have at least liked to get an overtime and find out what the challenge was going to be like."
The Avalanche continued to buzz around Osgood in the third period. Sakic was thwarted on a wraparound and Hejduk clanged a shot off the right goal post before Liles' near miss.
"We were fortunate when Hejduk hit the post and 'Ozzie' made a real good save off his stick at the end, so it was a good win for our team," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "It will be a tough series, and we obviously feel real good about getting the win."
Henrik Zetterberg and Dan Cleary also scored for the Red Wings. Cleary's goal at 13:48 of the first period was a strange one. He took a shot from the right circle, Theodore swatted the puck high in the air with his glove, and it came straight down and bounced across the goal line.
"It went pretty high up there," Liles said.
Franzen's first goal came on a power play at 17:23 on the deflection of defenseman Niklas Kron- wall's blast, 15 seconds after Cody McLeod went off for hooking Zetterberg.
"For whatever reason, our start just wasn't up to par," Smyth said. "We have to learn from that and come out with a sense of urgency right from the drop of the puck and have it right through to the end of the game.
"We competed hard in the second and the third, but it wasn't good enough."
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April 25, 2008
5:39 a.m.
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PapaWayne writes:
It's good to see the Avs back in the playoffs again...it wasn't the same without your guys.
Great game...looking forward to Game 2!
April 25, 2008
5:42 a.m.
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ExtraPoint300 writes:
Ok so so we lost the first one because of an ill goalie.....Budaj showed he is very capable.....the Avs can play with the Red Wings and they know it....Sat will be a Joe Sakic game winning goal...stay tuned.
April 25, 2008
6:03 a.m.
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czyhorse writes:
i down...5 to win 4 bernie. darn good thing you didn't spill anything on Gordie. he would have kicked your sissie butt.
injuries are killers. red wings know that. you will soon.
April 25, 2008
6:31 a.m.
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WingNut1967 writes:
Hello Avs Fans.... Nice day here in Michigan. How's the weather there??? Jose ill eh, it's amazing the excusses that get tossed out durring the playoffs... Jose had no chance on the Franzen Goals, no chance at all... He simply got beat...
GO WINGSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a wonderful day, and we'll see you again Saterday...
April 25, 2008
7:04 a.m.
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MarineGrunt writes:
Oh Wingnut... You can have your little smile and do you rlittle dance. But after game 6 when the Mighty Avalanche will be awaiting it's next victim, we can talk again!
ALWAYS love to see the Avs play the Dead Wings... always a good game! Plus I get to raz Pantie Wings fans!
April 25, 2008
8:16 a.m.
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Motown writes:
Yes MarineGrunt. Keep talking like a man and one day, maybe, you will be one.
...It won't be this year though.
April 25, 2008
8:31 a.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
"The bottom line," said Ryan Smyth, "is we fell short."
Isn't that the truth.
ExtraPoint300, "Budaj showed he is very capable....."
Right, if you don't think the Wings can't put 3 to 5 goals on Budaj you're kidding yourself.
That said, I was there, it was a great game, and I can't wait for Saturday. Go Wings.
April 25, 2008
8:35 a.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
MarineGrunt
"But after game 6 when the Mighty Avalanche will be awaiting it's next victim"
So...what golf course is that?
April 25, 2008
8:50 a.m.
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psu96 writes:
an "ill goalie" this is the freakin NHL playoffs...but I guess he would feel ill after playing like a sieve.
April 25, 2008
8:55 a.m.
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WalterSobchak writes:
Wingnut:
Enjoy the beautiful day of sunshine in Detroit. It's probably one of the 30 you'll get this year. Try not to get mugged on your way to the plant . . . oh wait, it's been shut down.
April 25, 2008
8:55 a.m.
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WitchKing writes:
Theodore felt SO BAD about the game last night he jumped in front of the Avalanche team bus.....but it went between his legs
April 25, 2008
9:01 a.m.
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SDWingNut writes:
Man, I hate to hear crybaby fans. Everyone has injuries, everybody has illnesses, take your loss in stride and move on. You don't hear the players whining, do you? They're both tough top notch teams or they would'nt be where they're at. Having said that.....GOOOOO Wings!!!
April 25, 2008
9:10 a.m.
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Milarso writes:
Avs fans: Who gets the start in Game 2? Theodore or Budaj?
I would think you'd have to go back to the starter if he is feeling better, but Budaj played two pretty great periods.
Game 2 is going to be a great one.
April 25, 2008
9:12 a.m.
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Motown writes:
WalterSobcak:
Don't worry about us. If we were afraid of rain, muggers, or job security, we would have run away to the clean safety of the Denver utopia years ago. As it is, we aren't softies like you. That's why we are better at everything (including hockey). Its called natural selection...thinning of the herd. Don't worry though. We won't let the big mean rain cloud get at you.
April 25, 2008
9:19 a.m.
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Shaupeen writes:
Boy, for someone named Walter Sobchack, you haven't told anyone to shut the f up recently! Where is your Donny? C'mon dude, make someone your b!tch. Or at least blame the game one loss on Vietnam.
April 25, 2008
9:34 a.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
Milarso, if Theodore is feeling better you have to go with him. I think he's proven he's a better goalie (when healthy) then Budaj. Besides Budaj only played ok. After the 4th goal the wings played defensive hockey. They stopped attacking or the Wings would have dropped 4 on Budaj like they did earlier this year.
April 25, 2008
9:47 a.m.
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Smitty writes:
Wow, it seems hockey is a higher priority in MI than spelling. Note the wingnuts can't spel gud. Av's fans, we ARE in trouble!
(excusses)(Saterday)(would'nt)
"That's why we are better at everything (including hockey)" says Motown. Maybe! Maybe Not!
April 25, 2008
9:51 a.m.
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WalterSobchak writes:
It's not that Coloradans are afraid of rain, muggers, terrible weather or a lack of job security . . . we just choose not to live in squalor. But that probably doesn't apply to someone whose parents sheltered them at Country Day or Cranbrook like yours did.
The Red Wings could win the Cup for the next ten years in a row and it wouldn't change the fact that Detroit is a rusted out, dinosaur of a city that probably will never recover. I don't care where you choose to live, just don't come to Colorado.
April 25, 2008
9:55 a.m.
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Motown writes:
You forgot the comma after my quote. Come on!
Wait! Wait just a minute! This discussion of spelling and grammar has nothing to do with hockey. Alas, the Av's will not get any better no matter how bad multi-tasking bloggers type. It's almost like Mensa has nothing to do with this series!
April 25, 2008
9:59 a.m.
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RustyWon writes:
Congrats to the red wings on a nice win.
You all should have something to cheer about.
Afterall, you have to live in a city that is truly the anus of the country.
It's no surprise so many of you relocate here. I suppose I would too if I was from Detroilet.
The Avalanche didn't expect to sweep anyway. We'll win it in 6.
Go Avs!
April 25, 2008
10:01 a.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
Hay Smitty, this is a Hockey thread, not a spelling/grammar thread. I'm sure you can find one if it's so much more important the hockey talk.
I'd just like to point out you understood perfectly well what was being said so I don't think spelling is that important in this instance, or are we being graded?
Wing in 6, Forsberg to retire after series due to broken toenail.
April 25, 2008
10:12 a.m.
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Smitty writes:
Hay is for horses GoMaltby, but, you are correct. This is for hockey talk. Glad I could rile a few wingers! hee hee
April 25, 2008
10:15 a.m.
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octopus writes:
Ripping on the city of Detroit, again...gee, that's original and fresh. About as fresh as Floppa's feet, which are roughly the consistency of uncooked octopus, after having been stuffed down a fan's pants for a couple of hours.
So, Floppa lasted one whole playoff-series. That's pretty good, by his standards. Threeorfour played well in net, for a blind, cerebral palsy patient. Good thing the Wings went to sleep, after going up 4-1...would have been a long game to watch, otherwise, and we do have to watch every moment of playoff hockey.
Wings in 5. Avs should get lucky in at least one game.
April 25, 2008
10:16 a.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
Oops I forgot a N in then, I guess I get an F.
Hay RustyWon I don't know what the state of Detroit City has to do with the wings beating the Avalanch 4-3 in game 1, but I'm sure in your world it's related.
April 25, 2008
10:16 a.m.
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zzavilla writes:
hey wing fans why do you bother coming on here to pollute this site stick to your own websites!!! its game 1!! did you forget the fluke goal you got in the first!? i dont know why you guys think you are so great?! i'll admit you do play pretty good against your division witch is... um... oh yeah columbus, nashville, st. luis, and chicago!!! wow way to go!!! i hope you guys didnt get hurt jumping on that bandwagon!!! so sit down and shut up until the series is over!!!
April 25, 2008
10:18 a.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
True Smitty you got me. If only the Avalanche could do the same to the Wing, we might have a good series here.
April 25, 2008
10:25 a.m.
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Motown writes:
Your bitter Walter. Ten cups may not change Detroit, but all of the investment will. ROI on venture real estate is looking a lot better there than Denver. There should be an economic theory that includes something about cycles and low prices encouraging investing which then leads to exponential gains.. I suspect you are just upset that the city will recover nicely, and those of us that don't run will see some nice $$$$. People like..I don't know..Mike Ilitch.
April 25, 2008
10:37 a.m.
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Smitty writes:
GoMaltby, I'd love to see the series go down to the wire. Play seven games and make it real contest. One game does not a series make. Both towns, Detroit and Denver, are proud sports towns. Good people in both (and some crazies in both) Denver does not have exclusions on crime. We just have prettier ladies to look at in the streets here. I know, I've been to both towns extensively. Go Av's and let's see some great hockey! Who EVER wins, hopefully, will know a good game has been played by both sides.
April 25, 2008
10:44 a.m.
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WalterSobchak writes:
It's not hard to have a high ROI when you can buy a 4 bedroom home for $20k. Wow! You doubled your investment, but the house is still only worth $40,000 and there still aren't enough jobs or an educated workforce! You can't exactly be an equity refugee on 20k when it comes time to retire.
April 25, 2008
10:46 a.m.
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psu96 writes:
If Budaj backs up a sieve how bad does he suck?
April 25, 2008
10:54 a.m.
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Motown writes:
Geeeze Walter. Do you need a course in financing? If one cash flow producing property isn't enough, one can leverage more. Cash flows are all that matter, and Detroit will produce more. Know what? Oh, nevermind. Go find a ball of string to play with Walter. I suspect you are just upset because you are a former mid-western that is missing the boat..
April 25, 2008
11:10 a.m.
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Detroitrockcity writes:
Hey avs fans what happened to Floppa? haha. I had to register on this website to read all the excuses why the avs took a dump. Jose was sick, forskin suddenly has a bad groin, wolski hurt. What's next - Sakic is too old, defense is inexperienced? Tell Adam Foote that Nick Lidstrom runs a camp in the summer on how to play defense, maybe that will help him, haha.
April 25, 2008
11:20 a.m.
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WalterSobchak writes:
If you think real estate venture capital is going to pull that city out of the duldrums, more power to you. Personally, I think you're looking for an extremely simple solution to a complex problem. Detroit will not recover until employers have a good reason to provide jobs there. The last time I checked, the regulatory environment and tax situation in Michigan will need a pretty significant overhaul before employers of significance would even consider relocating there. Pair that with the fact that Midwestern states can't keep recent college graduates within their borders and it doesn't look like there will be any homegrown entrepeneurship of note going on, either. A handful of real estate investors scooping up all of the low priced homes has the potential to create significant income and asset disparity as well. But hey, that's something Detroit's always been good at, right?
Missing the boat? You don't have to live in Detroit to invest there. If I thought it was wise to do so, I'd invest from Colorado. How many Coloradans do you know in Detroit? I know plenty of Michiganders in CO. There's a westward migration for a reason.
April 25, 2008
11:22 a.m.
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Milarso writes:
No matter how much crap we talk to one another, this is going to be a much better series than I originally thought.
With the exception of the first period, I thought we got outplayed by Colorado. It seemed like they wanted it more, and came pretty close to tying it up.
I would like to see what Foresberg does when he gets back in the lineup, but I think he may be a little too banged up to really be a force. But who knows?
Datsuyk and Zetterberg are finally playing up to thier potenial in the playoffs thus far, and I hope they can keep it up.
Should be fun sports day on Sat.
Good luck!
April 25, 2008
11:27 a.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
Indeed smitty, as long as the Av's have Sakic they have a chance. The second best captain I know. It should be good.
On a scale of 1 to 10 how well do you think the Avalanche played in game 1?
I'd say 5 in the first 30 minutes, and then 7 in second. They really didn't play great all game. They got back into it because the wings laid back on that 3 goal lead, and stopped attacking.
April 25, 2008
11:33 a.m.
Suggest removal
rnano1 writes:
Nice post Motown. Let's everyone try to stay
focused. The wings will go all the way.
GO WINGS
April 25, 2008
11:40 a.m.
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Motown writes:
The glass is half full Walter. Who is talking about buying houses? I am talking about selling 300K condos to the entrepreneurial demographic that you spoke of. I know you want Detroit and its people to fail, but we are a little more tenacious than that. There are problems, and we will find solutions (as opposed to running away). Hence, why Detroit will will this series in five. (See how I tried to slip in some hockey talk into our "who's city is cooler" discussion?) Crazy huh?
April 25, 2008
11:48 a.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
I don't know if Forsberg going to make back for this series. Those growing injuries linger, and Forsberg isn't known for his durability.
Stuart, and Maltby will be back soon, and that will be .5 less goals a game for Colorado. Thank you very much.
April 25, 2008
11:51 a.m.
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Milarso writes:
I was disappointed that Stuart was our only trade deadline acquisition of note. But he has been solid. Looking forward to his return.
And Maltby still has some gas left in the tank.
April 25, 2008
12:02 p.m.
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WalterSobchak writes:
I don't want Detroit to fail, I want it's citizens and advocates to realize that the the rest of America views the city as it does for a reason. You and your like come on to our newspaper's website and start making inflamatory statements about the "Little D", urban sprawl and Detroit's superiority, so I thought I would point out some of the objective facts and subjective points of view that the people of Southeastern Michigan can't seem to accept or understand. Outsiders are alienated by your sense of entitlement to names like Hocketown and your assumption that this series will be won in a relatively easy 5 games. Until this undeserved air of superiority is confined to the message boards at the Free Press, the rest of the country will continue to see Detroit as it is; the high school quarterback who was popular back in the day, but can't seem to work his way past assistant night supervisor at Sears in the delapidated mall ten miles from where he grew up.
April 25, 2008
12:12 p.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
Yeah, Stuart was a solid pick up though. Lilja like to give the other team the puck too much. If they Wings could find the form they had at the beginning of the year they didn't need any moves. In fact they might as well just give them the cup they way they were dominating the league. Sadly that's not the case right now, and I think they can get out hustled some games.
I liked the Foote, Salai pick ups for the Av's, but I haven’t trusted Forsberg’s durability for the last five years now. Why you'd pay a guy to watch form the sidelines I don't know.
April 25, 2008
12:17 p.m.
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Milarso writes:
I'd like to see Downey make an appearance in this series. I think he's improved a lot this season.
I also loved Kronwall's play last night. That guy is all heart. Like a big, clunky Konstantinov...
The Foote pickup was huge for Colorado. He's such a force, and the fans seem to love him.
I was also impressed with Stasney's (sp) play. That kid is going to be a monster.
April 25, 2008
12:28 p.m.
Suggest removal
Motown writes:
I know how America views Detroit. I hear it from people like you (usually people that left the mid-west) every time I travel. Some of us just might stay to see the issues through. We don't need to have the million-and-one problems pointed out, nor do we need people to tell us how great the Wings are. We already know that too. If your idea of revealing the 'subjective points of view' is to say that Detroit is ignorant, poor, and in squalor, then I am proud not to be associated with this 'superior' view of Detroit. Go Wings!
April 25, 2008
12:35 p.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
I think they like Downey's physical play, but they like Derek Helm's speed better. The Wings love the speed, thats why physical play messes with there game a little bit. There mentally tough enough to get through it, but if you get physical with the wings expect a sloppy low scoring game.
The Avalanche hasn’t been half a physical as they were with the Wild yet. They picked it up half way through the second, when they started scoring goals.
April 25, 2008
12:38 p.m.
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Finn writes:
Wow, what a first period by Detriot! I was listening to the game on the radio and it was ridiculous. The Avs came back hard and it was good to see it close at the end. In my mind, Forsberg is a luxury. Lots of Wings fans are acting like we are claiming he is a god and the key to our whole team. Obviously, he wasn't there all year and, yes, it's great to see him back, but I'm more excited about this series because our team is much healthier and picked up some good defensive additions. If Forsberg is in there, sure it helps, but nobody has ever claimed he is coming back at full force. Those Wings fans that are laughing about his latest injury and pretending that we thought he was going to be 100% healthy are being ignorant, or don't follow hockey that much. The Wings are a heavy favorite, as they should be, and should have won that game. It's unfortunate that fans from all cities can't understand that and win with some class. Your team did what it was supposed to do. Nothing more, nothing less. Avs fans stating that Theodore was sick, or Wolski was hurt aren't making excuses, they're stating facts. Wings fans stating that Detroit relaxed and quit playing hard because they were up 3 goals are making excuses. Unless you were on the bench, you have no way of knowing that. Therefore, please stop being hypocrits. The Avs played hard and got back into the game because they outplayed Detroit in the second period.
April 25, 2008
12:43 p.m.
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Milarso writes:
I don't think Forsberg is the key to the Avs. But he's a Wing killer for sure. His numbers against us are unreal. I think that is why there is a lot of emphasis put on him right now. You guys have a tough team. But if Foresberg gets healthy then gets hot, that is a cause for concern.
April 25, 2008
12:45 p.m.
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Motown writes:
I bet Theodore wasn't sick. Unless you were on the bench you have no way of knowing that he was, in fact, sick.
April 25, 2008
12:55 p.m.
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BWilliams writes:
I'm an avid Avs fan and can list a host of deficiences with this team. Its the same old story for 5 years, and I'm getting sick of it really. But they've made some decent strides this year and have probably made it as far in the playoffs as could be reasonably anticipated.
Detroit is heavily favored and maybe for good reason considering the season sweep, President trophy, etc. etc. But if the Avs do find a way to win, then it'll be considered another colossal implosion by Detroit in the playoffs against an inferior team. Maybe that is why the Detroit fans were crapping their octopus filled pants in Joe Lewis at the end of the 3rd period when the Avs were this close to tying it up.
April 25, 2008
12:59 p.m.
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Finn writes:
Come on Mowtown...you seriously don't understand what I mean? Coaches and players are all saying he was sick. I haven't heard any Detroit coaches or players saying the Wings decided to relax and not play hard anymore because they were up by three goals. So for fans to be claiming that Detroit got "bored" or whatever is kind of ridiculous. I'm not taking a dig at you. I'm just trying to be a realist. No team with Detroit's experience and professionalism is going to be that irresponsible with a playoff series. Therefore, to claim that's the only reason Colorado got back in the game, you guys are making big time excuses. That said, Detroit played a better game and deserved to win.
April 25, 2008
1:03 p.m.
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Motown writes:
We all crapped our pants. Its true. However, the octopus gets removed from the pants at the beginning sooooo that comment really doesn't make a lot of sense. Ya know? What we are really waiting for is the octopus to skate. That's what that is all about. Could you imagine having eight appendages in the net? They always die though...very sad...
On a completely off topic note: I don't see a Wing defeat here as an implosion. I think the Avs are probably playing at the same level right now.
April 25, 2008
1:11 p.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
Ok ok ok. Before the Av's fan get too far carried away. The reason the Avalanche came back to make it 3-4 was 50% better play by them, and 50% the wing playing defensive hockey, and not attacking Budaj. If the Wings would have kept attacking it would have ended 7-2, but they sat on a 3 goal lead, and almost paid for it.
If you don't think the wings can put 3 to 5 goals on Budaj play him in game 2, and see what happens. The Av's didn't play there best I agree, but don't talk like the wings win was a fluke.
April 25, 2008
1:11 p.m.
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Milarso writes:
I don't think the Wings gave up. But they did go into the 1-2-2 prevent when they were up 4-1.
I'm not saying the Avs didn't work for their goals, but this is the third time in the playoffs where the Wings have proven they can't play the 1-2-2.
They have to be aggresive all the time. And they weren't aggressive for much of the second half of Game 1.
If Detroit wants to win, it has to control the tempo of the game, no matter what the score is.
If we don't play aggressive for 60 minutes of hockey, Colorado is going to steal this series.
April 25, 2008
1:20 p.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
Well said Milarso.
That being said, I still think the Avalanche can take 1 or 2 at home despite how well the Wings play. They'll get that crowed behind them, and the physical play will pick up, and I think the Av's talent plays better the more physical they are. As I've said the Wings can get out hustled at times.
April 25, 2008
1:35 p.m.
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Finn writes:
Oh okay, GoMaltby, that makes sense. Detroit decided to play defensive hockey in the second period and the Avs scored two goals. Now I get it. ... ... Wait a minute? I thought the purpose of defense was to prevent goals? I'm so confused!
Nobody is acting like it was a fluke. I said Detroit deserved to win the game. BWilliams acknowledged that Detroit is the heavy favorite and should have won. How are we getting carried away? I don't understand why you're so nervous and defensive. Remember, defense will cause you to lose :).
April 25, 2008
1:44 p.m.
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DetroitSportsNut writes:
"It's not that Coloradans are afraid of rain, muggers, terrible weather or a lack of job security . . . we just choose not to live in squalor. But that probably doesn't apply to someone whose parents sheltered them at Country Day or Cranbrook like yours did.
The Red Wings could win the Cup for the next ten years in a row and it wouldn't change the fact that Detroit is a rusted out, dinosaur of a city that probably will never recover. I don't care where you choose to live, just don't come to Colorado"
DSN:
Isn't this a hockey game forum? What does the City of Detroit have to do with the hockey game last night? You ever been to Detroit Walter or are you just going off of the few pictures you see in the news? If you had any flipping idea what you were talking about you would know that Metro Detroit is very nice area and most homes and businesses are not "rusted out shells" at all..in fact a few areas in Metro Detroit are on the top of the list for wealthiest areas in the country.
Maybe you should stick to hockey talk seeing as how you have no idea about the state of Michigan and Metro Detroit. Why would you do that though seeing as how you don't have a pot to piss in because YOUR TEAM LOST!!!
Can't wait for game 2...GO WINGS!!
April 25, 2008
2:02 p.m.
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Milarso writes:
Finn: Defense is supposed to prevent goals, but the Red Wings don't play defensive hockey very well. They showed that off against Nashville.
In order for Detroit to be effective, they have to play hard like they did in the first period, keeping the Avs on their heels and the puck in the Colorado zone.
Don't take that as a jab at the Avs. They regrouped in the second and third periods and created their own scoring opportunities, and actually made it a game.
There are people posting that Detroit would have put up 3 goals on Budaj had they kept playing hard. I don't think so.
I would have liked to see them play with the same offensive-minded intenstiy that they played with in the first period, but you can't take anything away from Colorado.
The Avs stepped up in the second half of the game and forced their way on to the scoreboard.
Like I said earlier, this is going to be a hell of a series, and much better than I initially thought.
April 25, 2008
2:09 p.m.
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DetroitSportsNut writes:
I agree Milarso...if the Wings wouldn't have stopped playing there game and gone into "defensive mode" for the entire 2nd period who know's what would have happened. They did the same thing against Nashville and it hurt them there too.
April 25, 2008
2:09 p.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
Yes it dose make sense. The Wing best defense is the fact they have the best offense. You can't score goals from your zone unless it an empty net. The wings sat back in the neutral zone, and played mostly in there defensive zone for the end of the second/third period.
Oh wait once I explain it to you it starts to make sense doesn't it.
If the Wing keep attacking you probably don’t get that third goal, and the Wings get at least 1 more. They sat back (called defensive hockey) and paid for it. Yes the Av's played better, but that was only half of it.
April 25, 2008
2:49 p.m.
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Finn writes:
I agree with you guys...I was just ribbin' you GoMaltby. Detroit plays an unbelievable puck control game so, yeah, sitting back and setting up a defensive wall doesn't play to their strengths. It just works me up when those instigator fans (from both sides) start spouting off like the other team has nothing to do with the outcome of the game - it's all based only on how good or bad your own team plays.
I was really impressed with how well the Wings anticipate passes and go for steals, which if I remember correctly, lead to at least a couple of their goals. The Avs need to be much more careful in the upcoming games.
What's with the scheduling of games? Last night's game started at 5:30 out here. Then game 3 is sheduled for 8:00 I believe. Can't they find some middle ground that suits both markets?
April 25, 2008
2:58 p.m.
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GoMaltby writes:
I know what you're saying. Just think when we go to Colorado, our game will start at 9:30, 10pm. I'll be up till 12:30, 1am When it's done. Plus we'll probably see an overtime game or two between these teams. I know I live near Detroit and all, but I do have to work you know.
April 25, 2008
10:18 p.m.
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WingNut1967 writes:
ISN'T IT INTERESTING..... We just had a post from Avs1Fan on our Forums, telling us we have no class, and how rude we are... And wow, I leave a Pleasant none offencive comment and look at you...
WalterSobchak .... You're simply a waste of air...
I could go on with names because I did read all the posts, but I really don't have the Time...
You Avs Fans are just as Rude and Ignorant as you accuse us of being...
GO WINGSSS!!! GO WINGSSS!!! GO WINGS!!!
April 26, 2008
11:43 a.m.
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HollyGoLightly writes:
I am curious to see how many of these Wing fans will be back here to eat their crow at the end of this series.......
Oh ye of little faith, I fully believe the Avs can and will beat the Wings.