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Avs demolished by Detroit

Colorado sent into offseason with humbling defeat

Published May 1, 2008 at 10:36 p.m.

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Avalanche rookie T.J. Hensick falls to the ice and loses the puck to mirror a night when nothing went right for Colorado. Detroit blitzed the injury-plagued Avalanche with seven goals in the first two periods to finish the series in dominating, sweeping fashion.

Photo by Joe Mahoney / The Rocky

Avalanche rookie T.J. Hensick falls to the ice and loses the puck to mirror a night when nothing went right for Colorado. Detroit blitzed the injury-plagued Avalanche with seven goals in the first two periods to finish the series in dominating, sweeping fashion.

This hardly was how the Avalanche envisioned ending the postseason.

Getting swept by the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference semifinals was bad enough - this really isn't much of a rivalry anymore - but Thursday night's 8-2 shellacking at the Pepsi Center was a humiliating way to head into the offseason.

Sort of like the 7-0 beating the Red Wings administered at Joe Louis Arena in Game 7 of the conference final in 2002, when Patrick Roy was given the hook in the second period.

Jose Theodore didn't even last that long Thursday.

After allowing three goals on 15 shots in the first period - Tomas Holmstrom and Johan Franzen scored late 47 seconds apart on two-on-one rushes - Theodore was replaced by Peter Budaj for the third time in the series.

"Detroit is the kind of team, they are going to create some chances," Theodore said. "All the games they came out pretty much flying. That's why they won the Presidents' Trophy. When you play these guys, everybody needs to be on top of their game."

Matters only got worse in the second period, when the Red Wings scored four times - two on power plays and once short-handed - much to the delight of the large contingent of red-clad fans in the arena.

"It's a great hockey team over there," Avalanche captain Joe Sakic said. "They're deep throughout the lineup and every player was going. They exposed us out there.

"We weren't as good this series as the last one. They were great. They were firing on all cylinders."

The fact the Avalanche played so well in dispatching the Northwest Division champion Minnesota Wild in the opening round made this resounding defeat all the more disappointing.

"It's the toughest thing I've ever been a part of in terms of being down like that in front of your home fans in a deciding game," said John-Michael Liles, who scored a power-play goal midway through the third period.

Andrew Brunette was nearly at a loss for words.

"They're real good and we played a little bit into their hands for most of the series," he said. "We had the momentum here and there and we just seemed to get careless in all the different areas that kill you."

The Avalanche was forced to play without a half-dozen injured regulars, including Peter Forsberg (groin), Ryan Smyth (broken foot), Paul Stastny (torn knee ligament) and Wojtek Wolski (several broken ribs) but should have been able to put up more resistance.

"This wasn't a reflection of our series and the playoffs and our season," Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said.

"We'll leave it at that. Things kind of turned ugly. We ran into some really strange happenings healthwise.

"We really liked the four-line rotation we had coming out of the last series and going into this series. We never got the momentum going and we never got the four-line rotation going.

"Everybody deals with (injuries), but we had an abnormal share. There's some serious baggage in there healthwise right now."

The Avalanche must have felt like it was playing against the Swedish national team.

When Mikael Samuelsson tipped Jiri Hudler's shot behind Budaj at 8:02 of the third period to make it 8-1, all eight goals and seven of the Red Wings' 13 assists had been recorded by members of their Swedish contingent.

Johan Franzen had a hat trick for the second time in the series, Henrik Zetterberg had two goals and two assists and Samuelsson two goals.

Pavel Datsyuk added three assists, Nicklas Lidstrom two assists and Holmstrom one goal.

"Even though we won four straight games, I thought the first three games were a lot closer than winning four straight," Lidstrom said.

The Avalanche hung tough for most of the first period until Holmstrom and Franzen scored those goals 47 seconds apart to late in the first period to put the Red Wings ahead 3-1. Franzen's goal came with 38.4 seconds remaining and proved to be the final one permitted by Theodore this season.

Samuelsson started the scoring with a weak shot from above the right circle, sending the puck under Theodore's glove at 4:33. The Avalanche tied the score on its first shot when Tyler Arnason scored from the slot on a power play at 6:51, after which the Red Wings poured it on.

"It might have been a different game if we get out of the first period 1-1 and maybe regroup and kind of get back," Brunette said. "I didn't think we were doing that bad. It got ugly after that and kind of typified the way the series went for the most part. We got a little careless in a few areas and it cost us."

Bringing out the worst

* The most lopsided playoff losses in Avalanche history since the team arrived in Denver in 1995.

Date Opponent Score

May 31, 2002 Detroit 7-0

May 1, 2008 Detroit 8-2

May 5, 1997 Detroit 6-0

May 5, 2006 Anaheim 5-0

April 30, 1999 San Jose 7-3

May 4, 1998 Edmonton 4-0

Avalanche vs. Red Wings * Game 1: Red Wings 4, Avalanche 3

* Game 2: Red Wings 5, Avalanche 1

* Game 3: Red Wings 4, Avalanche 3

* Game 4: Red Wings 8, Avalanche 2

Red Wings win series 4-0

Comments

  • May 1, 2008

    12:38 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Shoonk writes:

    Were screwed.

  • May 1, 2008

    12:40 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    coastiehero writes:

    Wow, this really sucks... I hope Theodore has a game like he
    had against Minnesota in game 5. They Av's are going to need
    devine intervention tonight. Miracles do happen... Then again
    so does #%@&! Go AVS!!!!

  • May 1, 2008

    12:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Avs_Blow writes:

    ITS OVER....GO WINGS

  • May 1, 2008

    12:54 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Shaupeen writes:

    Crap.

  • May 1, 2008

    12:57 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    psu96 writes:

    wouldn't of made a difference....the red wings are by far a superior team to the AVS but so are a lot of teams.

  • May 1, 2008

    1:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Kered writes:

    Even if the Avs get swept tonight it won't be quite the embarassment like the Nugetts. Red Wings STILL suck!!!

  • May 1, 2008

    1:38 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    discer writes:

    If the red wings don't win the cup, then that would be an upset!

    Mr Avs_Blow: You sir are a well tuned Vaccum!

  • May 1, 2008

    2:04 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    forwhatitis writes:

    Red Wings Suck.....

  • May 1, 2008

    2:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    discer writes:

    I am betting that when Avs_blow and Avsswallow first signed up for the internet they took female names and signed in to a lesbian chat room.
    It really takes a twisted IDIOT(S) to sign on to an opposing teams newspaper sight just to boast and or rub it in.
    Get over yourselves redwingsfans???? and have a hint of class. You have a great team and you should breeze through the rest of the playoffs.
    Now hurry and get back to your own little chat rooms where you can converse with other bald headed fat guys!

  • May 1, 2008

    2:47 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    HockeyFan69 writes:

    If the "wings suck", then the Avs must swallow. How does it feel to get swept by a "sucky" team? Yes, all of the bandwagon fans fall to back to the very creative "wings suck" chant. I know, the city of Detroit sucks too, too dirty, too much crime, too much unemployemnt, etc..... It still does not change the fact the Wings ARE KICKING THE SNOT OUT OF THE LOWLY AVS, and that makes it all worthwhile!!! LOL!!

  • May 1, 2008

    3:11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Squatch writes:

    It amazes me that people love to talk about how tough hockey players are. This is game 4 and you have yet to be competitive the last 3 games get your A$$ out there and play. If you lose you have the rest of the off season to heal up. They might be great guys and all but this doesnt show me a high level of commitment.

    I like Forsberg but damn this is frustrating.

  • May 1, 2008

    3:39 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    gstasbroncos1 writes:

    Hey avs_blow, you're probably the Red Wings fan who's ass I kicked at the Pepsi Center last Tuesday. Hope your eye is feeling bettter.

    Anyway, the Wings are getting off easy. Stasny, Smyth, Svatos, Forsberg and Wolski are all out. If the Avs had a full squad,things would certainly be different.

    So, as the saying goes, RED WINGS SUCK!! RED WINGS SUCK!! RED WINGS SUCK!!

  • May 1, 2008

    3:50 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    CoLorado: cold crisp air, clean fresh snow melted Rky. Mtn. Water..... Detroit:? Detroit is basically the dirty stinky anus of the Country. Every day, people in CoLorado wake up and say, "ahhhhh, thank gawd I DONT LIVE IN DETROIT" The Avalanche will lose this series, but will come back strong next year with healthy players and newly found great young talent....... and we'll STILL live in CoLorado!

  • May 1, 2008

    4:10 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    stonewall0001 writes:

    Avs_blow is an idiot...but anyone who pretends to beat up someone at a hockey game is obviously ashamed of the size of their own manhood.

  • May 1, 2008

    4:11 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    HockeyFan69 writes:

    Cold Crisp air....seriously?

    Cold, crisp air my A$$. This realeased today!!! Link is posted below...LOL!!!!

    "Denver's grade for short-term, particle pollution dropped from a "D" to an "F," but the city's ozone pollution improved from a "C" to a "B," according to a report released Thursday by the American Lung Association.

    The results are from the association's annual "State of the Air" report, which ranks cities and counties throughout the United States on air pollution levels.

    "Denver-area residents are not yet breathing air that's clean enough to be safe," said Natalia Swalnick, air quality/Clean Cities manager for the American Lung Association of Colorado.

    Swalnick called particle pollution "the most dangerous of the widespread outdoor air pollutants." Particle polution is typically composed of ash, soot, diesel exhaust, chemicals, metals and aerosols.

    The City and County of Denver received the only failing grade for short-term particulate pollution. No other county in the state of Colorado received lower than a "B" in the category. All counties in the state received a passing grade for long-term particulate pollution."

    Here's the link:
    http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/sto...

  • May 1, 2008

    4:16 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    MrBrightSide writes:

    "CoLorado: cold crisp air, clean fresh snow melted Rky. Mtn. Water..... Detroit:? Detroit is basically the dirty stinky anus of the Country. Every day, people in CoLorado wake up and say, "ahhhhh, thank gawd I DONT LIVE IN DETROIT" The Avalanche will lose this series, but will come back strong next year with healthy players and newly found great young talent....... and we'll STILL live in CoLorado!"

    Do they really? I was never a big fan of the city myself, I used to live there. I went in to see games, and got out, to some very nice communities that surround the city. Michigan takes a back seat to no state in terms of natural wonders and beauty.

    That, and they have a hockey team with fans that don't have to cheer that other teams S@CK! over and over. Really classy. LET'S GO RED WINGS!

  • May 1, 2008

    4:42 p.m.

    Herecomesthebroom writes:

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  • May 1, 2008

    4:59 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RockLobster writes:

    So Squatch is actually questioning Forsberg's level of commitment? ReallY? And you suggest that he "get his a$$ out there and play"? Really? You have obviously never had a severe groin injury. It's bad enough having that injury and just trying to walk around doing normal day to day stuff. Try adding the fact that he has to strap on a set of skates and complete at the highest levels the sport demands. Oh yeah, all the while fending off 200+ pound defenders every time he steps on the ice.

    Forsberg is a competitor. If you don't think it's killing him not to be able to play tonight, well, I really don't know how to respond eloquently to someone with that mentality.

  • May 1, 2008

    5:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    discer writes:

    Not all of us out here in Colorado are doing the backstroke in a recessive gene pool. But it does cut both ways folks and getting personal with attacks is a sure sign of a mental midget.
    As someone once said: It is better to speak softly and leave some question as to your ignorance, than it is to speak loudly and remove all doubt. Good luck to the Avs! and inevitable congrats to the Wings! The best Hockey club I have seen in a few years!
    BTW..We live on the Western Slope of Colorado away from the big city where the air IS cool and crisp, especially today where we are playing disc golf and waiting for the Ice to melt so we can go catch some big trout! Come on out West and join us.

  • May 1, 2008

    6:53 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    HollyGoLightly writes:

    I still plan on cheering on the Avs tonight as it is not over until it is over. Having some of our best players on the injury list is not helping the matter.
    With that said, am I the only one getting sick of the Dockers commercial on Versus? Uggghhhh!

  • May 1, 2008

    10:27 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    redwingsfan4ever writes:

    i have to say.. the AVS really do SUCK!!they can only score on a 5-3.. that is soo.. sad!!

  • May 1, 2008

    10:41 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    WingNut1967 writes:

    NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA NA NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA NA HEY HEY GOOOOOODBYEEEEEEE.........................

    So much for the Wings Sucking eh Avs Fans.........

    How many excuss's can you come up with???? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA AHHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (Breath) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA AHHHHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA............

    Can you say AVS BLOW??????????????

  • May 1, 2008

    10:58 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    LaneMeyer writes:

    Good triumphs Evil.

  • May 1, 2008

    11:10 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Dirtchief writes:

    Congratulations Detroit you just swept our AHL team. You must be proud.

  • May 1, 2008

    11:24 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    WINGEDLIGEROFSPARTA writes:

    Dear Colorado fans, and though none of them will read this, team; Thanks for a load of playoff and regular season game memories. If Forsberg, Sakic, and or Foote or any of the other old guard should retire or move on, Thank You. It may not have been the rivalry of the period 6 to 10 or 12 years ago, but if anticipating those players mentioned (and Milan Heduk) on your team, and the likes of Holmstrom, Draper, Lidstrom, Chelios, Hasek (Maltby, though injured), etc getting on the ice against each other didn't give you goose bumps, players with a core connection to the rivalry when it was bigger than the league and to five Stanley Cups between them, didn't give you a smile, and some fear, then you weren't privy to something sorely missing in the NHL since expansion ran wild, and that is great rivalry. To me, Detroit-Colorado was the best thing since Detroit-Toronto used to be.

    If that was the last time I saw Joe and Peter, then it's kind of like when I saw Mike Tyson KO'd that first time, by Buster Douglass. As happy as I was to see the lout bested, it was kind of sad at the same time. You appreciated, by sheer will of the act of defeating him, the greatness he possessed.

    Colorado holds for me no lout-ish aspect, I only mentioned why I didn't like Tyson back then. And to round out that memory, I likened it then to how it was often remarked how strange it was to see the likes of Joe Louis knocked out.

    The way I see it, these two teams tonight, along with New Jersey, form the great triumvirate of teams of that particular era; Colorado is 2 for 2, the Devils are 3 for 4, I believe, and Detroit 3 for 4, Cup-wise. While I am sure Devils fans would say, "We're best, we beat Detroit, swept them, in fact", and that is true, Colorado beat the Devils, so doesn't that make THEM the better team?

    N.J. won like 3 in 9 years, you guys, what, 2 in 4 or 5 (??), and Detroit took 3 in 6 years, and was the only team of the three to win back to back. Also, I would argue, without a Broduer or Roy (apples and oranges), your guy often argued as the best ever, in net for us, we WON THREE CUPS WITH THREE DIFFERENT GOALIES.

    Anyway, not coming on here to gloat, or denigrate. I will miss the old guard, and until one of the three teams no longer has a Sakic, a Lidstrom, or Brodeur, I will pull for New Jersey to get beat in the playoffs, and hope my guys can outlast your guys and go all the way. Let's everyone IGNORE any negativity, from either side, and good luck and good health to you all.

  • May 1, 2008

    11:56 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    farsidefan writes:

    Winged, I whole heartedly agree. Your team is pretty good. I love watching good hockey players play the game it is meant to be played. Watching tonight was a great lesson in puck movement and no hesitation when shooting. Tonight was a clinic. I hope the Avs coaches watch the video all summer long and learn a few things.
    I wish we could have put up more of a fight but it was kind of like getting a drink of water from a fire hydrant.
    Coach Babcock was very gracious in his victory speech afterwards. He complimented the Avs on playing so hard but said " When you don't have Svatos,Forsberg,Smith,Stastny,Wolski,Sakic for half the year, it is tough to be consistent"
    A class act, unlike the hecklers on here.
    Good night and good luck

  • May 2, 2008

    12:54 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    gkb2008 writes:

    Go Penguins -- win the Cup and keep it out of Detroit, Dallas, & Philadelphia ! Thanks, Colorado Avalanche, for another entertaining competitive season.... there are lots of cities that would love to have had the 13 year run of good overall winning hockey the Avalanche have given Denver, Colorado, and the Mountain Time Zone since they arrived in 1995.

  • May 2, 2008

    1:58 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    GoldNoggin writes:

    Time to see if they really like hockey in Colorado or if they only like a winning team.

    Oh yeah...
    Red Wings Sweep

  • May 2, 2008

    2:53 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Who_sucks_now writes:

    LETS GO REDWINGS! HEY Avs, who suck now? Who is Hooeytown now Avs? You guys are a bunch of whinners! YEP, REDWINGS SWEEP! DETROIT is on its way up and looking very nice. To bad people make judgements of a city when they never have visited the city! TAKE CARE Avs. OH YA, LETS GO REDWINGS! OH YAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

  • May 2, 2008

    4:44 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    NotanAVeragefan writes:

    I told you Forsberg wouldn't play in Game 4. I didn't know no one else would.
    I told you if the Avs lost game three, they should just concede the series. I didn't mean that literally.
    Anyway, the saddest part of this was having to watch Joe Sakic skate off. I hope it's not his last game.
    The Vs. commentator put it best between the 2nd and 3rd periods. "If this was a heavyweight fight, they would have stopped it by now," he said.
    Good luck next year, Avs.
    Go Wings!

  • May 2, 2008

    5:39 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    originalsix writes:

    Worst playoff series loss since team arrived in Denver in 1995. Maybe the team will leave Denver, AGAIN.
    Worst team loss since Detroit killed roy in Detroit in 02.

    BEST SPORTS CENTER EVER!!!

    Pistons WIN
    Redwings WIN
    Tigers WIN

    Nice sports town Denver! Now go back to putting down Detroit.
    Most of the people on this board don't live in the city of Detroit.
    The city sucks, the mayor is corrupt but the sports teams are great and brings the fans together.
    And then there's the lions. I nothing to say about that.

  • May 2, 2008

    5:40 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    PapaWayne writes:

    Wow.

    That was ugly. Injuries played an integral part of it, but weren't the whole story. Nor was experience, or superior hitting or desire.

    The whole package - everything it takes to move to the next round, the next level - can be summed up in one word - destiny. There are some who believe that fate designs our lives for us; others feel that we are in control of our own destinies, that our actions directly relate to the results we either enjoy or suffer through.

    The Avs simply laid down for the shellacking the Wings handed them.

    Everybody - from Coach Q down to Jose and Cap'n Joe and Ian and the rest - EVERYone was simply ...not there. I still think that, had Budaj started the game, there was a ghost of a chance to at least SLOW the Wings' roll. I saw guys skating slowly, guys who seemed to not care that their wives were on the cell phone making travel plans for the next day. Not finishing hits, passing the puck when they should have shot (and vice versa...you're supposed to be a professional and KNOW when to shoot and when to pass).

    That was a terrible game, and worse - it was an embarrassment.

    And - not to get nasty, but it must be said - even the fans in attendance at the Pop Can let us down. Where were the hats for Franzen's hat trick?? Detroit fans understand that a hat trick, even one AGAINST our team, is a difficult accomplishment worthy of the time-honored and traditional response - throwing our hats onto the ice. *sigh*

    Well...I hope for the sake of the fans in Colorado that the team's management undertakes a serious rebuilding effort starting today with the termination of Joel Quenneville. Summer vacation starts today for the Colorado Avalanche; our Red Wings get a break while the Stars finish eliminating those upstarts out in California; then it's "bring on Modano" (who is actually from a suburb a few towns over from mine) for the Conference Finals.

    Destiny. This year's Wings team has that look, the feel of going all the way. As a lifelong fan (even through the dark years, the "Dead Things" seasons before Yzerman), I fervently hope so.

    Thank you, Colorado fans, and Rocky Mountain News, for the opportunity to post and converse with Avs' fans...I know we'll see you again; better luck next year!!!

  • May 2, 2008

    5:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    tarabusikid writes:

    Whether it was Quennville or Sakic, I think the Avs showed a lot of class by not being goons and trying to injure my Wings. They knew the series was over but didn't try to 'hack n whack'. GO WINGS!!

  • May 2, 2008

    6:14 a.m.

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    princess writes:

    Is it football season yet :(

  • May 2, 2008

    6:29 a.m.

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    teden20 writes:

    Hey Avs fans, hang in there. Rebuild. I didn't see much passion from your guys last night. It was a train wreck of the worst kind... you couldn't look away! As a Wings fan, I was not entertained, despite injuries, your guys just were horrible in every aspect of the game. What did we see? Two or three periods the whole series where the Avs tried?

    This isn't right for Avs fans. No excuses, forget the injury rationalization... all teams face injury, and you prepare.

    Besides that, I can see that your hockey team ran into one huge buzzsaw last night. Sorry for enjoying it so much. Love, Detroit

  • May 2, 2008

    6:41 a.m.

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    eam0415 writes:

    I guess there really only one word to say right now and that would be...SWEEP. What's up now?? Where's Avsn6?? He should change his name to Avsnnever.

    GOOOOO WWWIIINNNGGGSSS!!!!!

  • May 2, 2008

    6:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    RedWingsSC writes:

    I'm a big Red Wings (and Michigan resident) fan and followed the whole Colorado rivalry from '96 on. It just wasn't the same this year but still nice to see the Wings move on. For those over-zealous fans on each side (and we know Avalanche fans wouldn't hesitate to pour it on if they had won), it's just a game. My goodness, to puff our chests and try to bask in glory we (as fans) have nothing to do with, is a kind of fantasy-land thinking. The players on the team we root for were simply better this time. It doesn't make us any better as people than their fans or Michigan better than Colorado.

    I might add that, yes, Detroit is pretty much a blighted city with a crooked mayor. The Wings, Pistons, Tigers (I won't mention the Lions in that group) are some of the few bright spots. And, yes, Michigan isn't doing too hot either but it's a great state with beautiful areas to retreat to. I love Colorado too and would almost give it the nod as to natural beauty because of the mountains and the great weather. The Great Lakes help Michigan gains some ground in that area though.

    Two great states with different types of natural beauty. Can't we all just get along? :-)

  • May 2, 2008

    7:53 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    wingsfan writes:

    princess, that was just mean. the tigers sweep the yankee's, the piston's win at philly, the wings sweep the av's, and you have to bring up football season.

  • May 2, 2008

    8:10 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    kathyM writes:

    Yesterday's snow and sweep made me a bit homesick....

    Take off to the Great White North, it's a beauty way to go. Say ya to da U.P. (and the L.P.), eh! Time for some calamari!

    Red Wings rock!

  • May 2, 2008

    8:41 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Squatch writes:

    I guess they all can rest their injuries and forsberg can rest his groin and play maybe 25 games next year.

    LamboMan dont make excuses for him because im sure you dont for football player or basketball player.

  • May 2, 2008

    9:31 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    WingNut1967 writes:

    How about a new name for your Club........

    The Colorado Aintgotachance..........

  • May 2, 2008

    9:36 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Kered writes:

    Oh well, we knew the Avs weren't going to win this series but I was hoping to at least see the last home game of the season end on a high note :( What an embarassment for such a classy orginization...GO STARS!!!

  • May 2, 2008

    9:47 a.m.

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    Avs_Blow writes:

    HA HA HA HA HA
    GO WINGS
    HOW SWEEP IT IS

  • May 2, 2008

    9:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    mpaige writes:

    bad news: your season is over. good news: I hear the IHL is planning westward expansion nex year.

  • May 2, 2008

    9:57 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    newshound writes:

    All these Red Wings fans think that sweeping Colorado was the highlight of their lives, and I think that speaks volumes for this rivalry and the respect for the Avs organization. And for everyone that says injuries didn't factor, you should stop drinking.

    I'm not saying that the Avs would have won the series, but missing Forsberg, Smyth, Stastny, Wolski, Clark, and Svatos with Hannan and Foote playing injured is too much to overcome. The Red Wings are awesome and probably will win the cup, but they basically just played the Junior Varsity version of the AVS. Besides, I would take the Avs getting swept by Detroit than living in Detroit any day of the week.

  • May 2, 2008

    10:04 a.m.

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    tellmenow41 writes:

    wow, never thought they would lose it THIS bad. Oh well, recovery time!

  • May 2, 2008

    10:37 a.m.

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    nycavsfan writes:

    The Avs brought a water pistol to a gun fight. They were outgunned, outmanned, and outcoached. The Wings just got the best of them in every element of the game.

    I expect Sakic will come back, as he is still producing and provides leadership that will be more valuable as the team inevitably rebuilds. Besides who really thinks that he'll want THIS to be his last game?

    As Forsberg has always been my favorite player, I'm a little biased when I say I hope he'll be back. But as another RMN article indicated, that's pretty much up to his foot to decide.

    May the Avs/Wings rivalry return in all its glory next season. (Well, OK it may take a tad longer than that...)

    And good luck to the Red Wings in the WCF.

  • May 2, 2008

    10:54 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    nuclied writes:

    I gave up season tickets after the strike a few years back and moved to NLL season tickets...The Mammoth are so much more fun and exciting to watch. True dedication by pro athletes who have to take second jobs just to pay the bills. Forget namby pamby Sakic (organizations greatest mistake), go enjoy the Mammoth playoff game tomorrow and enjoy a team with true grit and a REAL chance at being champions...did I mention the Wild Bunch?

  • May 2, 2008

    12:06 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Kered writes:

    nuclied...just admit it, the REAL reason you are a Mammoth season ticket holder is that you can't afford Hockey tix anymore. You obviously were never a real hockey fan to begin with if you think the biggest mistake the Avs made was keeping Sakic around.

  • May 2, 2008

    12:43 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    rnano1 writes:

    I wish I could say it was an exciting 4 games,
    but no chance. It looks like another cup for
    the winged wheel. I always like watching the
    avs and the wings go at it. See you all next year.
    GO WINGS>>>>

  • May 2, 2008

    1:08 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Kered writes:

    Game one and three were pretty entertaining and I was rooting on the Avs every minute of every game but yeah, it was pretty obvious that the Wings are just the better team this year. I don't have it in my heart to cheer for the Wings...GO STARS!!!

  • May 2, 2008

    1:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    elkman writes:

    For all you adolecent people that don't have a life. Get one. If all you have to do is make fun of the Avalanche, you really don't have a life.

  • May 2, 2008

    5:21 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Ahab337 writes:

    Good call elkman. These Wings fans must be 12 years old. Or maybe they're still bitter about the Avs knocking the Wings out of the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. That was 10 years ago. SERIOUSLY, guys, get over it already.

    I'm very proud of my Avs. They fought through adversity. They displayed class by not blaming the injuries they sustained, and gave credit where credit was due. Don't retire, Sakic, Colorado loves you. I hope everybody gets healthy during the off-season and then we can bury the Wings next year.

  • May 2, 2008

    8:22 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    princess writes:

    Wingsfan I thought I would bring up football because I am sad the Avs didnt show up and we couldn't even win one darn game so to get over it I am ready for some football.