Colorado Hockey: Avalanche Just Not Giving Enough

Last night's game against the Flames was pretty good. It was a solid, team effort that resulted in a win, and further, a shutout for Jose Theodore.

But it wasn't enough. I'm an optimist, I'd like to think we can win most of the 82 games we play during the season.

But that's the mindset the members of the Colorado Avalanche need to have right now. They need to win the rest of the games. I know, they can make the playoffs without winning ALL of their last five, but why not shoot for the top? Why not try to make the third seed as the division winner?

And then even if you don't make it, you can still know that you played your hardest, and can take that momentum into whichever first-round playoff series you land. 

Last night was a good two points. But it wasn't a playoff team. There must be more.

Luckily, Calgary couldn't shoot all night, otherwise it could have been a different story. I want to see guys SKATING their butts off instead of just taking half-strides with the puck. I mean GO!

Like I said earlier, it wasn't a bad game, but there is room for improvement.

I will say this, the defense was great at stifling any chances the Flames could have had. I despise when other teams do that to us, and last night I saw why they did—because it works. Our defense needs some consistency. Our goaltender has found it.

Our offense is starting to pick up. Lets keep our defense hard-nosed and tough to play against. I hate it, but defense wins games. Defense wins championships. Look at the Oilers game on Saturday—we scored five goals (a decently high amount) and LOST because our defense wasn't there.

The goals will come. Now buckle down, and keep the other team OUT.  

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