Preface: The CL's are back! Kind of...
Following the preview of Minnesota where we were sans Community Leaders, we're back to where we are with Edmonton: Introducing some new writers you may not have heard of!
Anyways, today we're moving on to the Rocky Mountains, and dealing with the Colorado Avalanche.
Let's get to it:
There were only a few things I could think once I heard that the third jerseys were coming back to the NHL.
One of them was that I hope the Avalanche's old jersey comes back.
I can honestly say that I miss the diagonally written "Avalanche" across the front of the maroon jersey with the old-style tie-ups at the front. I thought they were snazzy.
And yes, I just said snazzy. And no, Clinton from "what not to wear" isn't proofreading this.
A few years ago though, I looked forward to Colorado Avalanche playoff runs as much as I'm looking forward to the new Pacino-DeNiro movie.
Now, both are older, both have slipped a little—but at least we're guaranteed a release date on the movie. The Avs aren't guaranteed anything in this division this year.
Roster Additions: Darcy Tucker-F (F.A.), Andrew Raycroft-G (F.A.), Daniel Tjarnqvist-D (F.A)
Roster Subtractions: Jose Theodore-G (F.A.), Andrew Brunette-F (F.A.), Jeff Finger-D (F.A.), Kurt Sauer-D (F.A.), Peter Forsberg-F (F.A.),Jeff Jillson-D (F.A.), Brad Richardson-F (Trade)
How did 2007-08 go? 44-31-7, 95 points, Sixth in conference, second in Northwest, lost in second round of 2008 playoffs (Western Conference).
2008-09 Goal: First in Conference, Conference Semi-Finals.
Let's break'er down!
As the Colorado Avalanche geared up for the playoffs last season, it seemed that everything old was new (or returning a wee bit older) once again.
Peter Forsberg, the annual head (ok, foot) case had returned to his old stomping grounds—I'm serious...there's no pun intended there whatsoever—in hopes of recapturing some magic with the seemingly ageless Joe Sakic. Adam Foote was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets in an attempt to add some added insurance and stability to the blue line, and the Avs looked to be going on a reunion tour, hopefully with their favorite member—Lord Stanley—in tow.
Well, that didn't happen—and with that, the Avs were forced into a summer of decisions, with some of their older acquisitions approaching free agency along with some of their younger players.
Burnaby Joe looks to captain Colorado to another Cup
The biggest news for the Avalanche this season is probably that Joe Sakic is returning for one more season. In contrast to all of the hype surrounding Mats Sundin's decision, Joe Sakic quietly took his time in deciding one more year was worth it for the heart and soul of the Quebec-Colorado franchise.
9 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jay Middleton 10 months ago
"Jeff Hackett is not a “goalie whisperer” as others have said, but it can’t hurt to have a full-time goaltending coach either."
Wait, Colorado DIDN'T have full-time goaltending coach? Is this common in the NHL? My Mighty Mites team had a full-time goaltending coach. What century is this?
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Alan Bass 10 months ago
I agree with what Jordan said. I don't think they are going to win any titles or Cups, but they are going to surprise a lot of people this year by making the playoffs, I think in the 6th seed or so. Either way, great preview, BT!
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Pat Ferguson 10 months ago
Watch raycroft bounce back to rookie form. He has been switching goaltending styles to be more technical in his butterfly (a la giguere). He is obviously still working on his top cheese saves, but that comes with confidence and coming out of the net. The guy is a rookie of the year with supreme athletecism who is working on his technical aspect. Toronto was the exact wrong place for him to go after suffering under the minor glare of media in boston, JFJ drops him right in front of the circus that is the T.O. media. Then he still puts up 37 wins in a record breaking season... then gets replaced??
Raycroft comes back to form this season or next (jose theodore's return is a precursor) and I really like him going to colorado where they have a decent team, a poor starting goalie (budaj is mediocre at best) and not a lot of scrutiny.
Would be too funny if washington picks up a re-emerging raycroft after theodore becomes too expensive.
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Bryan Thiel 10 months ago
Haha Pat, you're talking to the guy who thought Aubin shouldn't have been replaced by Raycroft.
I do think a 37-win goalie got a bum rap, but like McCabe, I agree that it's best for him to be out of the limelight of T.O.
I think Budaj (despite his recent troubles) may be in line for a bounceback year too, but we'll see! That is why they play the games afterall!
BT
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Pat Ferguson 10 months ago
hahahaha aubin?? wow... that's a different perspective...
I definitely think Raycroft is going to resurrect his career (samsonov is another formerly disgraced calder winner now on the upswing) and theodore is a rising star now. I fully endorse washington going with theodore over huet, huet has never sat well with me as a starter... maybe just cause he was a hab.. but I love carey price so go figure.
I actually have a $500 bet with my twin brother that raycroft will win a vezina or conn smythe by the time he is done his career... please note that I made the bet before last season began where he only had 2 wins
I agree that he needed to be out of the limelight, same as theodore getting out of montreal.
Should be an interesting biography by the time he retires though
nice writing bryan, I'm becoming a big fan!
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Miah D. 10 months ago
great preview Bryan,
I guess somehow they will surprise people, and beat a few teams. but going really far in the playoffs, I am not sure.
still, we never know!
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Geoff Townsend 10 months ago
Budaj is worth the hype. He is capable of doing great things in an Avs sweater, especially with JQ gone, as you mentioned.
It's hard to hold the 8-2 loss to the Wings in game 4 of Round 2 last year over Budaj's head. No one played any defense for the Avs in that game and left the best team all alone in the zone. Budaj seemed as comfortable as someone playing hopscotch in a firing range. And rightfully so.
Sakic coming back is more of a boost for the locker room than most think. There was a void in Denver until Captain Joe announced his intentions to play a 20th NHL season. Perhaps his numbers have fallen off, but he is still the most clutch player in NHL history and a leader no one comes close to emulating.
Great read, Bryan. Always a fan.
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Andrew Mason 10 months ago
I think their entire season depends on the play of Budjai and Raycroft. If one of them steps up and plays like a number 1 goalie should in this league then the Avs could win the division. I know thats a stretch but there is no team in the northwest that from top to bottom look like they will win easily. As always first and last in the division will be very close. I believe the Avs will do even better as long as Sakic does not miss 38 games again and Smyth can rebound and stay healthy. They will also have Wolski and Statsny and if they keep up their production they will be fine. Forsberg is also rumored to be only considering the Avs if he decides to have another go.
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mike peardon 10 months ago
I don't get it?what makes calgary's,or minny's 3rd/4th lines better.I don't think either really have a top 6.unless you think bourque is(not me and not proven).and how has minny replaced rolston and demitra?yes they have made the d better(imo)but that adresses lack of depth from last season(remember playoffs)coupled with what they lost they'll look more like van without luongo.I think colorado has the most depth and if garon will carry edm, budaj(126 gp-61w-36l-16t,270-gaa-.903%5 shutouts)will be fine behind our best defense in a few years
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