Fans watching and listening to the game at home Thursday night, were the first to hear about the counter offer that the Avalanche made to keep Ryan O'Reilly.
General Manager, Greg Sherman, commented on the counter offer during the first intermission. The thought of not matching Calgary's offer never crossed Sherman's mind, he moved "quickly and efficiently in the decision to match the offer."
According to Sherman, O'Reilly is excited and ready to dawn the "A" again.
The team hopes to have the young center on the ice for the next road trip, when the Avalanche will take on Columbus. Maybe O'Reilly will be the key 'Factor' that the Colorado Avalanche have been missing early on in this season.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Calgary Flames Offer Ryan O'Reilly a Contract
Early contract disputes with the Colorado Avalanche, made it clear that Ryan O' Reilly wasn't going to stay a a restricted free agent for long.
According to ESPN reporter Pierre LeBrun, Calgary announced Thursday that they signed an offer sheet with O'Reilly.
The Flames offered a 2 year/$10 million contract, which is what O'Reilly had been asking for from Colorado. The Avalanche have until March 7 to make a counter offer. If they refuse to make a counter offer, they will receive a first- and third- round draft pick.
The Avalanche may have to get over the fact that they don't want to pay O'Reilly more than they are paying Matt Duchene, $3.5 million, if they want to keep one of their star centers. Duchene and O'Reilly are the same age, 22, and both came to the team in 2009.
O'Reilly had a stand-out 2011-2012 season, collecting a total of 55 points for the team. Is that enough for the Avalanche to make a counter offer?
The Avalanche won't comment on the situation until the deadline date. No counter offer, would be losing one of the best young players this franchise has had, and could be a detrimental mistake for this young team.
According to ESPN reporter Pierre LeBrun, Calgary announced Thursday that they signed an offer sheet with O'Reilly.
The Flames offered a 2 year/$10 million contract, which is what O'Reilly had been asking for from Colorado. The Avalanche have until March 7 to make a counter offer. If they refuse to make a counter offer, they will receive a first- and third- round draft pick.
The Avalanche may have to get over the fact that they don't want to pay O'Reilly more than they are paying Matt Duchene, $3.5 million, if they want to keep one of their star centers. Duchene and O'Reilly are the same age, 22, and both came to the team in 2009.
O'Reilly had a stand-out 2011-2012 season, collecting a total of 55 points for the team. Is that enough for the Avalanche to make a counter offer?
The Avalanche won't comment on the situation until the deadline date. No counter offer, would be losing one of the best young players this franchise has had, and could be a detrimental mistake for this young team.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Does Colorado Have a Chance to Make Playoffs?
With such a shortened season, teams like the Colorado Avalanche are seeing the effect that every loss has on the possibility of making the playoffs.
The Avalanche already have 14 games under there belt, and are currently sitting with a record of 7-8-2. Colorado has only accumulated a total of 16 points this season, and are currently seated at 14th in the Western Conference, only ahead of Columbus.
It is still to early to tell if the Avalanche are out of the playoff race with only 4 points separating them from the team seated in 8th place in the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars.
Every match up that the Colorado Avalanche have in the 2013 hockey season is a Western Conference match up. The top eight teams from both the Western and Eastern Conferences compete in the playoffs. Every match up, therefore, holds a substantial weight in determining what teams within each conference make it to the playoffs.
Plagued by many early injuries and lack of team identity, the Colorado Avalanche have had a very rough start. The results produced by this team, for the first third of the season, certainly have created a debate whether or not this team can secure a playoff spot this year.
The Avalanche have had rough road trips, and mainly achieving their wins at home. Only two of the seven total wins from this team have been achieved on the road, this 28% win percentage on the road needs to improve if Colorado wants to see the playoffs this year.
With some consistent wins, both at home and on the road, the Avalanche could quickly change their standing within the Western Conference and possibly gain that much needed playoff spot.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Is O'Reilly the Fix to Our Problems?
Walking through the concourse at the Pepsi Center, Wednesday night, I heard a chant behind me: "Bring O'Reilly Back!" As I looked back, I saw a guy wearing a mask of former Avalanche center, Ryan O'Reilly. He walked past me and continued to chant: "Bring O'Reilly Back!"
According to Denver Post sports columnist, Adrian Dater, one fan went as far to email Ryan O'Reilly's dad, Brian O'Reilly, to get an update on the center's situation.
Brian repeatedly states the word "character" throughout the entire email, and discusses the essence of his son's character. He goes on to explain that his son's situation is not about money, but simply the fact that the Avalanche don't recognize the potential in his character.
If it's not about money, why hasn't Ryan accepted the two previous contracts offered to him by this team, and allowed them to see his true character?
The Avalanche definitely know how to recognize character. Character, as Brian describes it in his email: "complete level, dedication, and love of the game," can be found in many current and former Avalanche players. Allow me to list a few examples: Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk and Gabriel Landeskog. This list could go on and on.
As much as I, or any other true Avalanche fan, would love to see this amazing player come back to Colorado, he is not the answer to our problems. We have many problems that one player cant fix; problems that lie deep with in the communications between the players on the ice, and within our coaching staff.
Bottom line, we are playing like we have a full season to develop, the long off season really hurt this team. Many of our players were off in Europe playing for different teams, and we didn't have enough time to practice together before the season was underway.
The Avalanche are finally starting to communicate, and see success. If players can keep stepping up, and filling the hole created by a long injured reserve list, our season will turn out okay.
To see the full email from Brian O'Reilly: Click Here
According to Denver Post sports columnist, Adrian Dater, one fan went as far to email Ryan O'Reilly's dad, Brian O'Reilly, to get an update on the center's situation.
Brian repeatedly states the word "character" throughout the entire email, and discusses the essence of his son's character. He goes on to explain that his son's situation is not about money, but simply the fact that the Avalanche don't recognize the potential in his character.
If it's not about money, why hasn't Ryan accepted the two previous contracts offered to him by this team, and allowed them to see his true character?
The Avalanche definitely know how to recognize character. Character, as Brian describes it in his email: "complete level, dedication, and love of the game," can be found in many current and former Avalanche players. Allow me to list a few examples: Patrick Roy, Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk and Gabriel Landeskog. This list could go on and on.
As much as I, or any other true Avalanche fan, would love to see this amazing player come back to Colorado, he is not the answer to our problems. We have many problems that one player cant fix; problems that lie deep with in the communications between the players on the ice, and within our coaching staff.
Bottom line, we are playing like we have a full season to develop, the long off season really hurt this team. Many of our players were off in Europe playing for different teams, and we didn't have enough time to practice together before the season was underway.
The Avalanche are finally starting to communicate, and see success. If players can keep stepping up, and filling the hole created by a long injured reserve list, our season will turn out okay.
To see the full email from Brian O'Reilly: Click Here
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Something Is Finally Clicking: 4 Big Reasons Why
It's a well-known fact that the Colorado Avalanche are typically not a team that can both start and end the game strong. However, in the last couple games it looks like the Avalanche are trying to change this fact.
Anyone who watched Saturday night's game against Edmonton saw a difference with the Avalanche's playing, especially in the first period. In this period, the Avalanche scored three goals in only 12 shot attempts. Three goals in the first is something we haven't seen from this team in a long time.
This strong start, was mirrored in the afternoon match up against the Nashville Predators. Two of the six goals scored by the Avalanche were in the first period. These early goals strongly effected the momentum of the Avalanche on the ice. They took that momentum into the second period scoring four goals.
Even though we only beat Nashville, there has been a clear change in Colorado's approach to the game. I have come up with four reasons why :
1. Quick and early goals. In the game against Edmonton, Cody McLeod scored the first goal only 1:22 into the first period. Against Nashville, Paul Stastny and Jamie McGinn both scored quick goals, with only :13 inbetween the two, securing our lead of 6-3. These early goals quickly changed the momentum of the game.
2. Defensemen playing the blue line. Defensemen are playing more offensively and carrying it past the blue line. Tyson Barrie, is a clear example of this. He had his first career NHL goal against Nashville, and picked up two assists against Edmonton.
3.Staying out of the penalty box. In comparison to the start of the season, the Avalanche are doing a much better job of keeping out of the penalty box by only serving minor penalties.
4.The Iron Curtain: Semyon Varlamov. Words can not express the amazing ability of this young goalie. Varlamov, stopped 50 shots against Edmonton; the second highest total in team saves. First goes to Patrick Roy, with 51 saves against Toronto back in December of 1997 (NHL.com.) Varlamov also stopped 33 shots against Nashville. There is no doubt that Varlamov is one of the key reasons to this team's new strength.
Anyone who watched Saturday night's game against Edmonton saw a difference with the Avalanche's playing, especially in the first period. In this period, the Avalanche scored three goals in only 12 shot attempts. Three goals in the first is something we haven't seen from this team in a long time.
This strong start, was mirrored in the afternoon match up against the Nashville Predators. Two of the six goals scored by the Avalanche were in the first period. These early goals strongly effected the momentum of the Avalanche on the ice. They took that momentum into the second period scoring four goals.
Even though we only beat Nashville, there has been a clear change in Colorado's approach to the game. I have come up with four reasons why :
1. Quick and early goals. In the game against Edmonton, Cody McLeod scored the first goal only 1:22 into the first period. Against Nashville, Paul Stastny and Jamie McGinn both scored quick goals, with only :13 inbetween the two, securing our lead of 6-3. These early goals quickly changed the momentum of the game.
2. Defensemen playing the blue line. Defensemen are playing more offensively and carrying it past the blue line. Tyson Barrie, is a clear example of this. He had his first career NHL goal against Nashville, and picked up two assists against Edmonton.
3.Staying out of the penalty box. In comparison to the start of the season, the Avalanche are doing a much better job of keeping out of the penalty box by only serving minor penalties.
4.The Iron Curtain: Semyon Varlamov. Words can not express the amazing ability of this young goalie. Varlamov, stopped 50 shots against Edmonton; the second highest total in team saves. First goes to Patrick Roy, with 51 saves against Toronto back in December of 1997 (NHL.com.) Varlamov also stopped 33 shots against Nashville. There is no doubt that Varlamov is one of the key reasons to this team's new strength.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Recap in Minnestoa
Many Colorado fans regained their love for this team during their Thursday night, Valentine's Day, match up against the Wild. The Avalanche defense was on fire, and for the first time this season they proved their true strength.
With J.S. Giguere in net, only 3 of 29 Minnesota shots broke through the wall. Giguere's .897 save percentage wasn't the only thing that guaranteed Colorado the win, it was a team effort. Every player on the ice was making an effort to clear the pucks; Matt Duchene even took at hit from one.
Aside from those factors lets break down the game, and take a look at why the Avalanche seemed to finally click in Minnesota:
With a scoreless first period, the team looked to put up some points coming into the second period.
Aaron Palushaj did just that, as he scored his first Avalanche goal early on in the second period. The teams' mojo was back on track, and the puck handling and passing clearly reflected it. This aggressive playing allowed Milan Hejduk to score his 800th carreer point, and on his birthday nonetheless.
Minnesota quickly brought Colorado's adrenaline down, however, with an illegal goal by Mike Rupp, late in the second. With the puck clearly in Giguere's glove, Rupp pushed the puck out with his stick and shoved it in the net. The referees neglected to blow the whistle, even though the puck was clearly stopped and in Giguere's glove. Even with this bad call, the referees wouldn't stop the Avalanche from getting the "W."
This Avalanche looking to tie it up in the third, set it up for Matt Duchene. Duchene scored with 8:18 left in the game, and the game remained tied at the end of regulation. The Avalanche then took it into OT for the first time this season. Holding off the Wild, they took it to a shoot out. Giguere continued to impress blocking both of the Wild's shot attempts, while both Melan Hejduk and Matt Duchene sealed the deal with two successful shoot out goals.
For the first time this season, I can say the Avalanche looked good. They kept up with the Wild, and played strong the whole game. Hopefully the identity found during Thursday night's game will continue as the Avalanche take on the Oilers in Edmonton, Saturday night.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Injury Update: Is Johnson Moving to the IR List?
Not only to the Avalanche lack the mental game, their physical game has begun to lack as well. Having three players already on the Injured Reserve (IR) list, this team can't afford to move one more to this list. With multiple players taking big hits early on in this season, an ever-growing IR list may not be something this team can control.
Avalanche defensemen, Erik Johnson, may be the next addition to this list. Johnson skated off to the locker room, during Monday nights game against the Phoenix Coyotes, after receiving a big hit from Martin Hanzel. According to the Denver Post, Johnson appeared to have suffered a possible chest or shoulder injury, however; no formal injury report has been issued by the team.
The Avalanche's IR list already contains Defensemen, Ryan Wilson, and Forwards, Gabriel Landeskog and Steve Downie. Don't forget to not Matt Hunwick, on the sideline as well. Hunwick, not officially on the IR list yet, was a scratch from Monday's game due to a torso injury.
With Wilson missing (out indefinitely with a leg injury) and Hunwick on the sidelines, an even heavier strain has been placed on an already-struggling defense. If Erik Johnson joins the IR list or is sidelined for a number of games, the team is going to have to find some way to block the pucks from the net, being down one of the Avlanche's top defensemen.
With Downie out (torn ACL) as well as Captain Garbiel Landeskog (concussion), a big hole has been left in the offense. This is hole is slowly being filled, by powerful newcommers, like P.A. Parenteau.
This routine of receiving injuries, that the Avalanche seem to be falling into, is going to play significant role in the outcome of such a short season.
Links:
For Brad Stuarts' big hit on Gabriel Landeskog, Click Here
Sources:
CBSSPorts Denver Post-Johnson Denver Post- Hunwick RotoWorld
Avalanche defensemen, Erik Johnson, may be the next addition to this list. Johnson skated off to the locker room, during Monday nights game against the Phoenix Coyotes, after receiving a big hit from Martin Hanzel. According to the Denver Post, Johnson appeared to have suffered a possible chest or shoulder injury, however; no formal injury report has been issued by the team.
The Avalanche's IR list already contains Defensemen, Ryan Wilson, and Forwards, Gabriel Landeskog and Steve Downie. Don't forget to not Matt Hunwick, on the sideline as well. Hunwick, not officially on the IR list yet, was a scratch from Monday's game due to a torso injury.
With Wilson missing (out indefinitely with a leg injury) and Hunwick on the sidelines, an even heavier strain has been placed on an already-struggling defense. If Erik Johnson joins the IR list or is sidelined for a number of games, the team is going to have to find some way to block the pucks from the net, being down one of the Avlanche's top defensemen.
With Downie out (torn ACL) as well as Captain Garbiel Landeskog (concussion), a big hole has been left in the offense. This is hole is slowly being filled, by powerful newcommers, like P.A. Parenteau.
This routine of receiving injuries, that the Avalanche seem to be falling into, is going to play significant role in the outcome of such a short season.
Links:
For Brad Stuarts' big hit on Gabriel Landeskog, Click Here
Sources:
CBSSPorts Denver Post-Johnson Denver Post- Hunwick RotoWorld
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Colorado Avalanche's Missing Identity
With a shortened season, every game is crucial. Finding a team identity early on is essential to ensuring a play-off spot. The season record, so far, shows that a clear identity is one thing missing in Colorado.
Wednesday night against Anaheim was a clear example of this. The Avalanche almost doubled Anaheim's number of shots on goals (31-20), but none of them went in the net. Forward Matt Duchene, with 4 of the shots, noted that this kind of playing is,"unacceptable," and that the team needs to start making a plays.
The Ducks were 6-1-1 going into Denver, so we knew a win was going to be a challenge. I was in attendance, at the Pepsi Center, Wednesday night. For the entire game, there were no players down by the net, trying to set up the play; no one to feed it to. Most of the shots made, were two on three; we couldn't get anything through their defense.
At one point in the night, a fan next to me started chanting, "sign O'Reilly." It is clear to the fans in Colorado, that a void has been created with the absence of one of the essential forwards from the 2011-2012 season.
The void is growing ever bigger with captain Gabriel Landeskog temporarily out and Forward Steve Downie out for the season.
Many players are trying to step up, fill the void, and help to create a team identity. Avalanche center, John Mitchell, is one of these players. With 4 goals and 3 assists on the season, not to mention the pucks he's blocked with his face, Mitchell is clearly helping to fill the void. Joe Sacco noted on Jamie McGinn as well. McGinn is becoming an essential part of the line with Matt Duchene and P.A. Parenteau.
With the exception of Anaheim, who has had an amazing start to this season, every team is still a work in progress at this point in the season. The Avalanche are still playing in a pre-season mode. If Joe Sacco and the Avalanche want to identify as a, "team who plays fast," they need to snap out if it, and fast.
For the full postgame interview with Matt Duchene: Click Here
For the full pregame interview with Coach, Joe Sacco: Click Here
Wednesday night against Anaheim was a clear example of this. The Avalanche almost doubled Anaheim's number of shots on goals (31-20), but none of them went in the net. Forward Matt Duchene, with 4 of the shots, noted that this kind of playing is,"unacceptable," and that the team needs to start making a plays.
The Ducks were 6-1-1 going into Denver, so we knew a win was going to be a challenge. I was in attendance, at the Pepsi Center, Wednesday night. For the entire game, there were no players down by the net, trying to set up the play; no one to feed it to. Most of the shots made, were two on three; we couldn't get anything through their defense.
At one point in the night, a fan next to me started chanting, "sign O'Reilly." It is clear to the fans in Colorado, that a void has been created with the absence of one of the essential forwards from the 2011-2012 season.
The void is growing ever bigger with captain Gabriel Landeskog temporarily out and Forward Steve Downie out for the season.
Many players are trying to step up, fill the void, and help to create a team identity. Avalanche center, John Mitchell, is one of these players. With 4 goals and 3 assists on the season, not to mention the pucks he's blocked with his face, Mitchell is clearly helping to fill the void. Joe Sacco noted on Jamie McGinn as well. McGinn is becoming an essential part of the line with Matt Duchene and P.A. Parenteau.
With the exception of Anaheim, who has had an amazing start to this season, every team is still a work in progress at this point in the season. The Avalanche are still playing in a pre-season mode. If Joe Sacco and the Avalanche want to identify as a, "team who plays fast," they need to snap out if it, and fast.
For the full postgame interview with Matt Duchene: Click Here
For the full pregame interview with Coach, Joe Sacco: Click Here
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Parenteau Brings PA-ower to the Avalanche
Down in Dallas' zone with 1:13 left in Colorado's Power Play, the puck deflects off of Dallas' Trevor Daley's skate. P.A. Parenteau, in front of the net, finds the puck before Kari Lahtonen and bats it in for a goal. Even though the Avalanche fell to the Stars, 3-2, Parenteau has proven to be an asset to this team early in the season.
Parenteau got the attention of Avs fans, when he scored the final goal of the home opener against the L.A. Kings. As the cherry on top of a great comeback in the third, right winger scored one between the pipes to seal the deal against the reigning Stanley Cup Champions.
The goal in the home opener launched the rocket, known as P.A. Parenteau. The right winger has scored a total of 7 goals in only 9 games. Parenteau has proven to be a powerful player not only for the Avalanche but in the NHL as well: ranking third overall in goals (7), and seventh overall in shot percentage (36.8). For the Avalanche he leads in goals, shot percentage, and is tied for first in points with Matt Duchene.
Parenteau was a driving force on the rough first road trip, scoring the only team goal against the Sharks, Oilers and Canucks. Parenteau is a solid, consistent player, something much needed by the Avalanche nowadays, and has proven to be an important presence in front of the net.
P.A. Parenteau is a clear leader for this team, and has brought excitement and drive back to Colorado.
#15 P.A. Parenteau
Photo Courtesy: avalanche.nhl.com
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