Half Way Repot on the Colorado Avalanche

For bring my favorite team, I don't talk much about the Colorado Avalanche on here. Sure I'm very vocal online, in day to day conversations and even calling or posting on local radio stations... I just have yet to really give my thoughts on a team that is still trying to figure out its identity.

As of right now the Colorado Avalanche are 8th in the Western Conference with 52 points. Still a ton of hockey to be played and a lot of hope to get into the playoffs as well. There have been some good progress made on this team since ending as the 2nd worst team a season ago, however there are still some constant problems and missing pieces that are holding this team back. Let’s start with the good.

The Good!

Ryan O'Reilly drafted 33rd overall in the 2009 NHL Draft. This kid came into the NHL as a Defensive Forward, strong in his own end and really good on creating turnovers. Last season couldn't buy a goal for the life of him. Not that he ever got his chances mind you. He ended last year 13 goals 13 assists playing 74 games. He was always one of the hardest workers on this team, always one of the last players to leave the ice after practice and the fruits of his training have taken his career to the next level. Not only is he staying strong on the defensive end, but now he's lighting up the lamp on the other... He's becoming a two way forward for this team and a reliable star. 45 games in this season he has 13 goals and 22 assists. He's been centering a line that started as the 3rd line for this team, has seen many different wingers and he's made the players around him better. There is a ton of chemistry and potential with anyone he's played with and really this is his break out year. *Yeah when I buy a new Avs jersey it will have his name in it.*


Both Goalies Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Semyon Varlamov

Both players came to the Avs over the off-season, as the Avs were looking to create a new goaltending duo. Goaltending has been a major fault for the Avs, in my opinion for the last 5 maybe 6 years and that was something that desperately needed to be addressed. Although the wins and losses are not as impressive as I hoped, I think both Varly and Giggy have really done a great job giving this team a chance to win. Now there are a lot of fans that have been ripping Varly for every single loss we have gotten and while I agree a 1st round draft pick was probably too much to get him, you need to remember this is a Goalie we brought in to develop and mold. He already had some success in Washington, has proven he can steal games and has shown signs of great brilliance in net. Giggy was brought in to be his back up and mentor and what both goalies have done is at least give this team some confident / stability in net. Give Varly time to grow and don't forget we have a veteran goalie in Jean-Sebastien Giguere to teach this team to learn how to win. Don't give up on Varly and don't be afraid because Giggy is in net.

Ryan Wilson undrafted player for the Calgary Flames in 2008, came to the Avs in 2009 in a trade. He hasn't been in the league very long but if you are a casual hockey fan you wouldn't know that. Ryan Wilson is a strict defensive defenseman who loves the physical game, will isn't afraid to take and make a hit. He has been one of the Colorado Avalanches best defensemen this season and his hockey sense is constantly getting better. On a team that has given up so many goals thanks to defensive letdowns he and Ryan O'Byrne have done a tremendous job taking care of the goalie this season. He currently has a +3 in the +/- category, but what more he has become the defensive player you don't want to play against. He isn't afraid to hit your superstar, he isn't afraid to play dirty... qualities this team still lack in and needs more of. I really hope he becomes an impact player like Adam Foote was back in the day and I think he has the intangibles to do it. Keep it up!

*I loved his hit on Taylor Hall*

Let’s talk Gabriel Landeskog rookie player for the Colorado Avalanche drafted this past summer 2nd overall. You know, he hasn't been as impressive as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, but he's been very good for the Avs. Not only has he been given consistent time in key moments on the ice, but he's played in all situation. Even Strength, Power Play and Penalty Kill... he's been a solid and consistent factor on the ice that has given this team many opportunities to score... even on the Penalty Kill! If you watch a Colorado Avalanche penalty kill you will notice with him and Chuck Kobasew that they have explosive speed to cut through the neutral zone for breakaway opportunities. How he doesn't have more goals this season is beyond me, but things are looking great with him.





Now the things I question on this team...

Peter Mueller drafted 8th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2006. Traded to Colorado in 2010 for Wojtek Wolski. Now this is a trade I had no problems with... besides the shootout Wolski was almost a waste of space on the roster. Mueller who showed signs of brilliance in his rookie season had a very hard sophomore slump and I think he really needed a change of scenery. Coming to Colorado in his first 15 games he had 9 goals and 11 assists. He was a great winger to have work with Matt Duchene and showed he could be pretty smart and physical. Then he ended up getting a concussion at the hands or Rob Blake which ended his season. 4 games into the 2011-2012 season he ended up getting another concussion, keeping him out of the line up until January 12th. Now I like the guy and I think if healthy he could have a great impact on this team. Since he's been back he's been amazing and on January 18th he had his break out game against the Florida Panthers, scoring twice and assisting on one. The problem is he's becoming very injury prone and it's hockey... injuries happen I understand that, but he has yet to play half a season for the Avs. How much longer until this team decides it's time to move on? For now though Mueller is back in the lineup and I hope he can stay healthy. I want to see him play on this team and be healthy. However, if he can't the Avs really need to find another winger to boost their depth. Matt Duchene needs to play center for this team so we have a consistent offensive threat, but he needs wingers to help him. Without them he can't play the way we want him to and look he got moved to the winger position. Yes it's helped him out but it takes away greatly from our lines. Again I'm rooting for the guy, I want him on our roster and I'm hoping above all else he stays healthy.

Now we come to Eric Johnson the #1 pick in the 2006 NHL Draft by St. Louis. Last season the Colorado Avalanche in my opinion made a very questionable move trading for him. In a deal that brought Johnson and Jay McClement and a 1st round draft pick, Colorado had to give them Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk. Trading Stewart was one thing... he was a player that wasn't very consistent. However, trading Kevin Shattenkirk a kid who could play both offense and defense... showed so much potential to be a #1 D-man in the NHL and carried skills and smarts, a lot of people were scratching their heads asking why? Why would you trade for a #1 Draft pick the Blues were willing to give up on? To this day I'm still baffled by it. It's too late to ask for take backs but now we have to look at Johnson and ask what can you do for us? Since he's been brought in he hasn't looked impressive at all. In fact I think he's done more harm than good for this team. The one thing that he's clearly demonstrated is that he's constantly turning over the puck in his own end. Many of which are bad passes in front of his own net that have lead to goals. His presence in front of the net is bad and doesn't pick up his man very well. Now I will give him this... this month January 2012, he has been playing better. However this is a guy I still don't have very much confidence in and I need to see more defensive awareness in.


Players that need to step their game up.

Paul Stastny: I've seen such great things from Staz, from the University of Denver, your rookie season with the Colorado Avalanche; you can be a 70 point player... maybe even more. You can make players better, you can pull off crazy passes, and you’re a playmaker. Last season was a bad year for Stastny and besides a few games this season; Stastny has yet to be a real key presence for the team. O'Reilly has been that player. If we are to make the playoffs, we need Stastny to really pick his game up. 

Matt Duchene: Again going back to Ryan O'Reilly; he has taken that next step in player development. The next that has to break out is Matt Duchene. Although injured right now till February, when he gets back we need him to see him become the offensive threat we know he can become. He lost his center spot earlier this season and has been playing wing for Stastny. However, I really believe by doing that it has made our offensive depth go a bit thin. Now that Mueller is back though, I'm hoping this opens things up for Duchene again when he comes back.




Final Thought


It's going to be a really interesting 2nd half. They are at a crossroads right now and whether we make the playoffs this season or not... I really just want to see growth. I want to see players take that next step like O'Reilly has done; I want to see this team in whole become much more aware of the ongoing play. Defensively we have too many defensive letdowns where we aren't paying attention to players and paying too much to the puck. That how we get scored on 90% of the time... players sneak in, or are not taken care of and they are free to do whatever. Then on the offense they sometime play too laid back while we have pressure right on our backs. If our D-Man turns over the puck that's turning into an easy 2 on 1. A win is a win and a loss is a loss, but the growth is the key aspect I'm looking for.

2013 Winter Classic Maple Leafs vs. Red Wings

Well... we are in for a treat next New Years. It's not set in stone yet but it looks like our next NHL Winter Classic will take place in Michigan at The University of Michigan Stadium. We have a great classic match up... one of the best in NHL history, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. This opens up a ton of new ways to host the Winter Classics now, allowing Canadian teams to participate and really showcase some of the greatest rivalries in the NHL. More info will come as soon as everything is finalized.

*It's really making me hope now for a Vancouver vs. Colorado in the future.

NHLPA Rejects Realignment / Sweden Wins The WJC / USA Avoids Relegation

A ton has been happening over the past few days from the Crazy Gold Medal game in the World Juniors to the Rejection of the Realignment plan.



NHL.com

To start I want to give huge props and congratulations to Sweden, for the impressive victory over Russia. In a game that was 40 minutes of domination for team Sweden, Russia somehow stayed in the game thanks to some unbelievable goaltending from Andrei Makarov. In this game alone he would face 58 shots only in overtime giving up the only goal. Not his fault though, off a defensive turnover Sweden forward Mika Zibanejad capitalized on a breakaway in overtime to give Sweden their first Gold Medal at the World Juniors since 1981. Sweden was easily the better team the entire game, but Russia didn't make it easy in the 3rd period. Next year the World Juniors will head to Russia and I'm sure they will be looking to regain their gold.

As for the Bronze Medal, Canada ended up defeating Finland 4-0. Canada ended up losing to Russia a couple nights before 6-5 in a game where Canada was down 6-1.

Gold: Sweden
Silver: Russia
Bronze: Canada

Team USA also avoided relegation with a blowout victory over Latvia and a win over Switzerland.


Now for the big news... the NHLPA has REJECTED the plan for league realignment.

NHL.com
TSN Canada

I talked about the NHL Realignment a few months back and you can view that post here... NHL Realignment

The NHLPA has yet to release a statement on why they declined. However, at this time the schedule for next season will see the same teams in the same divisions, which is really bad for the Winnipeg Jets. This season they have played in the Eastern Conference in the Atlantic division, where the Atlanta Thrashers were. They have a ridiculous schedule already with a ton of travel involved. The only good I really see from the decline is the fact the playoffs will stay the same, because you know those top 8 teams deserve and earned their way into the playoffs. I'll post more on this when the NHLPA explains why. This has be a bit worried though with the Collective Bargaining agreement coming up.

USA To Fight To Stay In The WJC

NHL.com USA vs. Canada



NHL.com USA vs. Czech Republic

Well when the WJC started who would of thought the US would be fighting to stay in the top class? Instead of competing for a medal the USA will be fighting to not be relegated to the Division 1 group. On Friday the USA took on the Czech Republic which was a cross roads game in more then one way. A win could propelled the USA to 2nd place but a loss would end all hopes of going to the elimination round. Like the Finland game Team USA had a ton of chances... in fact I'd like to say in Power Play time total the USA had more then a full period of it. This includes a 5 in major, double minor and many other Power Plays in between. The fact that the USA could only score on 2 of these clearly gave the Czechs a ton of hope to stay in the game and that's just what happened. It didn't take much to score on the USA and once the Czechs were able to score a late 3rd period goal to take the lead they never looked back. What was ridiculous when all was said and done though was the fact goalie Petr Mrazek wasn't named star of the game for the Czech Republic. Turning aside 52 shots... with 21 of them coming in the 3rd period was ridiculous.

The following day the USA played against Canada... a game that didn't live up to the hype it usually had. With the USA already finished this was simply a controlled scrimmage with Canada taking a 3-2 win. The USA made a run in the third period, but that was about it.

With that said the USA will fight to come back next year. Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET the US will take on Latvia and play again on Wed. at 5 pm. In this small group of 4 the USA must at least finish 1st or 2nd.

Finland Beats The USA 4-1

NHL.com

It wasn't a pretty sight Wed. afternoon when the USA played against Finland in the 2nd game of the WJC. For most of the game the USA I think pretty much dominated, even when Finland went up by a 1-0 score in the 2nd period. It was almost like playing EA Sports NHL 12, where you can dominate the play, out shoot the other team by a 2-1 margin, but just can't stick it in the net. A ton of credit could go to Finland Goalie Sami Aittokallio as he stopped 38 of 39 shots in the game, with 16 coming in the 2nd period alone. I'm sure the Colorado Avalanche were happy to see that performance from their prospect. In the opening minute of the 3rd period though, Team USA was able to score their first goal of the game thanks to a redirection from Brandon Saad. Momentum was on the USA side, both goalies were playing strong and half way through the 3rd period the USA was given a Power Play opportunity. However, just a few seconds into the power play USA goalie John Gibson took a interference penalty, tripping up a player skating by the crease to set the play to 4 on 4. Really if you want to point out the key moment, that was it. In my opinion the USA lost all momentum and focus from this point on. In the ending moments of the 4 on 4, Markus Granlund scored on a breakaway to give Finland a 2-1 lead. A few seconds later Mikael Granlund scored to make it a 3-1 Finland lead. What all was said and done Finland took down the USA by a score of 4-1.

I hate to point the finger at the guy but Gibson really killed the USA in this game. Not from goals scored on but on that interference penalty. I'm not the only one who was baffled by it and it was easily the turning point. That said Team USA didn't capitalize on the rebounds Sami Aittokallio was leaving and the USA was passing a bit too much, trying to make things pretty. Either way, I don't like the fact NHL.com labeled this a upset. Before this game I wrote that Finland was a lot better then what they showed against Canada. They just got the unlucky draw of having to play them first without being battle tested. What more Finland has always given the USA some problems. Not like they have our number but the games tend to be close and very hard fought. Whether it be in the WJC or the Olympics. Either way things have gotten much more difficult for the USA, and if they want to get into the elimination round they HAVE to win against the Czech Republic on Friday.

USA Beats Denmark 11-3

Denver Post
NHL.com

After a tight 1st period against Denmark Monday night, Team USA came back and demolished Denmark 11-3 to capture their first win of the World Juniors. The first line consisting of Coyle, Zucker and Saad combined for 5 goals in the game. Kyle Rau also had two and 14 players at least got a point. Goalie Jack Campbell also had 20 saves for team USA.

My thoughts... It was a quick start for team USA scoring around the 40 second mark of the opening period. However, Denmark did try their best to make it a game. They capitalized on every single one of their Power Plays and it wasn't till the 2nd period when the dam broke and Denmark collapsed. They say that the early period goals set the tone... well it did and the USA never looked back. Though it was the first game some faults showed and I don't really worry about most of them. However the pack of aggressive play on the Penalty Kill put up a ton of red flags for me. Players stood around, no one cleared goalie's sights and Denmark for a team with not much offensive talent played simple hockey and made it look easy. There better be some major improvements there.

Team USA will face Finland next who got beat 8-1 to Canada. I'm expecting a much stronger effort on Finland's part this Wed. and they have given the US problems in the past.

USA has Jason Zucker / Canada has Jaden Schwartz

Just as I posted about Jason Zucker being named captain of Team USA, I come to find out Jaden Schwartz from Colorado College is named captain for Team Canada!

Two of the star collegiate hockey players from Colorado... representing the two rivals from the University of Denver and Colorado College, will represent at captains for the USA and Canada on the international stage.

I've said this before about Jaden... even as a Colorado College Tiger, I give him huge reps and respect. To play for Canada as a NCAA player is amazing because they don't bring in many. However, to be named captain for Canada is another. Huge reps to you.


http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=5000

Team USA Names DU Pioneer Jason Zucker Captain

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=607929

Today is a proud day if you are from the University of Denver. Team USA has just named Jason Zucker captain of Team USA. Congrats to you, all of us DU Alumni and Students are proud of you and go out and represent this great country.


"Jason Zucker just accepted his role in Saskatoon [in 2010]," Blais said. "He did whatever we asked him to do and that'll be a big deal for us this year as well."

Zucker, who stars at the University of Denver, has dutifully exemplified that quality the past two seasons for the U.S. National Junior Team. Despite the fact Zucker was tied for first in scoring at the University of Denver as a freshman last season with 45 points, including 23 goals, he reveled in his role as a ferocious checker and versatile role player for the bronze medal-winning Americans in Buffalo. Zucker played a similar role under Blais during the team's gold medal-winning run at the 2010 WJC."

More on NHL.com...

Team USA Has Their Final Roster

Well team USA has made their final cuts and have already played their first exhibition game at the World Juniors. According to Jason Zucker on twitter, USA fell to Russia last night with a game against Switzerland up next. Team USA is made of 14 players from the NCAA, 6 from the WCHA, 4 from Hockey East and 4 from the CCHA. 8 of the players are from the Canadian Juniors with all three goalies coming from there. This is a bit of a different Team USA we've seen from the past couple years. In the past they have been pretty balanced, but it looks like team USA is relying heavily on their collegiate boys this year.

Camp Roster - Player, School / Team. League (NHL Team Draft)
FORWARDS
Josh Archibald, Nebraska-Omaha, WCHA (Pittsburgh)
Bill Arnold, Boston College, HE (Calgary)
Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Connor Brickley, Vermont, HE (Florida)
Austin Czarnik, Miami, CCHA (2012 draft eligible)
Charlie Coyle, Boston University, HE (Minnesota)
Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat, WHL (Anaheim)
J.T. Miller, Plymouth, OHL (N.Y. Rangers)
Kyle Rau, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Brandon Saad, Saginaw, OHL (Chicago)
T.J. Tynan, Notre Dame, CCHA (Columbus)
Austin Watson, Peterborough, OHL (Nashville)

Jason Zucker, Denver, WCHA (Minnesota)

DEFENSEMEN
Adam Clendening, Boston University, HE (Chicago)
Derek Forbort, North Dakota, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Kevin Gravel, St. Cloud State, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Stephen Johns, Notre Dame, CCHA (Chicago)
Jonathon Merrill, Michigan, CCHA (New Jersey)
Jarred Tinordi, London, OHL (Montreal)
Jacob Trouba, USNTDP U-18, USHL (2012 draft eligible)

GOALIES
Jack Campbell, Sault Ste. Marie, OHL (Dallas)
John Gibson, Kitchener, OHL (Anaheim)
Andy Iles, Cornell University, ECAC (2012 draft eligible) *Emergency Backup


The Schedule
Dec. 26 - U.S. vs. Denmark
Dec. 28 - U.S. vs. Finland
Dec. 30 - U.S. vs. Czech Republic
Dec. 31 - U.S. vs. Canada
Jan. 2 - Quarterfinals
Jan. 3 - Semifinals
Jan. 5 - Gold medal/bronze medal games

Team Canada Has Their World Junior Team

 http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=606419

Forwards --
Michael Bournival, Shawinigan, QMJHL (Montreal)
Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver, WHL (Montreal)
Freddie Hamilton, Niagara, OHL (San Jose)
Quinton Howden, Moose Jaw, WHL (Florida)
Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John, QMJHL (Florida)
Boone Jenner, Oshawa, OHL (Columbus)
Tanner Pearson, Barrie, OHL (2012 draft eligible)
Mark Scheifele, Barrie, OHL (Winnipeg)

Jaden Schwartz, Colorado College, WCHA (St. Louis)

Mark Stone, Brandon, WHL (Ottawa)
Devante Smith-Pelly, Anaheim, NHL
Ryan Strome, Niagara, OHL (New York Islanders)
Brett Connolly, Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL.

Defense --
Nathan Beaulieu, Saint John, QMJHL (Montreal)
Brandon Gormley, Moncton, QMJHL (Phoenix)
Dougie Hamilton, Niagara, OHL (Boston)
Scott Harrington, London, OHL (Pittsburgh)
Ryan Murray, Everett, WHL (2012 draft eligible)
Jamie Oleksiak, Saginaw, OHL (Dallas)
Mark Pysyk, Edmonton, WHL (Buffalo)

Goalies --
Mark Visentin, Niagara, OHL (Phoenix)
Scott Wedgewood, Plymouth, OHL (New Jersey)

Canada Schedule

What's interesting is that this year the U.S.A and Canada will be in the same group this year.

Dec. 26 - Canada vs. Finland
Dec. 28 - Canada vs. Czech Republic
Dec. 29 - Canada vs. Denmark
Dec. 31 - Canada vs. U.S.
Jan. 2 - Quarterfinals
Jan. 3 - Semifinals
Jan. 5 - Bronze/Gold Medal game

What's interesting is that there was a article in the Denver Post suggesting that Jaden Schwartz could be captain of Team Canada and Jason Zucker could be captain of Team USA. We'll see if that happens but considering both players play for rivaled teams... it could give DU vs. CC a huge spotlight for exposure.

Team USA World Junior Camp

One other things I wanted to touch up on is Team USA's World Juniors Potential Roster.

You know, this time of year there is a lot to be thankful and joyous about. The Holiday season is very fun and magical with something to always do... however, one of the best kept secrets in the sports world comes the day after Christmas. Every year hockey future stars are involved in the IIHF World Junior Championship. My favorite thing about this tournament is being able to see certain players represent their background, league, schools and country. You always have certain players you cheer for and you watch closely to see how they will position themselves in the NHL Draft the following year. This year is no exception to, plus I know Team USA will want to redeem themselves after that lack luster performance against Canada in the semi-finals last year.

The Schedule
Dec. 26 - U.S. vs. Denmark
Dec. 28 - U.S. vs. Finland
Dec. 30 - U.S. vs. Czech Republic
Dec. 31 - U.S. vs. Canada
Jan. 2 - Quarterfinals
Jan. 3 - Semifinals
Jan. 5 - Gold medal/bronze medal games

Last year team USA had a very easy schedule, which hurt them when Team Canada came around. Canada was playing against Russia, Sweden, very tough nations with strong programs. When it was Team USA chance to play Canada... we weren't tested and battle ready and Canada wiped the floor with us. It's good to see we have Finland and Czech Republic this time around and Canada at the end always happens. We'll see how we play.

Camp Roster - Player, School / Team. League (NHL Team Draft)
FORWARDS
Kenny Agostino, Yale, ECAC (Pittsburgh)
Josh Archibald, Nebraska-Omaha, WCHA (Pittsburgh)
Bill Arnold, Boston College, HE (Calgary)
Nick Bjugstad, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Connor Brickley, Vermont, HE (Florida)
Austin Czarnik, Miami, CCHA (2012 draft eligible)
Charlie Coyle, Boston University, HE (Minnesota)
Emerson Etem, Medicine Hat, WHL (Anaheim)
Brian Ferlin, Cornell, ECAC (Boston)
John Gaudreau, Boston College, HE (Calgary)
J.T. Miller, Plymouth, OHL (N.Y. Rangers)
Shane Prince, Ottawa, OHL (Ottawa)
Kyle Rau, Minnesota, WCHA (Florida)
Brandon Saad, Saginaw, OHL (Chicago)
T.J. Tynan, Notre Dame, CCHA (Columbus)
Austin Watson, Peterborough, OHL (Nashville)

Jason Zucker, Denver, WCHA (Minnesota)

DEFENSEMEN
Adam Clendening, Boston University, HE (Chicago)
Justin Faulk, Carolina, NHL
Derek Forbort, North Dakota, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Kevin Gravel, St. Cloud State, WCHA (Los Angeles)
Stephen Johns, Notre Dame, CCHA (Chicago)
Seth Jones, USNTDP U-18, USHL (2013 draft eligible)
Austin Levi, Plymouth, OHL (Carolina)
Jonathon Merrill, Michigan, CCHA (New Jersey)
Jarred Tinordi, London, OHL (Montreal)
Jacob Trouba, USNTDP U-18, USHL (2012 draft eligible)

GOALIES
Jack Campbell, Sault Ste. Marie, OHL (Dallas)
John Gibson, Kitchener, OHL (Anaheim), *Andy Iles, Cornell University, ECAC (2012 draft eligible)

*This isn't the final line up*

As you can tell my focus player will be on University of Denver player Jason Zucker. It's good to see 15 players representing the NCAA Division 1 and what more it's great to see 7 of them coming from the WCHA. Team USA has always done a great job evenly matching College players with Canadian Junior League players. Any players who could come in due to injury isn't on this line up, however there is talk that University of Denver's Scott Mayfield and Nick Shore could be replacements.

NHL Realignment

So a huge and major announcement was made yesterday, confirming that the NHL will realign itself, with a new playoff system and everything.

FIRST LOOK: NEW CONFERENCES

CONFERENCE A	CONFERENCE B
CONFERENCE C	CONFERENCE D

According to the NHL "In the seven-team Conferences, teams would play six times -- three home, three away -- for a total of 36 inter-division games. In the eight-team Conferences, teams would play either five or six times in a season on a rotating basis -- for a total of 38 inter-division games.

The teams in the seven-team Conferences will have 46 out-of-conference games, including 23 at home and 23 on the road. The teams in the eight-team Conferences will have 44 out-of-conference games evenly split between home and away."

In short this is a great idea for the regular season, because it allows everyone to play each other twice. However, this is clearly a excuse to make sure certain NHL teams stay in the same division or conference as their rivals. There was a ton of talk the Red Wings for example was going to try and move to the Eastern Conference, which would of really hurt the Western. How so? Because if you are a Eastern team you easily get more exposure on TV and if you take a team as polarizing as the Red Wings out of the West, the West would lose a ton of luster. I think it got to a point where certain teams like Detroit, Minnesota, Columbus, just started complaining that they had to play a 9pm game on the West Coast too often and it could also mess them up during the playoffs. Also if you look at the teams in the West, you can tell they were separated geographically. However when you look at the east... it was all about rivalries. Some I question, like Washington not being in there with Tampa and Florida, but of course it's just to have more Crosby v. Ovechkin.

My biggest problem comes in the playoffs and it's format. One of the things I like the most at the end of the season is to watch those 2-4 teams fight it out for that last playoff spot. You always know the teams that are in the top 8 deserve it. Problem is you get the top 4 from each conference, but you could have a stronger conference team in 5th place with 95 points and lost out to a team in another conference with 90. In other worlds you'll start having teams with no business being there. Truthfully, I think that would be a little bit of a turn off come playoff time. Also I think the NHL is trying to "force rivalries" again. In my experience growing up rivalries aren't about teams playing each other over and over again... rivalries are built from two teams evenly matched, bad blood, and from intense playoff match ups. Look at all the non-divisional rivalries that have occurred over the years...

Colorado - Detroit
Chicago - Vancouver
Detroit - Vancouver
Dallas - Colorado
Dallas - Minnesota
Carolina - New Jersey
Anaheim - Nashville

It just feels like the NHL wants certain teams to have certain rivals... and it's just not something you can make happen, they just happen. They grow over time but you don't force them. Otherwise it would be like when the NHL got out of lockout and we played our division 8 times. That wasn't fun hockey... it was boring. Also there is a concern about the Stanley Cup Finals to. The worst case that could happen is that you end up with two teams from the East or the West playing for the cup. I think in terms of viewership that would really hurt the game. Will the west care at all if the Sabers played the Pens for the Cup? I don't think so... diehards might watch but the casual sports fan could be turned off.

I think you should at least separate the conferences by East and West... have conference A play B then C play D for a chance for the cup. This way you don't alienate one side of the country from the Finals.

I'll defiantly have more to say on the matter later on. Also I know it's been a long time since I updated, but with the Realignment, the World Juniors coming up and more time on my hands... expect more updates from me. In fact I think I'll even start my own, "You know what grinds my gears" articles.

Fatal Plane Crash In Russia

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Report-Plane-crash-kills-8216-majority-8217-?urn=nhl-wp11993

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=587792

Tragedy has hit the hockey world again today, as a plane carrying players from a KHL hockey team crashed near the city of Yaroslavl in Central Russia. Out of 37 people on the plane 36 have already died with 1 in critical condition. Among them with NHL ties were players Josef Vasicek, Pavol Demitra, Karel Rachunek, Ruslan Salei, Karlis Skrastins, Red Wings prospect Stefan Liv and coach Brad McCrimmon.

Reports are saying that the jet, went down and caught fire shortly after taking to the air, crashing less than 2 kilometers from the airport.

*Update 9-12-11*
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=588186

The only hockey player survivor of the crash Alexander Galimov died this morning from the severe burns he obtained from the crash. It's strange to because there were reports of him being in stable condition, but it's just one of those quick turn arounds. I'm sure we were all pulling for him to survive, maybe learn about what he experienced but it's not to be. Pretty sad. There is one other survivor that hasn't been talked about much. A crew member named Alexander Sizov, but he remains in serious condition.

Winnipeg Jets Jerseys

The Jets showed off their new jerseys today. I think they are pretty stylish. What do you think?

University of Denver Pro Camp

http://www.denverpioneers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=18600&ATCLID=205246853

You know, I've always found this camp to be very interesting. Those outside of Colorado probably wouldn't know about this, but last year the University of Denver and Colorado Avalanche partnered together and started doing these Pro Camps. It's a rare opportunity for college players to practice and scrimmage with the pros, a chance to see where their skills stand and really this has marked the time before the start of training camp. Usually these have consisted of current DU Pioneer players and former players stretching from the NHL all the way down to the ECHL. Also a good number of Colorado Avalanche players past and present like to join in as well.

I know it's not big news, but it's defiantly a event I haven't seen anywhere else, plus like I said it's marking the time that it's almost training camp.

Chris Drury Retires

Drury calls it quits after dozen years in NHL

Today Chris Drury called it done after 12 years in the NHL. Capturing the Calder Memorial Trophy in 1999, Drury would lead a hockey career earning a title of clutch player. If you were in the playoffs and needed someone to score this was the man you look to. Drury would play for my boys the Colorado Avalanche until 2002, when the Avs made the worst trade in franchise history. He played for the Flames the for one season, then went to Buffalo the next and regaining his form as a clutch player. After 07 he went to the Rangers only to retire this year. On the side he represented team USA many times 3 Olympics twice a silver metal winner.

He was a man of sick talents, he was a hockey playoff hero and very good leader to. Just wish Colorado never traded him.

Boone Is Officially Back At DU!

http://letsgodu.blogspot.com/2011/08/denver-boone-is-dus-official-student.html

What's going on everyone. I know I haven't posted since the free agency in July, but it's summer. Really what's there to talk about... Baseball? Anyways I really felt like I had to put this up. For a good long while the University of Denver, my school has been in a bit of a fight over a beloved mascot that means near and dear to students and alumni. We call him Denver Boone, and he's had a impact on the DU scene since the 1960's. Early in the 1990's he was removed because the higher ups deemed him to be sexist and didn't represent the students. After that we were given a cock on steroids *Red Tail Hawk* named Ruckus and he was around from the late 90s till about 2008. During my time at DU a small group of students including Peter Mannino currently signed to the Winnipeg Jets, started to make a noise about Boone. People like myself started to wear coonskin caps to games and alumni such as the owner of the LetsGoDU blog, really started a revolution to get rid of the bird and fought tooth and tail for Boone. The higher ups didn't like it though and for a while we were afraid we wouldn't get our mascot much face time. They tried to keep anyone affiliated with the athletics department away and made it mandatory they could not have photos. They had meetings deeming him "micro-aggressive" saying he was a symbol of the suffering the Native Americans had to endure. However through the students and alumni, years of protesting and speaking out... we've finally gotten Boone to be our official student mascot. I know the fight is still going, but we've gotten a huge victory for the cause.

I need to make a huge shout out to DG from the LetsGoDU blog for being the lead in all this. I've known him for years, he's a good friend and means a ton to the students and alumni. Without him we wouldn't of gotten this far or even start to get the fans we need at games. Like myself there are many of us who want to repay you someday for everything you have done thus far and more you will do in the future.


As for the blog... we are 49 days away from hockey season. I'm planning on redesigning this site, I'll start putting up videos on youtube for more posts and soon I'll put out my predictions on who will finish where.

Can't wait for hockey season to start.

Ryan Smyth Back In Edmonton

Here's a little info I found really interesting. I've been seeing the rumors and it's come to pass Ryan Smyth is back with the Edmonton Oilers. I really enjoyed having Ryan Smyth here in Colorado a couple seasons ago. It's a shame things didn't work out the way we hoped. It was always obvious though his heart was in Edmonton and I'm sure there are a ton of Oiler fans happy to have him home. In exchange the Oilers gave the Kings Colin Fraser and a seventh-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft.

I'm sure there are some ladies in Canada who can't wait to put their fingers through his hair.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=567391&navid=mod-rr-headlines

My thoughts on the Colorado Avalanche Draft and Liles Trade

As the first day of the NHL draft came to an end I wanted to look at the 2nd and 11th picks the Colorado Avalanche had. I had hoped before the draft the Avs would go after a winger and a d-man and they did just that. What more they didn't go after super offensive guys either. Instead we went after a gritty power forward and a defensive minded defensemen. Two traits the Avs really lack in over the last few seasons.

2nd overall Gabriel Landeskog

Power Forward
Left Winger
Height: 6' 0", Weight: 207
Played for the Kitchener Rangers *OHL*
GP: 53
G: 36
A: 30
P: 66
PIM: 61
The NHL analysis label him as a Brenden Morrow type of player.

I've been checking out his highlights on Youtube and not only will he bring grit, a presence in front of the net and a kick butt mentality, but he will also bring a ton of support for Matt Duchene. I really do feel that this pick was made not just as a 2nd best choice, but with Duchene in mind. Whether it be Hejduk or Fleischmann as the other winger, we have a player that will be able to clear room for them and hopefully do the job we hoped Ryan Smyth could have done for us. I hope he can become a player who can make a huge impact like Dustin Byfuglien and I think we'll be seeing him in a Avs jersey at the start of next season.




11th overall Duncan Siemens

Defensive Defensemen
Defense
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 192
Played for the Saskatoon Blades *WHL*
GP: 72
G: 5
A: 38
P: 43
PIM: 121
The NHL analysis label him as a Bryan Allen type of player. Though others say he has traits of Scott Stevens.



This is defiantly the type of player the Avs need. A guy who thinks defense first, loves to hit, can fight, has good speed to chase down forwards and push them to the side... This is a type of player the Avs lack in dearly. I have a feeling we won't really see him at the start of the season, unless we see a injury. I think he needs to bulk up a bit more but I really feel he could be a great reliable d-man for us soon. What I hope he really brings though is a Chris Pronger attitude.

Now as for the trade news on John Michael Liles...

Where a good number of Avs fans are calling The Fan, complaining, crying that a "Star Player" has been traded, I look at this and say why didn't this happen sooner? Granted J.M.L. is a good guy but the only thing that made him a defensemen on this team was the D next to his name on the roster. I really don't think he was committed to the supporting of the goalie and was more focused on getting that next goal. Which I understand the importance of having a good shooter at the blue line, but if you are a d-man your first responsibility is to support your goalie. Every time when the trade rumors started he stepped his game up and tried to play D, but that's the thing he had to be motivated to do it. I just wish we would of done this a few season's earlier, when Ottawa was thinking of trading one of their star players for him. All we got was a 2nd round draft pick for the 2012 draft.

There is more drafting going on today, but now I'm more looking forward to July and free agency. The Avs desperately need to pick up a goalie and I would like to see them pick up a strong, beat the hell out of you, block shots, stay at home d-man. I don't expect a big name or anything, but I'd like to see someone who at least has the passion and the drive to do his #1 job, which is helping our goalie.

NHL 2011-2012 Schedule

NHL.com has released the scheduled for next season.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=566826&navid=mod-rr-headlines

SEASON OPENING NIGHT (THURSDAY, OCT. 6)
Flyers @ Bruins, Habs @ Leafs, Pens @ Canucks

COMPUWARE NHL PREMIERE GAMES
Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday Oct. 8
* Games featuring Rangers, Sabres, Kings and Ducks will be split between three European cities: Stockholm, Helsinki, Berlin

PAST TWO STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS MEET
Boston @ Chicago -- Saturday, Oct. 15

HALL OF FAME GAME
Boston @ Toronto, Saturday, Nov. 5

ALL-STAR BREAK
Jan. 26-30

2011 STANLEY CUP FINALISTS MEET
Vancouver @ Boston – Saturday, Jan. 7

BUSIEST DAY OF SEASON
Saturday, April 7 -- 15 games

REGULAR SEASON CONCLUDES
April 7, 2012


As for the Colorado Avalanche, we get to start against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday October 8th. I'm kind of surprised to see them so soon. Then we will head to Boston to see the Bruins on the following Monday. It will be a very good test to see what this team has in October.

Other dates I like to focus on are October 20th and 22nd when we get a home and home with the Blackhawks. I'll defiantly be attending the game in Colorado.

Later on tonight, I'll be tossing up my impressions on what the Avs NEED to do in the draft but especially Free Agency.

See the rest at http://avalanche.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm