It all started yesterday with the goalie swap.
I understand that Craig Anderson wasn't performing the sort of Superman heroics this season as he did last season. But does that mean he's not a number one goaltender? No, it doesn't. I maintain that there were a few factors in Anderson's less than stellar season. The first are the knee and groin injuries he had early on in the season. I just don't think he fully regained his timing after coming back. The other thing that I think most people forget is that we have a new goaltending coach this season. Not that I know much about Kirk McLean, but I don't think it's coincidence that we change goaltending coaches and both of our goalies go to hell. I also think that coaching decisions overall played a hand in the turn around. Last year, Sacco would let Anderson work himself out of those situations and Anderson was better for it. This year, Sacco just didn't seem to trust that Anderson could do it.
Not that Peter Budaj is a terrible goaltender, and I don't know enough about Brian Elliot, because the Senators are admittedly a team that I don't follow and truthfully don't care to follow (part of it goes to being a Leafs fan), to know whether or not he's an adequate replacement for Craig Anderson. What I do know is that the last time the Avalanche relied on Peter Budaj to be the number one goaltender, we drafted Matt Duchene 3rd overall and went out and found Craig Anderson. And I still don't care what Joe Sacco says - Peter Budaj is not a number one goaltender and he DOES NOT give that team the best chance to win on any given night. Despite his struggles, Craig Anderson was at least able to make clutch saves when he needed to to either keep the Avalanche in the game or allow them to keep a lead.
As for the Chris Stewart, Kevin Shattenkirk trade ... I'm still trying to decide what I think of this. I understand you have to give up something of value to get something of value, but I'm just not sure that Erik Johnson and Jay McLement are worth a former number 1 draft pick in Stewart and a promising defenseman in Shattenkirk. Although, I suppose the conditional first rounder in either 2011 or 2012 is a good toss in.
It wasn't a surprise that one of Liles, Cumiskey, Hunwick, or Shattenkirk was going to be moved. Cumiskey, by sheer virtue of being injured is guaranteed to stick around through the end of the year. Hunwick hasn't done anything since coming over from Boston that would endear teams to wanting to give anything up for him. And Liles, with his salary and partial no trade clause, makes Shatty sort of the odd man out on that. It sucks to lose both Shatty and Colby Cohen to trade this year, but we do still have a decent crop of defensemen coming up in the system. It's also still possible that another one of our defenseman is moved before the trade deadline. Personally, I think I'm about ready to put John-Michael Liles on lock down.
Needless to say, the next couple of months are going to be long here in Denver, and it's going to be an even longer summer. I'm just hoping that the management, led by yet another accountant turned GM, figure out what they're doing, because right now, it doesn't seem as though they have a plan at all, and if they do, it seems they are grossly over estimating how much guys they are interested in are worth.
Showing posts with label JM Liles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JM Liles. Show all posts
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Coffee with 8 creams
I was in line at McDees this morning and the person in front of me ordered a small coffee with 8 creams. The first thing that came to mind as I read the still lingering order on the screen when I pulled up was that I read it wrong. Then I asked the order taker if the order was really 8 creams she smiled and rolled her eyes. "Yup, every morning. Eight creams."
Then I thought, "what is the point of that?" A little coffee with your milk there?
That's gotta be what the Colorado Avalanche must be thinking this morning after taking the Sharks to a scoreless shootout last night. They eventually lost but holding the Sharks to no regulation/OT goals this year has been pretty tough. But since the Avalanche are in the basement of the Western Conference, that point gained probably doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot.
I hate to say it, but I think it's time to stick a fork in the Buffaslugs. They are in 10th and four points behind the kitties (in 9th) and 6 points behind the 8th seed (Ranger$). They have three games left (Toronto, a suddenly very good Carolina [and speaking of them can SOMEONE throw a wrench at them? - Sorry Jenni] and then Boston) but I don't see them getting three points out of that let alone 6. And I've said it before, I think it might be best to not make the playoffs rather than get embarrassed in the first round. Sigh. But maybe Crunchy will be chosen for the Worlds, wonky ankle and all (and yes, that was my question on NHL Live the other day, thanks for noticing!)
Speaking of the Worlds, I'm also hoping Crunchy's bff JM Liles will also make the team for USA. I think that'd be swell. Ron Wilson said this is sort of a tune up for the Olympics. Granted, a lot of guys who will be in Vancouver will still be playing in the playoffs but I think Ronny can get a good feel for what's out there. I'm thinking he can get a pretty good team built up.
Easter is coming and my mom called wondering if I wanted a chaffing dish. It's not like I entertain all that much and hell, where would I put it? She's a card. But Easter also brings on the end of the NHL regular season. It will be sad for yet another year to end, but that just means the playoffs are close at hand. Keep an eye out for Amy and my fearless and (and at least on my part) clueless playoff predictions. Hey you never know, I came in 3rd in a basketball pool and I don't even like that sport!
Until next time....happy hockey!
Then I thought, "what is the point of that?" A little coffee with your milk there?
That's gotta be what the Colorado Avalanche must be thinking this morning after taking the Sharks to a scoreless shootout last night. They eventually lost but holding the Sharks to no regulation/OT goals this year has been pretty tough. But since the Avalanche are in the basement of the Western Conference, that point gained probably doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot.
I hate to say it, but I think it's time to stick a fork in the Buffaslugs. They are in 10th and four points behind the kitties (in 9th) and 6 points behind the 8th seed (Ranger$). They have three games left (Toronto, a suddenly very good Carolina [and speaking of them can SOMEONE throw a wrench at them? - Sorry Jenni] and then Boston) but I don't see them getting three points out of that let alone 6. And I've said it before, I think it might be best to not make the playoffs rather than get embarrassed in the first round. Sigh. But maybe Crunchy will be chosen for the Worlds, wonky ankle and all (and yes, that was my question on NHL Live the other day, thanks for noticing!)
Speaking of the Worlds, I'm also hoping Crunchy's bff JM Liles will also make the team for USA. I think that'd be swell. Ron Wilson said this is sort of a tune up for the Olympics. Granted, a lot of guys who will be in Vancouver will still be playing in the playoffs but I think Ronny can get a good feel for what's out there. I'm thinking he can get a pretty good team built up.
Easter is coming and my mom called wondering if I wanted a chaffing dish. It's not like I entertain all that much and hell, where would I put it? She's a card. But Easter also brings on the end of the NHL regular season. It will be sad for yet another year to end, but that just means the playoffs are close at hand. Keep an eye out for Amy and my fearless and (and at least on my part) clueless playoff predictions. Hey you never know, I came in 3rd in a basketball pool and I don't even like that sport!
Until next time....happy hockey!
Monday, March 16, 2009
It's the most wonderful time of the yeaaaaaaar!
Since Mitten Chica is in a musical mood this morning, I thought I'd add mine in there too. :) For a girl like me who's not only addicted to pucks; but a certifiable sports junkie, March is a wonderful time on the sports year. It's the beginning of baseball season, March Madness has begun; and the hockey season is down to under 20 games left.
Yesterday was a really good day... one of those rare days that had wall to wall hockey and I barely left my chair other then to use the bathroom and get snacks. It started with the Pens and Bruins at noon and ended with my main men taking care of the Avs. The only speed bump in that day of bliss on ice was Les Canards losing to the Sharkies 1-0; and that one goal was scored by Travis Moen who until two weeks ago was a Duck. Isn't it ironic... doncha think? lol
There's only two games tonight with the the Craps and the Thrashers; then the Preds visit Staples Center to play Los Reyes. I don't really care who wins that second game, but it's something to watch this evening. Hopefully JMFJ will give it to Tootoo, the little bastard.
Anyway... I had in mind to talk about my baby boys, do a little end of the regular season wrap-up; but after the kind of pathetic third period at home Saturday night and the disgusting display last night in Kent, they're sleeping on the couch for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I love those guys with all my heart, but sometimes... I just want to throttle them. Maybe they'll get a couple of good bag skates in 'em and I'll feel like talking about them. I just hope they win at least one game out of the first 4 so I don't have to see them lose at home. Watching an 18 year old boy sobbing on the bench is not something I want to see for a second year in a row.
So to end today, I leave you with something that makes me laugh like a maniac every time I see it; and it doesn't hurt that JM Liles is cute as a button.
Yesterday was a really good day... one of those rare days that had wall to wall hockey and I barely left my chair other then to use the bathroom and get snacks. It started with the Pens and Bruins at noon and ended with my main men taking care of the Avs. The only speed bump in that day of bliss on ice was Les Canards losing to the Sharkies 1-0; and that one goal was scored by Travis Moen who until two weeks ago was a Duck. Isn't it ironic... doncha think? lol
There's only two games tonight with the the Craps and the Thrashers; then the Preds visit Staples Center to play Los Reyes. I don't really care who wins that second game, but it's something to watch this evening. Hopefully JMFJ will give it to Tootoo, the little bastard.
Anyway... I had in mind to talk about my baby boys, do a little end of the regular season wrap-up; but after the kind of pathetic third period at home Saturday night and the disgusting display last night in Kent, they're sleeping on the couch for a few days. Don't get me wrong, I love those guys with all my heart, but sometimes... I just want to throttle them. Maybe they'll get a couple of good bag skates in 'em and I'll feel like talking about them. I just hope they win at least one game out of the first 4 so I don't have to see them lose at home. Watching an 18 year old boy sobbing on the bench is not something I want to see for a second year in a row.
So to end today, I leave you with something that makes me laugh like a maniac every time I see it; and it doesn't hurt that JM Liles is cute as a button.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
one day off, one day on, one day off....
Hopefully Amy is feeling better and back at work today because I'm home. A combination of too little sleep, too much stress, and fighting off the drek for too long has finally caught up with me. So home I sit.
Buffalo won a nice game last night. I missed the first part (hurrah for DVR) but hear that Ryan Miller kept them in it at the start. I'm not shy about admitting how much I've grown to adore him (this is a man who in his blog said Besides, this a blog written by a professional athlete and I don't want to undermine the stereotype that we are all dumb jocks... We worked hard for that stigma so that when people underestimate our intelligence we can make them look really stupid. It is one of the perks... That and naps. We nap a lot. Nap are a big perk. This after saying he'd like to keep politics out of his blog. The fact that he even is AWARE there is a political landscape out there is big. It's also no secret that smart guys are instantly more attractive/interesting to me anyway). I'll have to watch that today and see how well he really did. That and the puck seems to keep finding Stafford. I'm all for that!
Interesting news out of Montreal. When you tell the player who has been one of your top scorers to stay home on your roadtrip without him being injured, that's a big sign of trouble. Calling him ineffective to the press just tosses a whole can of lighter fluid onto the fire. Gotta think he's not long for Montreal. I bet I could think of some takers. Also in the Habs world - the players are partying too much. Like this is a shock to anyone? Find me some young men who make lots of money who don't party (other than Sidney Crosby I mean)? There is a big deal about seeing Carey Price smoking....wasn't there a photo of Kiprusoff chain smoking with some ladies of .... lets just say, most likely, "negotiable affection" a few years back? Chalk that up to saying boys will be boys.
The kitties are at it again. Playing the devils and coming out with two points is big - bigger when the devils don't get any. Nicely played.
Going to dip into the west pool again and talk about two guys. First up, John-Michael Liles. Seems that he's got some sort of hand/wrist injury that will keep him out for the next few days. Man the hits just keep coming for that team. Hopefully he'll be back before we know it.
PattyMarleau (you just gotta say that in a sing song voice PaaaatyMARleau) is on fire. This pleases me a lot. Seeing him damn near broken and talk of trade rumors and hearing how he wasn't a good captain really ..well, hurt. I like Patty a whole bunch and think there are 29 other teams out there who wouldn't drool for a chance to have him on their roster. I'm sorta rooting for them to win it all this year just so I can hear The Count say "Patrick Marleau, come get the Stanley Cup" and know that somewhere Ron Wilson is seething.
Mike Green won't give his record setting stick to the Hall of Fame. A douchebag move? Color me shocked. Reason number 9,862,621 to dislike the Craps? Boudreau, who appeared as an extra in “Slap Shot,” was happy to learn that a studio is planning a remake of the 1977 classic hockey movie. Sorry Bruce, you don't remake that sort of movie. Tool.
Oh one more thing:
Buffalo won a nice game last night. I missed the first part (hurrah for DVR) but hear that Ryan Miller kept them in it at the start. I'm not shy about admitting how much I've grown to adore him (this is a man who in his blog said Besides, this a blog written by a professional athlete and I don't want to undermine the stereotype that we are all dumb jocks... We worked hard for that stigma so that when people underestimate our intelligence we can make them look really stupid. It is one of the perks... That and naps. We nap a lot. Nap are a big perk. This after saying he'd like to keep politics out of his blog. The fact that he even is AWARE there is a political landscape out there is big. It's also no secret that smart guys are instantly more attractive/interesting to me anyway). I'll have to watch that today and see how well he really did. That and the puck seems to keep finding Stafford. I'm all for that!
Interesting news out of Montreal. When you tell the player who has been one of your top scorers to stay home on your roadtrip without him being injured, that's a big sign of trouble. Calling him ineffective to the press just tosses a whole can of lighter fluid onto the fire. Gotta think he's not long for Montreal. I bet I could think of some takers. Also in the Habs world - the players are partying too much. Like this is a shock to anyone? Find me some young men who make lots of money who don't party (other than Sidney Crosby I mean)? There is a big deal about seeing Carey Price smoking....wasn't there a photo of Kiprusoff chain smoking with some ladies of .... lets just say, most likely, "negotiable affection" a few years back? Chalk that up to saying boys will be boys.
The kitties are at it again. Playing the devils and coming out with two points is big - bigger when the devils don't get any. Nicely played.
Going to dip into the west pool again and talk about two guys. First up, John-Michael Liles. Seems that he's got some sort of hand/wrist injury that will keep him out for the next few days. Man the hits just keep coming for that team. Hopefully he'll be back before we know it.
PattyMarleau (you just gotta say that in a sing song voice PaaaatyMARleau) is on fire. This pleases me a lot. Seeing him damn near broken and talk of trade rumors and hearing how he wasn't a good captain really ..well, hurt. I like Patty a whole bunch and think there are 29 other teams out there who wouldn't drool for a chance to have him on their roster. I'm sorta rooting for them to win it all this year just so I can hear The Count say "Patrick Marleau, come get the Stanley Cup" and know that somewhere Ron Wilson is seething.
Mike Green won't give his record setting stick to the Hall of Fame. A douchebag move? Color me shocked. Reason number 9,862,621 to dislike the Craps? Boudreau, who appeared as an extra in “Slap Shot,” was happy to learn that a studio is planning a remake of the 1977 classic hockey movie. Sorry Bruce, you don't remake that sort of movie. Tool.
Oh one more thing:
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