We had to exchange our tickets for the April 11th final game of the season because my son's end-of-year hockey party is at the same time (obviously, I am not the manager of the team or that would never have happened).  Anyway, they are giving out the team photo at that game.  Since this may be the last team photo with Budaj in it, my son desparately wants it.  We checked with the stores at the Pepsi Center and they are not selling it.  If anyone is going to that game and can snag an extra poster, I would greatly appreciate it.  I will pay whatever costs there are to ship it, or meet you at your convenience to get it.  He has all the other team pictures hanging up in his room; it would be great for him to have this one.

Thanks MHH!

I am just posting this so that everyone has a forum to post their thoughts on the game if they want.

I had put down in the preview that I felt two keys to the game would be containing Nash and playing solid defense - not allowing the BJ's a lot of time and space offensively.  Well, Nash came out of the game with zero points, and it looked to me like they were crawling all over the BJ's keeping them contained. 

Wolski:  Played a great game.  The question is, how to get him to do that EVERY game (I'd even take every other game at this point).  I don't know what it will take to get consistency out of the guy, but the Avs desparately need that from him.

Duchene and Stewie:  Apart they have struggled, but together they seem to be the Dynamic Duo.  Their numbers have taken a big leap since being put on the same line.  Hopefully their chemisty is the real deal.

Budaj:  Another great effort and solid game.  29 saves on 31 shots and an assist.  The only 2 goals scored against him were by Foote and Liles.  I have to agree with what Mark Rycroft said during the Locker Room report.  He may have struggled with the #1 spot but "he is one of the better back-up goaltenders in the league."  My son was ecstatic when he got an the assist.  He said "Budaj's always getting assists in NHL 2K." 

The Avs were outshot again, this time 31-19.  It would be nice to see those shots in reverse for change.

Well, those are my thoughts on the game.  I hope the team continues the solid efforts they have shown in the last two games when Anderson gets back in net.   

My son participated in the 24 Hours of Hockey fundraiser for the Children's Hospital.  Here is a picture of my son with Lappy.  Lappy is holding the picture he signed for my son.  My son got to skate with him, and then do a stick and puck session with him.  

The benefit raised about $40,000.00 for the Children's Hospital.

Everything you hear about Lappy being such a wonderful, generous person - it is true.  He is AMAZING!  I wanted my son to meet him because I believe he embodies everything a hero is.  Since I don't know whether Lappy will be back next year, I felt this might be a once in a lifetime opportunity.  I watched Lappy interact with the kids on the ice.  He made an effort to ackowledge all of the kids out on the ice, either by talking to them, patting them on the head, high fiving them, you name it.  There is no ego there - just a great human being.  My son was in awe of him, as am I.

I hope the Avalanche do right by Lappy.  Sherman, if you are listening - sign him NOW!

More than anything, I hope whatever happens to Lappy, it is the best thing for him and his family.  He deserves that and more.

It is All About Lappy, and it should be!

I was curious to see what players won what AP Three Stars and NHL Star of the Week this season.  So, I went through the Schedule and Game Recaps at the Avalanche website and reviewed all of the stars.  I then "scored" the players, giving 30 points for 1st Star, 20 for 2nd Star, and 30 for 3rd Star.  Since there were 2 NHL Stars of the Week, the 2nd Star (Budaj) got 40 points, and the1st star (Wolski) got 50 points.  I added all of these scores up.

Here are your 3 Stars for the Season:

1st Star:     Peter Budaj     350 points (4-1st, 7-2nd, 5-3rd, NHL 2nd Star)

2nd Star:   Ryan Smyth:     340 points (4-1st, 8-2nd, 6-3rd)

3rd Star:    Milan Hejduk:    230 points (2-1st, 7-2nd, 3-3rd)

Honorable Mention:

Wojtek Wolski:   220 points (3-1st, 3-2nd, 2-3rd, NHL 1st Star of Week)

Here are the game results with the point awards:

Continue reading this post »

We met Super Joe outside the ice area last night. 

My undisclosed source (a random guy I live with) asked Sakic:  "So, how's that hand doing?"

Super Joe smiled, chuckled a little, and said "It's doing great."  I am sure he smiled and chuckled because he was so pleased that FINALLY someone had enough interest in his injury to ask how he was.  I am POSITIVE it was the first time anyone has shown any concern over the injury and he was just tickled to realize fans actually still care about him.  

During the game, he was moving that clipboard around a lot and didn't look to be having too much trouble gripping it. 

In this picture below he was reviewing the last play of his team and he said, "I know you saw the Avs doing that play last night and you did it just like they did, but here is the CORRECT way to execute that play."  The bug I planted was a little fuzzy, but I am sure that was what he was talking about. 

Oh, and he was talking to a woman in the parking lot, but I don't believe it was his wife.  I overheard him talking about meeting her somewhere after she dropped her son off, or something like that.  We were really far away and I was using my bestest lip-reading skills in the dark, but I am sure that was what he said.

Savage 33 has spanked me for my terrible TMZ reporting in the past.   Hope this is better.

I can't wait for Super Joe and SoS to return.  I miss them (I think the Avs do too)