Avs Early Hopes Get Bitten By Sharks: Lose Game 14 3-1

Game 14 for the Colorado Avalanche was about as forgetful as they get. Outshot 46-25 by San Jose (12 for the Avs in the 3rd) the Avalanche were never able to get their offense going, and they were the losers in puck possesion once again. Now it may only seem like one blunder, but the Avs have been playing dangerous hockey through the first fourteen games and should consider themselves very lucky to be 10-2-2. Battling injuries and inexperience the Avs are going to have the pressure the 'Nucks hard on sunday night and abuse former Avalanche goalie Andrew Raycroft to start up a new string of wins. The Avalanche will most definitely need to improve their game if they want to keep their place amoung the top of the NW Division.


Top Avs Performers:
-Matt Duchene: 1 goal (SH)
-Adam Foote: 1 assist
-Craig Anderson: 43/46 SVs


Notes:
*Todays game was the third time the Avs have allowed 40+ shots
*Peter Budaj will likely get the start against his former backup, who is now with the 'Nucks, Sunday.
*Avs were dominated in the FO circle losing 39 and winning only 24 FO
*Avs were 0-5 on the PP and are 0 for their last 12
**UPDATE: Anderson will start game 15 vs Vancouver. After the loss to SJS I believe Coach Sacco wants to put out the team that gives the Avs the best chance to win.

3 Stars:
1. Ryane Clowe (SJS)
2. Patrick Marleau (SJS)
3. Craig Anderson (COL)

Avalanche Freeze Flames Firery Onslaught

The Avalanche beat the flames 3-2 after the Flames were up 2-0 only 70 seconds into the game. The flames absolutely owned this game, but good goaltending from Andy and the Avalanche's offense making the best out of their few opprotunities stole a win.

Notable Stats:
Wolski- 1 goal
Jones- 1 goal
Koci- 1 goal (1st point of season)
Clark, Hannan, Stewart, Stastny, O'Reilly, Wilson- 1 assist
Anderson- 30 svs 32 sog .938 SV%

Notes:
*The 10-1-2 start is the best start in franchise history. (22 pts)
*Marek Svatos now has 8 penalties compared to only 3pts this season.
*David Koci was the last Avalanche regular to record a point. (All Avs who have played atleast 6 games have a point)
*TJ Galiardi was taken out of the game with an ankle injury. No word yet on the seriousness or amount of time he may be out.
*Avalanche next game is @ SJ on friday.

3 Stars:
1. Craig Anderson (COL)
2. Olli Jokinen (CGY)
3. Robyn Regehr (CGY)

Game 12: W over Edm 3-0

Wolski- 2 goals
Hejduk- 1 goal 1 assist

Stastny- 2 assist

Hannan- 1 assist

Foote- 1 assist (1st point on the season)
Anderson- 25/25 Svs Shutout #2

Notes:
*Anderson has 2 SOs Budaj had 2 all of last season
*This ties the Avs best start through 12 games @ 9-1-2 w/ 20 pts

*With Foote's 1st point only David Koci hs played in 10+ games for the Avs without having a point.

3 Stars:
1- Craig Anderson
2- Milan Hejduk
3- Nikolai Khabibulin

An Early Look Through November

November Schedule:

11/1 @ Van
11/4 vs Pho
11/6 vs Chi
11/8vs Edm
11/11 @ Chi
11/14 vs Van
11/17 @ Cgy
11/18 @ Edm
11/20 @ Van
11/23 vs Phi
11/25 vs Nsh
11/27 @ Min
11/28 vs Min
11/30 @ TB

OK so lets Break this down:
Home: 7
Road: 7
Against NW Rival: 8
Points up for grabs: 28

Unlike the wild month of October where the Avs only saw 4 home games November is much more even, actually it literally breaks up perfects with seven games home and away. Up to this point the Avalanche have been very impressive at home, outscoring opponents 16-7 while winning all four games, but have definitely held their own on the road, outscoring opponents 22-19, going 4-1-2 on the road as of 10/27. If Sacco keeps the boys in stride there is no reason November won't go smoothly. The return of Liles will surely help out the PP, which has struggled since Lile's injury, and the return of McCleod will add some more of that intensity the Avs have showed early this season. I'd expect Anderson to continue seeing an abundance of playing time especially vs our North West rivals. When Budaj gets healthy he will probably see some time, but I dont expect much (possible we only see him 2 or 3 times this month). After the month of November is over the Avalanche will have played 17 road games, 1/3 of the road games for thewhole season, and if they can remain in a good spot in the Western Conference come Novembers end they will have themselves in a prime position for a playoff push. If the Avs can pulloff 18 of the 28 available points for this month I would consider this month a major success. I can settle for 14 easily but no less than 12, the Avalanche are bound to have a so/so month but if they have a disasterous month the impressive start will be all for nothing.

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