Even though half of us have never laced up a pair of skates and none of us played any competitive hockey growing up, most of us have strong feelings towards the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs took no time in gifting Denver it's first professional sports championship and while the commitment from the front office and fanbase has gone off track over the past decade, there's still nothing like playoff hockey in Denver. Memories of dogpiling on Meyer's beanbag (the poof) or forming a line to headbutt each other after a playoff win created memorable traditions in high school that carried over into the college years. Anyone that came up to Ft. Collins for an Avs game will probably remember drinking copious amounts of Admiral Nelson with a PS3 controller in hand, while John Denver's "Country Boy" played loudly through the speakers. It's memories like the ones we've had together for 15+ years along with the magic carpet ride this young team is riding which should have expectations high for us Avalanche faithful going into the playoffs. It could be the blend of nostalgia and caffeine this morning that has me wanting to talk to someone about the round one matchup and general thoughts going into the playoffs so if you too are pumped for some playoff hockey in Denver, the words below might be for you.
I have to admit that I don't watch a ton of hockey outside of the Avalanche but as soon as I found out that the Wild would be Colorado's round one opponent instead of the Blackhawks, I knew that was a very good thing. The Wild will do their usual dump and chase and try to grind the Avs down slowly but in the end, I think the energy of this Avs team will win out. It won't be easy because advancing in the NHL playoffs never is but I really think the Avs are just better and I can see a Brygalov meltdown coming soon.
I'm worried that even if Matt Duchene is able to play at the end of this series, he's going to be a little slow. A knee injury is scary enough but even more so for a guy that predicates his game on speed and lateral movement.
Strong goalie play has been and always will be the most important factor and I think what Varlomov has shown after his crazy girlfriend accusations and disappointing Olympic experience, it's that he's capable of blocking out distractions. Varly has been the unquestioned MVP of this team and possibly the NHL and I see him having a strong series and carrying the Avs once again.
This Avs team is getting outshot almost every night and has an uncanny way of getting a late goal to tie the game or take the lead and it will be interesting if those hold true in the playoffs. The Avs are likely playing over their heads and you could argue that they're due for disappointment but there's so much forward momentum with this team that I'm not overly concerned. If you're a stats guy, you might predict a Wild upset. If you're a chemistry and momentum guy, you might predict the Avs to roll.
I hope most of us can get together for at least one game whether it be at the Pepsi Center or someone's living room. The traditions we've established along with the intensity of playoff hockey makes this probably the most enjoyable sports game to watch as a group, at least for me. The usual obligations of being a husband and father are recognized but I just hope it all falls into place that we can get whip out the Avs sweaters one time and slap high fives shortly before slapping shot glasses.
Avalanche in 6. Let's do this shit.
I have to admit that I don't watch a ton of hockey outside of the Avalanche but as soon as I found out that the Wild would be Colorado's round one opponent instead of the Blackhawks, I knew that was a very good thing. The Wild will do their usual dump and chase and try to grind the Avs down slowly but in the end, I think the energy of this Avs team will win out. It won't be easy because advancing in the NHL playoffs never is but I really think the Avs are just better and I can see a Brygalov meltdown coming soon.
I'm worried that even if Matt Duchene is able to play at the end of this series, he's going to be a little slow. A knee injury is scary enough but even more so for a guy that predicates his game on speed and lateral movement.
Strong goalie play has been and always will be the most important factor and I think what Varlomov has shown after his crazy girlfriend accusations and disappointing Olympic experience, it's that he's capable of blocking out distractions. Varly has been the unquestioned MVP of this team and possibly the NHL and I see him having a strong series and carrying the Avs once again.
This Avs team is getting outshot almost every night and has an uncanny way of getting a late goal to tie the game or take the lead and it will be interesting if those hold true in the playoffs. The Avs are likely playing over their heads and you could argue that they're due for disappointment but there's so much forward momentum with this team that I'm not overly concerned. If you're a stats guy, you might predict a Wild upset. If you're a chemistry and momentum guy, you might predict the Avs to roll.
I hope most of us can get together for at least one game whether it be at the Pepsi Center or someone's living room. The traditions we've established along with the intensity of playoff hockey makes this probably the most enjoyable sports game to watch as a group, at least for me. The usual obligations of being a husband and father are recognized but I just hope it all falls into place that we can get whip out the Avs sweaters one time and slap high fives shortly before slapping shot glasses.
Avalanche in 6. Let's do this shit.