The Colorado Avalanche streak of sellouts ended last night. After 487 consecutive sellouts, nearly 11 years, the Pepsi Center was 326 short of capacity last night for the loss to Chicago. It was the longest recorded string in NHL history. The last time Colorado didn't have a sellout was Nov. 1, 1995, against Calgary at McNichols Arena.

I did watch the third period. I have to say, I need a player roster just to figure out who these guys are anymore.

Saturdays home loss to the Red Wings began a five-game homestand for the Avalanche that includes four opponents who are atop their respective divisions, these teams have won five of the last nine Stanley Cups.

In a surprising turn of events, the Colorado Avalanche have found themselves tied with Calgary and Vancouver for first place in the Northwest Division. Granted Calgary has played two fewer games and Vancouver one. Although I haven't watched to many games this year (I am still smarting a bit from the strike/lockout), I have managed to keep my schedule up-to-date on the website, but still, I was caught off guard today by this.

The Avs take a 8 game winning streak to Chicago tonight (they are playing right now.)

©Hal Stoelzle/AP

Derek Staudt, 19, of Arvada, Colo., pictured at right in a prison jumpsuit, yells at the Vancouver's Todd Bertuzzi before the Canucks' game on Thursday, October 27th against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. It was Bertuzzi's first visit to the Pepsi Center since he broke the neck of Avalanche center Steve Moore.

I sure it was sweet nothings he was sharing with Bertuzzi!

After finally watching some hockey last night, I decided I might as well build an Avalanche schedule for this year.

I haven't really made up my mind whether I am into the hockey season. I am just wishy-washy over the whole thing right now.

I am taking a wait and see atitude right now.

Dave Krieger: Avalanche is playing a game of ice charades

The NHL might be ready to resume, but reality is still on vacation over at the Pepsi Center.

... If the Moore situation is no factor, why was May unwilling to speak his name? In a 10-minute interview session with the wretches, his first since signing with the Avs this summer, May referred to Moore only once, as "the individual."

******

May's quote after the game in which Moore made an unpenalized hit on the Canucks' Markus Naslund:

"There's definitely a bounty on his head. Clean hit or not, that's our best player and you respond. It's going to be fun when we get him."

The NHL and its players' association have agreed on a formula for a salary-cap system based on team-by-team revenue, league and player sources have told The (Toronto) Globe and Mail.

The salary-cap issue was seen as the biggest hurdle in talks for a new collective bargaining agreement.

A salary floor and cap will be based on a percentage of each team's revenue, the sources said, and in the first year, based on revenue projections by both sides, the cap will range from $34 million to $36 million, with the floor from $22 million to $24 million.

Union spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon called the newspaper's report premature.

"The NHLPA and NHL discussions this week continue to cover a range of issues such as controls on team salaries, revenue sharing, Olympic participation, the amateur player draft and player-retention rights," Weatherdon said. "While the parties continue to have discussions to reach a common ground, no agreements have been reached."

The newspaper also reported that the formula calls for a dollar-for-dollar luxury tax to kick in at the halfway mark between the floor and the cap. If the floor of the lowest team is $22 million and the cap on the highest team is $36 million, then the "tax level" will be $29 million.

The dollar amounts are reflected in U.S. currency.

The formula would allow wealthier teams to spend a bit more money but also would bridge the large gaps in spending between higher-payroll teams and lower-payroll teams.

Small-group labor talks between both sides ended late Tuesday and were to resume Wednesday in New York with a larger group meeting.

Both sides have carried over the momentum from last week, when 34 hours of talks were described by both sides as "progressive."

There are several issues to iron out, but sources in both camps told the paper there is a chance a deal could be done before July. Still, both sides also concede there are potential pitfalls that could prevent an agreement from being reached.

The session Wednesday was the 21st meeting between the two sides since mid-February, when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman canceled the 2004-05 season.

Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of the Tampa Bay Lightning winning its first Stanley Cup, with a 2-1 victory in Game 7 against the Calgary Flames.

News Wire / Rocky Mountain News

It is being reported that ESPN passed on it's $60 million option for 40 games next year. At this point there is no planned national coverage of next years hockey season, if there is any season. The NHL continues to spiral deeper into the ground. A sad state of affairs for Bettman and company.

5 years ago ABC & ESPN where paying $120 million a year for rights to game coverage. Last year NBC paid nothing for 2 years of a handful of games. On top of that replacement programming is getting better ratings than many of last years hockey games.

Pro Ice Hockey; The Globe and Mail.

The NHL has tabled a new proposal to the NHLPA, but the offer was met with a cool reception.

The Ottawa Sun

Team USA routs Slovenia 7-0, their first opening game victory since 2002

MSNBC Sports

------

Other News: Bettman should suspend talks with Bertuzzi

The NHL has reserved a decision on Todd Bertuzzi's request to have his suspension lifted and be reinstated.

Rightly so. What's the hurry?

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, Bertuzzi, lawyers, agents and assorted others (including Bertuzzi's victim, Steve Moore) met for six hours the other day.

Never mind that if Bettman was meeting with anybody for six hours, it should have been with representatives of the NHLPA.

Fact is, Bertuzzi doesn't have anything to come back to at this point.

Fact is, Bertuzzi didn't miss any games this season and, as a result, hasn't served nearly enough of a suspension for what he did.

Fact is, Bertuzzi is about 738th in line when it comes to players returning to the NHL (unfortunately for Moore, because of the injuries inflicted by Bertuzzi, he might never be in line again).

Get a new CBA.

Then it might be time to start talking about Bertuzzi and his fate.

Slam Sports

The NHL will almost certainly officially cancel its season this week - after five months of exchanging proposals, counterproposals, and recriminations without a shred of progress in collective bargaining with its players association. Already the league has scrapped more than two-thirds of its regular-season games and reached the point where just a skeleton schedule can be salvaged.

The cancellation would mark the first time a full season of any professional sport had been washed out. Official word could come as early as Monday.

With unconfirmed rumors that a soft-cap system is on the table, the labor dispute once again has become about semantics.

The "soft cap," which would tax teams that exceed a payroll threshold, is a luxury tax system--the same type of system the NHL has sworn won't work and said it won't accept. If the league does make a soft-cap deal, it will be capitulating.

But don't declare a players victory just yet. These things are like big trades — it takes years to analyze the outcome. After all, the last collective bargaining agreement was declared a huge victory for the owners, and the players obviously got the better of that one. . . .

With a negotiating strategy that leaves the league unwilling to declare a drop-dead date, fans are left hanging. Is the league willing to play a 28-game season? A 30-team Stanley Cup playoff tournament without any regular-season games?

NHL vice president Bill Daly says the league isn't at a point where it knows how few games would constitute a viable season. Of course, it does know and must have multiple contingency plans. This obviously is not an area in which the league would be unprepared. . . .

Kara Yorio - The Sporting News/Fox Sports - 01/31/2005

Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Defensemen Raymond Bourque, Paul Coffey and Larry Murphy have been selected for induction to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Bourque, Coffey and Murphy were joined by former general manager Cliff Fletcher in the builders category.

The Class of 2004 will be honored during induction ceremonies set for November 8.

More: http://www.thn.com/en/headlines/detail.asp?id=23716&cat=954945254360

The Avs season came to a dissappointing close last night with a loss to the Sharks and an end to the semifinal series. The Avs where eliminated in a 3-1 loss. Colorado's dream of becoming the third team to rally from a 3-0 series deficit ended after San Jose scored three second-period goals.

This may be the last of us seeing Peter Forsberg for a while, perhaps forever. Forsberg, who will undergo surgery to repair an abdominal injury that has plagued him all season, might return to his hometown in Sweden to play for MoDo, which is coached by his father, Kent.

On top of that, you have to wonder if teams of this caliber will ever be assembled again with the CBA and a lockout looming in the future. The owners are looking to put in place a salary cap that will not enable teams like the Avalanche to carry $60 million payrolls. Not that it took us much farther than last year.

It is a wait and see situation for the Avalanche fans now.


Rodolfo Gonzalez © News

Avalanche forward Peter Forsberg acknowledges goalie David Aebischer as teammates Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne and Darby Hendrickson join in.

AP / Paul Sakuma
Teammates mob Joe Sakic after his second goal Saturday. The captain is now tied with the legendary Maurice Richard of the Montreal Canadiens for the most ever playoff overtime goals, 6.

Other notable achievements by Sakic:

• Has scored 12 goals in his past 15 playoff games.
• Colorado is 42-11 in playoff games when Sakic scores, including winning each of the past six.
• Leads all Avalanche scorers in playoff games against San Jose with 10 goals and 17 assists in 18 games.
• Is 10th in all-time playoff goals with 78.
• Is tied for 26th in all-time playoff assists with 90.
• Is 14th in all-time playoff points with 168.

Staying Alive
Staying Alive

Staying Aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive

I have to say it was one great game to come home to after putting in almost 50 miles on the bike. First Joe ties up the game and then Joe, with a pass that only Forsberg could ever pull off, scores in OT.

Peter Forsberg had no need to look. He knew Joe Sakic would be in position for his blind backhand pass - and he knew the Colorado captain would keep the Avalanche in the playoffs.

When asked, Sakic said simply: "Peter knew"

Something to think about:
the Avs rallied from a 3-2 deficit against the Sharks two years ago.

FYI:
David Aebischer has allowed one goal — Vincent Damphousse scored on a five-on-three power play Saturday with 7.9 seconds left in the first period — on 52 shots over the past 138:10 since Damphousse banked the puck off his back in the third period of Monday's 1-0 Sharks victory in Denver.

Sakics first goal

Paul Sakuna © AP

I couldn't watch all the game last night, but the Avs pulled off the first must win in OT. I kind of knew as my roommate woke me to a cheer of relief at some point. That would have been Joe Sakic's goal 5:15 into the OT. Well, at least they where not swept. Now they just have to win the next 3 games in a row with 2 of them at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.

There is no word on Blake yet, who is still out with an "upper body injury", whatever that means.


-Rodolfo Gonzalez © News

Avalanche teammates celebrate Joe Sakic's game-winning goal against the San Jose Sharks during the first overtime period in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals held at the Pepsi Center Wednesday night. Game 5 is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at the HP Pavilion.

Man oh man. The Avs have dug themselves a deep hole. They lost again to the Sharks last night whose goaltender Nabakov has been outstanding this whole series. It was hard watching the game, because you felt the longer it went the less likely the outcome was going to be for the Avs.

Colorado came out big in the first period, but could not put a puck in the net. They continued to play strong throughout the game with a total of 33 shots on goal.

Sadly, Rob Blake sustained an upper body injury in the first period and didn't return.

If the Avs lose, this will be the first time since moving to Denver they have been eliminated in the second round. They have a 6-0 record going into this series.

Finalists for the NHL awards where named yesterday and not a single Av made the list. This is the first time since the 99-00 season that Colorado has not had a nominee on the list.

I thought Liles was a good candidate for the rookie and Blake was a good candidate for the Norris Trophy. But, there I go thinking again.

•HART MEMORIAL TROPHY
(League Most Valuable Player)

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey
Jarome Iginla, Calgary
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay

• VEZINA TROPHY
(Outstanding goaltender)

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey
Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary
Roberto Luongo, Florida

• FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY
(Outstanding defensive forward)

Kris Draper, Detroit
John Madden, New Jersey
Alyn McCauley, San Jose

• JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY
(Outstanding all-around defenseman)

Zdeno Chara, Ottawa
Scott Niedermayer, New Jersey
Chris Pronger, St. Louis

• LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
(Sportsmanship)

Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa
Brad Richards, Tampa Bay
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay

• CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
(Outstanding rookie)

Trent Hunter, New York Islanders
Andrew Raycroft, Boston
Michael Ryder, Montreal

• JACK ADAMS AWARD
(Outstanding coach)

Darryl Sutter, Calgary
John Tortorella, Tampa Bay
Ron Wilson, San Jose

The first game is tomorrow at 8:00 MDT.

Here are a few articles to get you ready.

• Sharks have mountainous task
• Stanley Cup Playoff Preview - San Jose vs. Colorado
• Avs top players rest
• Avs stay guarded for semis
• Late result captivates Avalanche

The rest of the schedule:
Sat., April 24 Colorado at San Jose 1:00 p.m.
Mon., April 26 San Jose at Colorado 6:00 p.m.
Wed., April 28 San Jose at Colorado 8:00 p.m.
Sat., May 1 Colorado at San Jose 1:00 p.m.
Tue., May 4 San Jose at Colorado 6:00 p.m.
Thu., May 6 Colorado at San Jose TBA

Let's Go Avs!

Well, the Avs get a little rest to heal those cuts and bruises since the Canucks and Flames still have a game to play. Depending on the outcome of that series depends on whether we play San Jose or Detroit. I don't know if there is a better choice among the two top seeds in the Western Conference. Either one will be tough.

This is the first series since the Avs went 7 games to win the cup against NJ in 2001 that they have finished a series in less that 7 games! Two years ago they played three 7 game series, losing to Detroit and last year they lost to Minnesota in 7 games. In both those series we where up 3-2 and 3-1 respectively and only had to win one game at home and couldn't.

Some Quotes:

• "Going into the series, if you would have said our top goal-scorer would be Therien ... that's all you need to know," Stars coach Dave Tippett said during his terse and brief postgame news conference. "In all aspects of the game, they just beat us. Give credit where credit is due. Colorado played like they were the hungrier team today. That was the case far too often with our club this year, especially on the road."
• "Obviously it feels good to win," Avalanche coach Tony Granato said. "As far as relieving some pressure, it doesn't matter. The bottom line is, the position I'm in and the position our team is in, we expect to win and we want to win. We'll do everything we can to prepare as best we can to try and win the next round."
• "We have been talking about his confidence and poise all year, and that is the way to describe him," Tony Granato said of David Aebischer. "He has been like that all year. He backed it up and played extremely solid and consistent and very confidently."
• "I think we played a decent game," Hejduk said. "We tried to create a lot of scoring chances. I thought we skated pretty well."
• "Their goalie was better," Stars coach Dave Tippett said. "We got beat, in all aspects of the game. That's the bottom line."

Inside The Numbers

• Peter Forsberg has recorded at least one point in 11 consecutive playoff games (five goals, 11 assists)
• Joe Sakic has scored nine goals in his past 10 playoff games
• Goalie David Aebischer stopped 146 of 156 shots in the series for a .936 save percentage. His goals-against average was 1.83
• The Avalanche went 6-for-21 on power plays (28.6 percent) in the series and killed 18 of 22 penalties (81.8 percent)
• okie Marek Svatos had three assists to give him six points in the series after playing just four regular-season games.
• Colorado scored nine of its 19 goals in the series in the first period

Game Summary

After a good ride I kicked back with some friends, beer and chips and salsa and watched the Avalanche play a good all round game and finish off the Dallas Stars 5-1 in game 5 of the series.

I have to say it has been a good day all around!

A rather shocking and sad story that the NHL really doesn't need this season with all the violence that has been in the headlines. One can only wonder what is going through Gary Bettmans mind along with the St. Louis Blues and the rest of the league.

St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton was arrested Friday in an alleged murder-for-hire scheme, the FBI said.

Danton, 23, was arrested at the airport in San Jose, Calif., after the Blues were knocked out of the NHL playoffs in a loss to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.

According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Illinois, Danton told a female friend that a hitman from Canada was coming to kill him and asked the woman if she knew someone who would kill the person for $10,000.

Read More

In a game that I didn't think they where going to pull off a win in, rookie Marek Svatos scored the winning goal in the second OT to give Colorado a 3-1 lead in their first round series against Dallas.

• The Avs had a two goal lead that they squandered for the second game in a row.
• David Aebischer came up big this game with 43 saves on 45 shots.
• There where just 6 penalties called.
• The Avs where outplayed by Dallas in periods 2 and 3
• This is the second game in a row that a rookie has scored the winning goal. Their first playoff goal.
• Colorado was outshot 14-3 in the third period and 12-3 in the first OT.

Game Recap

DU wins the NCAA hockey championship for the first time since '69. They beat Maine in the first 1-0 game in championship history. It was a nail biter there at the end with a 2 Pioneers in the box for the last minute and a half or so. And Maine pulled their goalie so they where playing 6 on 3 for most of it! There where a couple off the crossbar, but luckily no biscuits made it into the net.

Congratulations Boys!

I love the fact that the Avs have change the visitors penalty box advertisement to Waste Management for the playoffs. My question is, why didn't they use it all season?

I still find it a beautiful thing!

The Colorado Avalanche look good to win their first round series against the Dallas Stars.

Colorado is 15-7 when winning the first game of a playoff series.

The Avs lose one to Detroit, but it wasn't because they didn't try. The effort put out by the players during this game was exceptional. You have to say that Manny Legace played an incredible game for the Wings in the net. Some of the saves he made where unbelievable. On the other side, David Aebischer just didn't see to be ready to go. Aebischer looked confused at times and just couldn't keep track of the puck. Not the best of outings for him. Hopefully he will have one of those bad game, good game turn arounds for Saturdays game in Detroit.

I have to say the Avs have looked better the last couple of games even though they have lost them. There seems to be more energy in the team than of late. We can only hope this carries over into the playoffs. If it doesn't, it is going to be another short year for the team.

The Avalanche got Peter Forsberg back last night, Joe Sakic scored his 1,400 point and Steve Moore was released from Rose Medical Center yesterday.

They still can't win as they tied Chicago in last nights game.

I watch the first couple of periods and was impressed with the energy the Avs showed. There where quite a few scoring chances that just didn't pan out for the them. They need to take this positive effort into the last 6 games they have. The biggest of them will be the next two against Detroit. If want any chance of taking the Western Conference they will have to win both of these meetings with the conference leader.

Stories of note this morning:

• Moore released from hospital
• Forsberg Back as Colorado Halts Slide
• Belak asks NHL to be consistent
• Brodeur youngest goalie to win 400 games
• Avs almost forfeited after Bertuzzi hit

Colorado's quest for a 10th straight division title took a hit Saturday, as Owen Nolan scored twice and Ed Belfour made 32 saves to lead Toronto to a 5-2 win over the Avalanche at the Air Canada Centre.

Joe Sakic finished with a goal and an assist for the Avalanche, who suffered their third straight loss. They lead the Northwest Division by four points over second-place Vancouver. John-Michael Liles scored and David Aebischer stopped 19 shots.

The Maple Leafs went ahead 3-0 in the first period, before Colorado used a pair of goals on the power play to get within 3-2. Liles made it 3-1 with 7:55 left in the second. A match penalty and a game misconduct call against Wade Belak led to the goal.

Sakic got his 32nd of the season 3:16 later with the Avalanche on a two-man advantage. He beat goalie Ed Belfour with a wrist shot from the right circle.

The Avalanche finished 2-for-8 on the power play.

Sakic's two points give him 84 on the season, leaving him two shy of Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis for the league lead. Sakic has 32 goals and 52 assists in 74 games.

The Avalanche will next return home to face Chicago on Tuesday.

Here are three articles from this mornings Rocky Mountain News which I feel sum up most of my feelings about this past week and the NHL. Unfortunately I am feeling burned out on all the hoopla surrounding this latest episode with the hockey world because I don't feel there is going to be much change from the corporate offices.

• Hockey's image also suffers blow - Sport debates response, scrambles for answers in wake of Moore attack - Rick Sadowski
• That's the NHL's story - and they're sticking to it - Dave Krieger
• Ice of apathy encrusts hockey - Bernie Lincicome

Overall, it has been a sad state of affairs for the NHL, if you ask me.

Hmm. I have been thinking and writing trying to organize my thoughts on the decision by the NHL on Todd Bertuzzis suspension. Overall I am kind of disappointed in what they decided to do. I do not think it is fair to leave the suspension open ended like they did. I believe they should had made a firm decision and gone with it. Instead they left themselves open to wait and see how this all continues to play in the public arena then make a final decision based on how they think the politicalness of it will play. I see this as a side stepping maneuver by Gary Bettman and the NHL in general when I believe at this point they need to put there collective foot down on violence in the sport and take an intelligent step forward. What they ended up doing was sidestepping the bigger issue and taking a couple steps backward by ignoring the issue of the increase in violence in the league. Yes, their statement does say that this kind of behavoir is unacceptable, but it does not address what I believe to be the bigger issue of violence as a whole throughout the league. I honestly believe that what is unacceptable on the city street should be unacceptable on the professional ice rink. This is not boxing, this is hockey and what ever you may think, I don't believe they are compatible. Kids should not be watching the professionals in this sport taking vengeance on one another for what ever reason. They should not be seeing adults who are paid in some cases multi millions of dollars a year losing their cool and in most cases it be tossed off as an acceptable part of the game. This is just a GAME not some life or death struggle and it is about time the NHL realize this and demanded the actions of its players to treat it as such. But that's just my opinion, you as always are entitled to your own. (Well, at least until John Ashcroft takes it away, but that is a rant for another time.)

More articles about this incident:

• Text of the NHL announcement
• Code lets NHL play violently - Mark Kiszla - Denver Post
• Players say Bertuzzi's punishment fits the crime but doubt violence will stop - Bill Beacon - Canadian Press
• NHL leaves open possibility of Bertuzzi playing in World Cup of Hockey - Pierre Lebrun - Canadian Press
• Hockey is so sick it needs to sit out a season - Jefferey Simpson - The Globe and Mail
• Prime minister tells hockey to 'clean up your act' following Bertuzzi affair - Canadian Press
• Moore assault puts NHL fights in different light - Rick Morrissey - Chicago Tribune

One final quote that I think sums up the NHL's attitude towards violence:

"More often that not, the remarks in the heat of the moment dissipate by the time the actual game is played." He smiled then added "Although we still have two periods to play"
- Gary Bettman, March 3rd at the Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado during the Vancouver - Colorado game

Guess you missed that mark by a couple periods there Mr. Bettman. I have to say, that is one funny joke, you ever thought of being a comedian?

I watched the Bertuzzi news conference with interest last night. You could easily see the man was upset, but I am sorry, I don't feel bad for him. I feel bad for the man in the hospital for an indefinite stay. Hockey is the only professional sport I can think of, except boxing, where the players can lose their cool and duke it out. And, we as a civilization are suppose to accept this because it is part of it's history. Does this mean that Italians can open up the Colluseum and start matches to the death because it is part of their history? If any citizen in almost any country on this planet loses their cool and attacks another citizen are there not retributions? But not hockey, it's part of it's history. Another perfect example of how humans do not learn from history.

Here are two quotes that show what really is acceptable in hockey today:

"As NHL players, we get fired up and sometimes do stupid things on the ice," said Brendan Shanahan of the Red Wings.

"It's a very emotional game, and you can quickly lose your temper and lose your focus," said Wayne Gretzky.

At this point what ever Gary Bettman does, it will be a little to little and a little to late. He had the perfect time to say something about retaliation when he came to Denver and sat in a box with Peirre Lecroix for the last Vancouver game here. What did he say, nothing. When asked why he was here he said he was just in the neighborhood and stopped by. When asked why he was in the neighborhood he wouldn't say.

Did you realize fighting is up 26% this season? Did you know veiwership is going down? Gary Bettman and the rest of the hockey world is trying to sell hockey as a violent sport and it is not selling. The sad part is they do not realize this. And the really sad part is that even though there is a player in the hospital, what ever they do will not be enough to clean up the game and make it sell in the U.S. And until they can make it sell in the U.S., it will remain a minor sport here.

Finally, you have Colorado coach Tony Granato and his comments. Isn't it true there is a tape of him blatenly(?) swinging his stick into the head of another player? I wonder what he has to say about that?

It is a sad day for the NHL today as the inability to control the game has reared it's ugly head once again. I think it is way beyond time to bring the players conduct into the 20th century now that we are in the 21st century. I played hockey for quite a bit of my life and love the game, but this really makes me sad to call myself a NHL fan:

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club and its team doctors, along with the local neurosurgeons in Vancouver, British Columbia, is releasing the following report regarding the condition of Steve Moore.

“Steve Moore will remain hospitalized in Vancouver for an indefinite period of time,” said Avalanche Head Athletic Trainer Pat Karns. “Exams have revealed that Steve sustained a concussion and a cervical injury (neck fracture) and will be out at least for the remainder of the season. He also suffered deep facial lacerations and abrasions to the forehead, right cheek and upper lip. As soon as his condition permits him to travel, he will be transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver, where some of the best neurosurgeons in the country will reevaluate his condition in further detail. Steve regained consciousness before leaving the arena last night.”

Said Colorado Avalanche President and General Manager Pierre Lacroix: “Steve knows he has the support of the entire Avalanche family and hockey fans throughout the world, and we hope that he recovers as soon as possible.”

From Sports Network:

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Vancouver Canucks center Todd Bertuzzi has been suspended indefinitely by the National Hockey League for deliberately injuring Colorado center Steve Moore, who is currently in a Denver Hospital bed with a concussion and a neck fracture.

On Monday night, Bertuzzi punched Moore in the head from behind and then jumped his back and drove him face-first into the ice, knocking him unconscious. Moore, who scored a goal earlier in the game, laid motionless in a puddle of blood before being carted off on a stretcher. Bertuzzi received a match penalty for his actions, which comes with an automatic review by the NHL.

"When it is one of your players and one of your warriors out there trying to do his job you are concerned," said Colorado head coach Tony Granato.

"It was disgusting," former Avalanche defenseman Derek Morris said. "I haven't seen anything like that in my seven years of playing hockey. This was premeditated, this was the worst thing I've seen." Morris was traded to Phoenix on Tuesday.

A disciplinary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at the league's office in Toronto.

In addition, there is also an independent police investigation ongoing in regards to the incident.

"It was something that shouldn't have happened," Granato said. "There is no room for that in our game."

In 57 games this season, his first full season with the Avalanche, Moore has five goals and 12 points.

Bertuzzi has 17 goals 43 assists on the season.

Other Related Articles:

• Avs' Moore out rest of season with broken neck - ‘Remorseful’ Canucks star Bertuzzi faces long suspension, police probe for retaliation hit from behind
• Celizic: NHL needs to ban fighting, dirty play
• FAN FORUM: What should happen to Bertuzzi?
• Players say Bertuzzi hit was bad for NHL, wonder what penalty star will pay?
• Vancouver police investigate ugly on-ice hit by Canucks star

Various Quotes:

• "... it was the same, sickening, premeditated assault which happens just often enough to give a league desperately seeking to clean up its image a bad name." - Eric Duhatschek - Globe and Mail Update
• "The NHL has allowed the players to get out of hand. They do not respect the officials, the opposition or the idea of disciplinary action. It is clear by their actions on the ice, particularly in the last couple of weeks when the Senators and Flyers turned a key conference game into an on-ice riot complete with Donald Brashear offering a throat-slashing gesture as he stood in the runway off the bench.
  There was no response from the league on any of that and now they will be forced to respond as the NHL has hit the national news again. It's not the way the league would like and the people in charge are the only ones who can stop it. They are late. Let's hope not too late." - Kara Yorio - The Sporting News

The thoughts of this blogger a with Steve Moore and his family. I wish him to make a full recover and may it be a quick one at that.

Man oh man, what is up with the Colorado Avalanche?

Four nights ago they played Vancouver and had some offense, finally, and tie at 5-5. Then, two nights ago they played an awsome game and won 5-1 against the San Jose. Now going into todays game against Calgary you would expect a continuation of this pattern.

Not!

The Avs stubbled hard and fell back into the abyss that they have been living in since the beginning of February and lose 7-1! Can you say "Ouch". With Philippe Sauve in goal, maybe this was one last shot for him prior to the trade deadline tomorrow. Possibly Pierre LeCroix wanted to see what Philippe was made of before the trade deadline is gone.

One can only hope that this is a serious wake up call for the team with some of the best talent in the league.

You have to be wondering what is going through Tony Granados mind these days especially with the vote of confidence from Pierre the other day. Isn't that like the tough of death for a coach these days when there is questions about them and the GM or management say there job is secure?

I really think this team needs to have a players only meeting and get their collective asses in gear or they are not going to have much confidence going into the playoffs. I would hate to see them knocked out in the first round and them have the CBA mess with next years hockey. Hell, we possibly could not see them play for a long time to come. And on top of that, you have to figure that Peter Forsberg is off to Sweden at the end of the year if the CBA gets caught in a log jam.

Come on boys, don't let the fans down, please!

The Colorado Avalanche finally had some offense in a game. Unfortunetly it didn't help as the Vancouver Canucks managed to come back twice from two goals down to tie the game. Two highlights for the Avs; Joe Sakic tallied his 14th hat trick and Alex Tanquay tied a record high 5 points in one game.

The Colorado captain expressed concern over squandering leads:

"We have to correct that," he said. "It's a great hockey team over there and they're going to get their scoring chances. It was an up-and-down game. You'd rather have the win, but for us it's a start. We showed a lot of emotion. Everybody worked hard and skated, so hopefully we can carry this to the next game."

The Avalanche are winless in their last 5 games (2-2-1) and have extended their home winless streak to 8 games (0-4-3-1).

The Colorado Avalanche posted a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild at the Xcel Energy Center on Sunday. Paul Kariya notched a goal and an assist to lift the Avalanche.

Milan Hejduk and Joe Sakic also scored for Colorado, while David Aebischer made 24 saves. The Avalanche, coming off consecutive 5-1 losses to Edmonton and Dallas, took a season-low 14 shots but still snapped a three-game losing streak.

Sakic's goal was the 533rd of his career, tying him for 23rd on the all-time list with Frank Mahovlich.

The Avalanche have 80 points and are tied with Detroit for the top spot in the Western Conference. Colorado also holds a five-point edge over Vancouver for first place in the Northwest Division.

Colorado was playing without star center Peter Forsberg for the third straight game. Forsberg has been sidelined with a groin injury.

There are reports that Adam Foote could be returning tonight for the game against Calgary.

Avalanche right wing Milan Hejduk, who recorded eight points and a +8 rating in four road games, has been named the NHL's Offensive Player of the week for the period ending Sunday, January 25.
Details

(Sports Network) - Vesa Toskala made 32 to saves to help the San Jose Sharks to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on Saturday.

The game was a contest between two division leaders, as San Jose holds a sizeable lead in the Pacific Divsion, while Colorado is tied with Vancouver atop the Northwest Division standings.

John-Michael Liles notched the lone goal for the Avalanche, who had their four-game win streak snapped. David Aebischer turned aside 22 shots for Colorado, which lost for just the second time in their last 10 games (8-1-0-1).

Liles has two goals and two assists in his last four games while Alex Tanguay, who had an assist, has recorded four goals and nine assists in his last 13

The Avs also had to play without one of their best players, as Peter Forsberg missed the game after tweaking his groin before the game. Forsberg has been tearing up the league lately, posting points in eight-straight games -- the longest current scoring streak in the NHL. The Swedish center has five goals and 11 assists in those eight contests.

However, San Jose was without its two leading scorers, as Patrick Marleau and Marco Sturm were scratched with ankle and chest injuries, respectively.

The Avalanche, who completed a three-game homestand on Saturday night, begin a four-game road trip in Tampa on Monday.

Game Notes

Support Proper Judicial Review for Extradition Requests: The U.S. Senate may soon be asked to ratify a treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom that would weaken long-standing protections against politically motivated extradition requests.
Under this new treaty -- crafted in part by Attorney General Ashcroft -- the Administration would have expanded powers to approve the extradition to the United Kingdom of an American citizen or foreign guest. The proposed treaty weakens due process protections that ensure an extradition request is lawful and is not a pretext for punishment on account of race, religion, nationality or political opinion.
The proposed treaty would allow, for example, Irish-Americans and others to be extradited because they disagree with the U.K. government's policies in Ireland -- without having any ability to challenge whether the charges were politically motivated in an American court.
Take Action. Urge your Senators to reject ratification of the proposed treaty.
Click here to get more information and to send a free fax to your Senators: http://www.aclu.org/NationalSecurity/NationalSecurity.cfm?ID=14624&c=24

A Hillarious Article In Westword - Cross-Dress for Success: Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, the show that transforms sloth-like macho men into burgeoning metrosexuals, received the seal of approval from American television audiences this year..
Imagine how much more exciting life would be if, say, Governor Bill Owens did his budget slashing while garbed in cute little capris. Or if Mayor John Hickenlooper occasionally addressed the Denver City Council from behind a silky set of one-inch lashes...
http://www.westword.com/issues/2004-01-08/sidebar.html/1/index.html

E-Ballots: Will Your Vote Count?: Controversy surrounds new e-voting systems set for wide use in 2004 elections. http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,114032,tk,wb010504x,00.asp

The NHL Entertainment Rankings: Which NHL teams provide the most amusement for your buck? The fun teams are not always the winners, and the winners are often not much fun. So forget the standings and the final score. When it comes to thrills, chills and spills, which NHL teams deliver the best value for a $150 ticket or an evening in front of the tube?
http://proicehockey.about.com/cs/nhlnotebook/a/entertain_rank.htm

Mission Control Alerts Station Crew to Slow Air Leak: The international space station is experiencing a slow, steady drop in air pressure, and American and Russian flight controllers are investigating possible causes of the leak. Mission Control notified astronaut Michael Foale and cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri about the leak just before their bedtime late Monday afternoon. 'There's no action for you at this time and no immediate concerns,' Mission Control assured the two men. 'We'll continue to investigate this on the next shift and we may have some actions for you tomorrow [Jan. 6th].'
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/exp8_update_040105a.html

Anonymity complete GUIDE: Nowadays, everyone wants privacy on the web, because no matter where you go, someone could be watching you. Someone like your employer, someone trying to hack your system, companies gathering all your info to sell to yet other companies, or even the government, may be on your track while you peacefully surf the web. Thus, anonymity on the web means being able tu use all of its services with no concern about someone snooping on your data.
http://www.governmentsecurity.org/articles/AnonymitycompleteGUIDE.php

Brett Hull isn't the only man in the game with something to say. From Paul Kariya to Bill Wirtz to Alpo Suhonen, here's a selection of the year's most interesting and revealing hockey quotes.

http://proicehockey.about.com/b/a/052242.htm

Peter Forsberg took part in his first full workout on Monday. This is some good news for us in Avalanche land as the Avs have been slipping these past 5 games (0-2-3). Still, Forsberg is saying he is not 100% and is being vague about when he may return. So far he has missed 18 consecutive games and 21 of the past 23.

"It's good, a step in the right direction," Forsberg said after the 90-minute workout. "We'll see how long it takes, but it definitely feels better."

The Colorado Avalanche continued their hot streak on Monday night with a 4-1 victory over the lowly Washington Capitals.

Rob Blake and Teemu Selanne both had a goal and an assist to lead the Avalanche to the win at the Pepsi Center.

Andrei Nikolishin and Alex Tanguay also posted goals for the Avalanche, who extended their unbeaten streak to six games (4-0-2). David Aebischer made 22 saves and Joe Sakic notched three assists in the win.

The Avs have recorded a point in 15 of their last 17 games (11-2-3-1).

Colorado leads the Western Conference with 36 points and visits GM Place to face the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. The Canucks are just two points behind the Avs for first place in the Northwest Division.

The Avs return to the ice on Thursday playing in Vancouver at 8 PM MST and then travel to Calgary for a game on Saturday at 8 PM again. Could be an interesting couple of games.

First of all, I have to say I admire GW's trip to Baghdad. I may not believe in his policies, but I honestly believe it was the right thing to do under the current circumstances. Some may say it was a political stunt, it may have been, but it was still the good thing to do.

I went up to Waterton Canyon yesterday for a bike ride. The road up to the connection with the Colorado Trail was fine, just a few bits of snow here and there. From the single track up was a bitch. There is a couple inches of snow that is just enough to mess up the climbing. It was frustrating because when I lost traction or went of trail and I would unclip and put my foot down. Now my clipless was covered with snow that would pack in to the little notches and prevent me from being able to clip back in. Oh, well. Live and learn. I guess I will head to someplace not in the trees today, maybe Green Mountain.

Last night I listened to the Avs and Edmonton play over the computer. It was not broadcast on TV here and the radio station it was on I could not receive well. I was amazed at how well it come through. I am sure having broadband made a big difference, but it was still cool to be able to do. (Ah, where would we be without technology?) Anyway, between last nights game and Thursdays wild one with Calgary the Avs are doing pretty good right now. The standings currently place them the Western Conference and in second in the league after Philadelphia and Vancouver. David Aebischer definitely had a good game last night only giving up one goal on 41 shots. Yep, he had 40 saves! It was a nice turn around from Thursday night for him.

Finally, I hope you all had a thankful Thanksgiving. I know I am thankful for the 4 day weekend I ended up with along with a few other minor things ;)

The Hockey News weekly ratings are in and the Boyz from Colorado are still holding 7th even after playing poorly and losing there last two games at home. They will need some better goal tending on the road as they are allowing 3.3 goals per game while playing away from home.
Here are their top ten:
1. Philadelphia
2. New Jersey
3. Boston
4. Tampa Bay
5. St. Louis
6. Vancouver
7. Colorado
8. Detroit
9 NY Islanders
10. Toronto

David Aebischer moved a few notches up the goalie ratings this week, from 26th to 22nd (out of 40), so he is riding in the middle of the pack.
His stats:
This Week: .960, 0.95, 1-0-0
Season: .910, 2.43, 9-3-0

The Colorado Avalanche suffered their second straight loss on Monday when they found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 decision against the Nashville Predators at the Pepsi Center.

Milan Hejduk and Joe Sakic both lit the lamp for the Avalanche, who are in the midst of just their second losing streak of the season. Colorado, which has lost two at home for the first time all season, also dropped two straight from October 18-21.

The Avs continued to play without Peter Forsberg (abdomen) and Paul Kariya (wrist). They also learned on Monday that center Andrei Nikolishin will be gone for two-to-three weeks after injuring his knee in Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

Colorado will return to the ice on Thursday against Calgary.

Check out this article by Kara Yorio of The Sporting News that I received via email.
On Frozen Pond: Heritage Classic Rekindles Memories of Hockey's Roots

Canadiens alumni Guy Lafleur and Claude Lemieux were calling for a rematch. "Olympic Stadium," Lemieux said of the domed Montreal stadium that seats more than 56,000 for CFL games. "I think we can fill it." Wayne Gretzky wouldn't commit. "A rematch? Our team needs a year's rest." ...

The temperature at the start of the Oilers-Canadiens game, which was at 7 p.m. ET and after the sun had set in Edmonton, was minus 2. The temperature when the puck dropped for the alumni game two hours earlier was a balmy 2 degrees. ...

Before settling on the Oilers-Canadiens matchup, other opponents were considered. According to one report, Rangers coach Glen Sather said his team originally was to play in the game, but Hockey Night in Canada pushed for an all-Canadian affair. An NHL spokesman said there were many different possibilities before the match was final. ...

This was the first outdoor game to count in the NHL standings. ...

Transforming Commonwealth Stadium, home of the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos, into a hockey rink took 12 days. It took 100 people approximately 150 hours to install the ice, which was 2 inches thick. Most NHL ice surfaces are 1 inch. ...

There were 70 rink boards and 120 plexi-glass sections used to create the rink, with 1,000 anchors securing the boards to the turf. ...

The date of the game is significant for the NHL -- November 22 is the anniversary of the league's inception in 1917. It also is the date Gretzky was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. ...

As expected, the event shattered the NHL attendance record with 57,167. The previous record was 28,183 when the Flyers played the Lightning at Tampa's ThunderDome on April 23, 1999. ...

Between the 15-minute halves of the alumni game, the players shoveled snow from the ice.

Well, Denver got its first real snowstorm of the winter yesterday. Somewhere around 5"+ hit parts of the city and surrounding areas. It made a real mess of the streets, cars where sliding everywhere. Doesn't look like I will be commuting by bicycle for a few days. Hopefully it will be sunny enough for the next few days to enable the bike path to clear up a bit.

Anyway, last night we took the light rail down to the "Can" to watch the Avs get get blanked by the Kings. Man, did the Avs just look bad last night! Unfortunately we where sitting behind the wrong goal for most of the game as all the action was in the Avs end for most of the game and thus, for 2 periods, everything was going on in the other end. At least it was warm as opposed to Edmonton where it was -2 and the game was outside! Well maybe the next game I get to go to things will go better. Seems like most of the time the Avs are playing these days that should not be a problem.

Received this letter by email the otherday from Senator Wayne Allard

The weather has giving me a good excuse to sit in front of my monitor and keyboard and wander around the information highway. Here are some items of interest I have found:
F.B.I. Scrutinizes Antiwar Rallies - The agency has collected information on demonstrators and has advised local officials to report suspicious activity to counterterrorism squads.
How to Make the Deficit Look Smaller Than It Is - President Bush and Congress seem to view the Social Security surplus more as a cookie jar than a lockbox.
Love in the Time of No Time - How Internet dating is re-engineering flirtation, seduction, relationships and the love-seeking self.
NASA Official Hopeful on Shuttle Progress - NASA is making steady progress toward returning its shuttle fleet to flight so that construction of the International Space Station can resume, the agency said.
Thousands pay tribute to Kennedy - Thousands of people in Dallas, Texas, have marked the 40th anniversary of the assassination there of United States President John F Kennedy.
Wal-Mart to write own name on notebooks - The retail giant reportedly plans to launch a line of notebooks under its own brand name next year, a move that could push down prices, say analysts.
Senate may move on bill to ban Net-access tax - A logjam appears close to breaking on stalled bill to permanently ban taxes on Internet access, but final shape of the bill uncertain.
Daily Outrage: Royal Airs - George Bush irks the Queen by bringing an army of his personal chefs to Buckingham Palace.

Cool Sites: Office 2003 Editions: Compare Them to Previous Versions
Skyhigh Airlines
Nixon Librarys Online Store - Check out the bowling shirt!

Ah yes, the afternoon nap, it was so badly needed today. Had it not been for that nap I could not have stayed awake to watch a great Avs game as Philippe Sauve won his first NHL game tonight against Phoenix. Did you see that amazing pass from Forsberg to Hejduk for the go ahead score. It was just unbelievable. On top of that, the Avs definitely had the penalty kill going tonight not giving up a goal in any of Phoenix's 6 chances.

Game Notes:
Joe Sakic tied Gilbert Perrault (28th all-time) in goals scored
Peter Forsberg recorded his 500th career assist
This is the Avs 400th sellout, the NHL's longest recorded sellout streak in its history

I'm glad I stayed up for this one!

Here is a suprise. In an internet poll done on Tuesday in his native Sweden, Peter Forsberg was voted the greastest Swedish player ever to play in the National Hockey League.

Daily newspaper Dagens Nyheter found that 51 per cent of 6,000 people taking part in the survey picked Forsberg, last season's scoring leader and Hart Trophy winner, as Sweden's top trans-Atlantic export.

Borje Salming, a NHL Hall of Famer who played 16 seasons with Toronto Maple Leafs, was second with 18 per cent of the vote.

Toronto's Mats Sundin was third with eight per cent, ahead of Nicklas Lidstrom of Detroit and Hakan Loob, the first Swede to score 50 goals in the NHL for the Calgary Flames.

(Sports Network) - Karlis Skrastins scored 1:14 into overtime to lift Colorado over the New York Rangers, 3-2, on Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
Travis Brigley and Alex Tanguay also lit the lamp for the Avalanche, who came back from a two-goal deficit to bounce back from a loss to New Jersey on Saturday.
David Aebischer, playing his third consecutive game and sixth in seven, turned aside 22 shots for Colorado.
The trio of Peter Forsberg, Tanguay and Milan Hejduk have 32 points in the last six games. Tanguay is riding a nine-game point scoring streak (5g, 11a), while Hejduk has five goals and six assists over his last seven games.
Forsberg, though, missed his second straight game on Sunday with a groin injury. Colorado also continues to play without Paul Kariya, who has missed six straight games with a wrist injury.
Colorado will return to the ice on Tuesday when they host the Minnesota Wild.

Avs win a come from behind against the Rangers in overtime after losing yesterday against the Devils. David Aebischer played a good game with the two goals against him being shots he couldn't do much about. The Avs are now 6-5-0-0 on the season. Probably the last 6:09 of the first period where the most important as they where short handed the whole time. Aebischer made some great saves to keep the team in the game.

Mike Dunham played a great game for the Rangers. He had some spectacular saves tonight. He was definitely one of the stars of the game.

Travis Brigley recorded his first goal in the NHL while Tanquay and Skrastins recorded the other two goals for the Avs.

Peter Forsberg is still out with a pulled groin and the team is not saying much about when he may return.

Shots on Goal:

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	OT	Total
Colorado	12	13	11	2	38
Rangers	14	6	4	0	24

Thank you and good evening everyone.

I remember going to the rink for the first time with my parents and my brother when I was eight years old. To stand here in front of you tonight, 30 years later, is priceless.

Having my wife, Michele, and three children, Jonathan, Frederick, and Jana, beside me tonight reminds me of the first time we arrived in Denver.

All nervous, facing the unknown, language problems, and especially neverousness about not producing at the level expected of me.

But you, the fans, and my friends, have made sure that our eight years in Denver will never be forgotten.

Mes annees au Colorado furent memorables grace au support de tous.

It will be more than an honor to see my jersey going up beside Ray Bourque's. It shows how fast the Avalanche organization has established a winning tradition in such a short time.

Playing for the Avalanche, wearing this uniform the past eight years, and working behind a group of players that was never satisfied was a great, and I mean a great honor. Also, to my roommate and English teacher for those eight years - Footer, thank you for the good times.

I'm retiring with the feeling that I've done everything I could to be the best. My passion and respect for the game guided me over my career.

Once again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Truth and Concussions - by Kara Yorio (The Sporting News) - The players trust few people more than concussion specialist Dr. Karen Johnston. If she tells a player he can return to action safely, he confidently takes the ice. If she tells him to retire, he schedules the press conference. Johnston clears up a few myths regarding concussions, always a hot topic in the NHL.....

The following Avs are within reach of career milestones:

David Aebischer 26 games from his 100th career NHL game
Rob Blake 30 assists from 400th career NHL assist
Jim Cummins 39 games from 500th career NHL game
Adam Foote 68 games from 800th career NHL game
Peter Forsberg Recorded 200th career NHL goal 10/23 vs. EDM
6 assists from 500th career NHL assist
4 points from 700th career NHL point
Moved past M. Goulet into third on the all-time assist list
Riku Hahl 30 games from his 100th career NHL game
Dan Hinote 73 games from his 300th career NHL game
Milan Hejduk 6 games from 400th career NHL game
34 goals from 200th career NHL goal
18 assists from his 200th career NHL assist
52 points from his 400th career NHL point
Paul Kariya 26 points from 700th career NHL point
29 assists from 400th career NHL assist
Steve Konowalchuk 6 games from 700th career NHL game
4 assists from 200th career NHL assist
Derek Morris 76 games from 500th career NHL game
34 assists from 200th career NHL assist
Andrei Nikolishin 15 games from his 600th career NHL game
11 goals from his 100th career NHL goal
19 assists from his 200th career NHL assist
30 points from his 300th career NHL point
Joe Sakic 20 games from his 1100th career NHL game
80 points from his 1400th career NHL point
Teemu Selanne 14 assists from his 500th career NHL assist
77 points from his 1000th career NHL point
Martin Skoula 2 points from his 100th career NHL point
71 games from his 400th career NHL game
27 assists from his 100th career NHL assist
Alex Tanguay 15 goals from his 100th career NHL goal
34 assists from his 200th career NHL assist
49 points from his 300th career NHL point
Peter Worrell 58 games from his 400th career NHL game

Hmm, It kind of looked like the Avs of last year in Saturdays loss to Edmonton. Bad penaly killing and play on power plays where amongst the problems during this game. I mean they had a 5 on 3 for 50+ seconds and didn't get one shot on goal. You aren't going to win games this way. Poor Philippe Sauve, although he did let 4 pucks in the net on the first 15 shots, he was still let down by the rest of the team in his first NHL game. The good news is that Martin Skoula returned to the line up after missing two games with a bruised foot. Team is at 2-2-0-0 right now with the next game against Boston at home on Tuesday at 7:00pm. Here is the rest of the schedule

Some of the teams quotes:

• "We didn't give (Sauve) any help," Avs center Peter Forsberg said. "We got outworked pretty bad tonight. We've got a couple days to get ready for our next game, and we've got to get better than that."
• Avs coach Tony Granato said
  • "We've got to be better on the specialty teams,"
  • "They made the most of everything we gave them, and put it in the back of our net, We didn't play good enough to win. They did some good things on their specialty teams, obviously."
• "I can't let one loss get me down," said Sauve, who stopped 19 of 24 shots. "It's not a fun feeling to lose your first game, but you've got to pick yourself up and go on."

Colorado Avalanche Team Report - October 13
From The Sports Network

(Sports Network) - The Colorado Avalanche fell to 1-1 on the young season with a 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues at the Pepsi Center. Keith Tkachuk scored the 400th and 401st goals of his career to lead the Blues.

Paul Kariya found the back of the net for the Avalanche, who toppled Chicago in their first game of the year. Kariya, signed away from Anaheim this past offseason, already has two goals and two assists in the early going.

Colorado goaltender David Aebischer finished with 24 saves Sunday after a 31- save performance in the opener. Aebischer is being given first crack at replacing future Hall of Famer, who retired in the offseason.

Colorado will open a brief road trip Thursday in Minnesota. The tilt will be a re-match of last spring's opening-round series that saw the Wild upset the Avs in seven games.

10/13 12:49:03 ET

Received this report via email and thought I might share it with you all.

Blues goalie Chris Osgood has one hellava game giving up just one goal on 40 shots. There is not much you can do when the other teams goalie is having a hot night. After listening to the interviews that Av players really didn't seem that upset about their playing. Hey it is only the 2nd game and they did get 40 shots on goal. Paul Kariya did make some comments about how physical the Blues where and felt they where definitely trying to rough up the Avs stars. Well, what do you expect when you have easily 6 of the best players in the league on just two of your lines?

The Avs recalled defenceman D.J. Smith from the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears on Sunday.

Shots - StL 11-3-12 - 26. Col 11-19-10 - 40. Power plays - StL 1 of 3; Col 1 of 7. Goalies - StL, Osgood 1-1-0 (40 shots-39 saves). Col, Aebischer 1-1-0 (26-24).