Are you kidding me? Photo: Bridget Samuels/Flickr.
The Colorado Avalanche lost in overtime to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a ridiculous game. The Avs put forth their worst effort of the year. The Jackets may be last in the conference, but guess what Avs? You’re 13th. And you’re going to be 15th soon enough if you bring that sort of effort against Detroit and Chicago in the next three games.
During the first period and a half, it seemed as though both teams were pretty much asleep. Varlamov had to make one spectacular save, but otherwise, most of the play was tight. Two fights in the second (McLeod v Prout, Bordeleau v Stoll) led to the Avs waking up a little, and a high shot by Parenteau was shrugged into the net behind Bobrovsky. It seemed as though the Avs were coming on, and that they were going to come out flying in the third. Unfortunately, the Jackets were the only ones flying in the third. Two questionable penalties were called on Avalanche players, which led to the second lengthy five on three for the Blue Jackets in the game. Ryan O’Reilly attempted to deflect a pass from Vinny Prospal behind the net, but instead managed to shoot the puck past his own goaltender in Varlamov. In overtime, Artem Anisimov became the first Jacket to score against Varlamov in over 120 minutes. Parenteau was called for a penalty, and during the ensuing 4 on 3, Hunwick lost his stick. O’Byrne didn’t read the Columbus player or Varlamov’s position at all, and Anisimov sniped a shot over Varl’s shoulder.
At least the team got a point. 18-10 needs to be the record from here on out if the Avs are going to be in the playoffs.
Other Thoughts
-Ryan O’Reilly didn’t really stick out much (aside from his goal against Varls). I think his best play came in the first period, probably when his adrenaline was the highest.
-Poor Varlamov. Another solid game, yet another loss on his record.
-Coach Sacco pointed it out, and I agree: even though the officiating had a negative impact on the Avs, the team wouldn’t have been in that position if they had simply played better.
-Shane O’Brien was the best defenseman for the Avs tonight.
-Calvin Pickard backed up Varls tonight.
-Evidently Erik Johnson will practice tomorrow with contact, so that’s a good sign.
