First of all I have to admit I was half asleep for parts of this game. It's the weekend, I work at 4am both Saturday and Sunday, so I'm usually quite groggy by game time. I actually slept from 2 or 3 to 10 so I could watch the game.
The big thing that stood out for me about this game is that it was pretty much the opposite of the games Edmonton lost a lot last season. Colorado outworked, outskated and outchanced them - but the boys pulled it out. What's the difference? We've got goal scorers. I mean obviously we've had Ryan Smyth for a long time now, but outside Smytty who was the last player on the team whose first priority was scoring goals?
This off season we added Sykora and Lupul, and it's making a big difference all ready. For example, Lupul's goal against San Jose at the end of the 2nd period made a huge difference in the team's mentality coming in to the third period and the big come back. Sykora's goal scoring instincts were the difference in Game 1 against Calgary.
Last night while the guys were spending way too much time skating around in circles or just standing and watching the Avalanche - our goal scorers took advantage of the chances they did get. Smyth parked his ass in front of the net and converted on the PP and later on a point shot. Sykora made a beauitful tip of Tjarnqvist shot and shot home a nice set up by Hemsky.
It really warms the heart. We've always had a lot of speed and talent on offense, but there's been a distinct lack of finish. Now on a night when they get outplayed, they have the finishers while the other team can't convert.
Of course the other part of that is how well Roloson played. He doesn't make many mistakes, that's the big thing. Roloson has great fundamentals. He's in the right places at the right times. He's calm and composed. I really love how he always gives off the feeling that he's in control of everything going on around him. Doesn't it just give you other Oiler fans a great sense of comfort to see him between the pipes? God compared to last year it's amazing.
I wasn't as focused on the game as I would've liked so I'm not going to give player by player run downs or anything like that. However, I'd really like to see Jacques or Mihknov in the lineup if the coach has such little faith in Winchester. It's not like Brad is going to go out there and bang some bodies to spark the team, at least Jacques would do that. At least Mihknov might score.
How did Smid play today? I think it was probably the game I was least happy with him given his play in the 2nd period where the Avalanche were running around in our zone on Smid and Staios. They have to take control of situations like that.
Incidently, as much as I don't think of the Avalanche (in terms of talent) they sure work hard. That may be enough for them to be much more competative than I expected. You have to respect that work ethic and the young players on the PK.
Until next time!
