| 08 March 2009
The Avs finally put an end to their six game losing streak by beating the Blackhawks in Chicago 5-1. In a game that was eerily similar to their last win over Washington, the Avs went into someone else’s barn and took advantage of a young team who may or may not have taken them for granted. Chicago may also have been a little tired, they played yesterday afternoon in Boston. The Avs built a 2-0 lead during the first period and was the better club for nearly all 60 minutes. Chicago did make it interesting with a Toews PP goal in the 2nd to make it 2-1, but Hejduk answered later in the period with a perfect shot off the inside of the far post to make it 3-1. Chicago never recovered.
What impressed me:
5 on 5 play - The Avs outscored Chicago 5-0 during even strength play.
Chris Stewart - Scored his first NHL game winning goal and continues to play strong. Unlike Hensick, there is no doubt he belongs in the NHL.
Cody McComrick - Two fights, 22 PIM. Took on Chicago tough guy Ben Eager and then went after Dustin Byfuglien after he ran Footer.
Tyler Arnason - No seriously, 3 assists and was the 1st star of the game. (Don’t worry - he still sucks.)
What didn’t impress me:
The explanation of Clark’s disallowed goal - It didn’t count because it touched his leg? Who? Clark or Niemi? And if kicking isn't involved, since when does that matter??!
Paul Stastny - He’s still rusty. No points and a + / - of 0 in a game where he team won by four goals. He also had a great chance in the first when he was one and one with Chicago goalie Niemi and was stopped.
Ruslan Salei - The stats don’t really back me up on this one, he did have an assist on the first goal and was a plus 3, but he just seemed to me that he wasn’t quite playing with the same intensity as the rest of the team.
Notes:
Cody McLeod did not play - he has a shoulder injury, McNab said he’ll be out about a week.
Blackhawk fans booed the team at the start of both intermissions.
Next game: Tuesday at home against Atlanta - 7PM.
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