Avs primed for visits from Penguins, Wings
By Rick Sadowski, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 17, 2008 at 10:52 a.m.
6-0-1-1 record in home openers for the Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. The only blemishes came against Dallas, a 3-2 overtime loss in 2006 and a 1-1 tie in 2002.
Photo by Darin McGregor
The Red Wings will make their first visit to the Pepsi Center next season on Dec. 27.
A visit by Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby and two meetings with the Stanley Cup-champion Detroit Red Wings are among the highlights of the Avalanche's 2008-09 regular-season home schedule.
The Avalanche will start the season Oct. 9 against the Boston Bruins at the Pepsi Center, marking the third straight year the team will begin at home.
The 41-game home schedule also features three contests against each Northwest Division rival (Calgary, Edmonton, Minnesota and Vancouver) and one game apiece against Northeast Division members Boston, Buffalo, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto.
The Red Wings' first visit of the season is Dec. 27, and Crosby and the Eastern Conference champion Penguins will come to town Jan. 10.
Under the NHL's new scheduling format, Colorado will play every team in the league at least once with home and road games against three Eastern teams - Atlanta, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay.
The Avalanche will have an eight-game homestand from Jan. 16 to Feb. 5, the second-longest since the team has been in Denver. The eight-game stretch wraps around the Jan. 22-26 NHL All-Star break; the midseason game will be played Jan. 25, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, as part of the Canadiens' 100th anniversary celebration.
The Avalanche will have a six-game trip from Feb. 20 to March 2, matching the longest in team history.
Welcome back
Well, not really. Assuming he isn't traded before then, Todd Bertuzzi will be playing for his fourth team in three seasons since exiting Vancouver when the Calgary Flames come to Denver on Nov. 20. Steve Moore hasn't played for any team since he was attacked by Bertuzzi during a game March 8, 2004.
Wings are hot
The Avalanche saw plenty of red, including in the seats, last season when Detroit won all four meetings in Denver, two in its sweep in the Western Conference semifinals. Overall, the newly crowned Stanley Cup champions will be working on an eight-game winning streak against the Avalanche when they return Dec. 27.
No way, Jose
Colorado's only opportunity to shoot some pucks past former goalie Jose Theodore comes Feb. 20 at the Verizon Center in Washington. Theodore spurned a two-year, $7 million offer to remain with the Avalanche and signed a two-year, $9 million deal to hook up with the Capitals.
Post your comment
Registration is required. Click here to create your free user account, or login below.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.
Featured
-
Denver turns 150
Read about the city's history, look at old photos and see a list of influential Denverites.
-
Mount Crushmore
Which four Broncos greats should be immortalized on Mount Crushmore? Vote here.
-
Winter Escapes
Your insider’s guide to the copious joys of the coolest season.
-
Rocky Multimedia
The news comes alive in our videos and slide shows. Catch up on what's happening today.
-
Weekend plans?
Figure out things to do this weekend with the help of our entertainment calendar.
-
Bronco Dean's rant
Listen to Bronco Dean's pregame rant on the Raiders.
-
Season To Share
The Post-News Season To Share campaign provides grants to area nonprofits.
-
The Rocky @ 150 Years
The Rocky was there when Colorado became a state in 1876. Read our coverage.
-
A Dozen on Denver
And the winner is... Robert Ziegler! See the whole fiction series by clicking here.
July 17, 2008
12:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
R8R_H8R writes:
"Dreaded" Detroit Red Wings? C'mon. This isn't even news anymore. I have a sticker on a tool box that says "Red Wings StinK". (this site wouldn't let me use the real word on it) I used to have one on a truck too, 10 yrs. ago! But now? Forget it. The Red Wings have held up their end of the deaL. They've remained competitive. Our Avalanche? Embarrassing. Simply Embarrassing. I can't stand being around a Red Wing Fan because they're so mouthy. And the Avs have faiLed so miserably in comparison.
July 17, 2008
1:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
frosty writes:
Hate to say it but the dreaded Deadwings are so far out in front of the Av's there's nothing to get excited about, 4 losses! It seems the owner of the Av's no longer has the passion for this team he once had, our big signings, Tucker and I can't remember the other. Really disappointing, and hardly enticing to Super Joe I'm sure.
July 17, 2008
1:33 p.m.
Suggest removal
BonBon writes:
We never had a healthy lineup against the dead things this year (Joe was out for all of the games and the Monsters basically played the dead) and the same thing happened during the playoffs. We split the series with them 2 seasons ago, so how bout a little optimism and a Let's Get Even With Them Spirit,huh Avs "fans"?
July 17, 2008
5:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Kered writes:
Sure, the Red Wings are the better team but that sure as hell doesn't mean the Avs are not competitve. I am really looking forward to this season and the better schedule, Go Avs!!!
July 17, 2008
8:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
R8R_H8R writes:
I'm looking forward to the season too. I'll watch many games. But I have no dreams of the Colorado Avalanche competing for the Stanley Cup.
July 17, 2008
8:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
GJrodburner writes:
When a Redwings fan gets too mouthy, shut it for him. Take the initiative and put your fist in his grill. It has a remarkable effect on putting the other "mouths" in Red and White on immediate notice: your next. Go to a game in Chicago, St. Louis, or back east in Philly or Ottawa, and there is no way that anyone in those respective sites will stand idly by as another fan starts taunting, or worse. No, the working world does understand that if you run your mouth, you run the risk of getting punched. I personally enjoy telling the 'wings fans that keep on rude-mouthing what the next course of action is going to be and then start to watch their entourage get a little less vocal. Setting next to me in the stands should be fun, and for the most part it is. I can give and take with the best of them, but if it goes to another level of banter, I'm there too. That R8 is the moral of your indignation. Quit laying down. I don't care if we get swept for the next four years, I ain't laying down for no one in a 'wings sweater, ever!
July 23, 2008
12:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrBrightSide writes:
"Go to a game in Chicago, St. Louis, or back east in Philly or Ottawa, and there is no way that anyone in those respective sites will stand idly by as another fan starts taunting, or worse. No, the working world does understand that if you run your mouth, you run the risk of getting punched."
Hey tool, and I would say that to your redneck face as well, you're dead wrong. We all traveled to eachother's stadiums back before the Nordiques were even a franchise, and guess what, we all got along fine and could take and give some good natured ribbing without getting all butt hurt like a little girl.
For Game 5 this year at the Joe, I sat next to a Pens fan, my first question to him? "How are they treating you here?". "Great" was his reply, and I went on to tell him what lowlife loser hating fans who over identified with their hockey team they have here in Denver.
I'm thinking you would be the same people who whine that you don't ski because I-70 is toooo crooowwdded. Waaah.
July 24, 2008
9:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
GJrodburner writes:
Nothing more creative than "tool" there MrBrightSide? Are you a transplant to Colorado? Do you wish to be back in Michigan? Can you actually skate? Are you absolutely positive that you would call me a "redneck" to my face? Seriously, you would want to do that? Hmmm, I think different, but then again, you may want too after all.
You are correct that I do have a redneck, it's from welding out in the sun from sun up to sundown, from one end of this country to the the other. Western Colorado is my home, and there have been several places in-between. Probably the biggest jokes I've seen in the workforce though are from Michigan. Beautiful state, absolutely; biggest bunch of incest-love children I have ever had the displeasure of having to hire and fire in order to get a job done in the UP. Funny thing was, those I kept had old Northstars tees or Blackhawk tees, but everyone on that crew that had a 'wings shirt on, didn't know the north bound end of a south bound mule when it came to fitting and welding. You have no idea that I'm not a redneck, but that's alright, I'll take the moniker.
I don't ski Vail, Loveland, or Aspen. Sunlight, Powderhorn, and Monarch allows a person that loves to ski and not stall in I-70 traffic to do just that, ski. I noticed in your missive you've got that whining account down pretty darn good. Of course knowing how to characterize that type of whine must be an inbred ability, from all scientific accounts, that can only happen when you come from Michigan or your a 'wings fan.
Those of us from Colorado that have to say "uncle", it can and does occur, whine with a lot more dignity than what you described. In fact, on a scale of 1 to 10 on the wussmeter, I'd say you pegged a 9.9875. Again, that can only happen if your from Michigan, or you're a Detroit Redwings fan. Are you a red and white fan? That of course would explain why you could describe a butt hurt child. Disgusting analogy, but it was yours. You did mention something about that in your message too. How on earth would you know something about that? Come on back and explain yourself in further detail, please.
July 25, 2008
1:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrBrightSide writes:
Oh boy, inbred jokes, that's original and ironic coming from a welder (or better yet, a shop owner) on the Western Slope. You talk about the UP, that would be Michigan's equivalent of the Western Slope, so I get the inbreding references because you have plenty of self professed exposure to both areas, and it shows in your writing.
Can I actually skate? Sure, why do you ask? Want to lace em up and see if you can hang?
You never had a kid get a spanking, then act pouty like they were really hurt, that's where the analogy comes from.
I forget, out your way that expression may mean something really disgusting and I care not to go there with you. My image of you from my first post remains unedited.
July 25, 2008
1:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrBrightSide writes:
"Are you absolutely positive that you would call me a "redneck" to my face? Seriously, you would want to do that? Hmmm, I think different, but then again, you may want too after all."
LOL! E-tough guys crack me up.
July 25, 2008
2:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrBrightSide writes:
When you use a term like this "Take the initiative and put your fist in his grill. It has a remarkable effect on putting the other "mouths" in Red and White on immediate notice: your next. "......you might just be a redneck.
July 25, 2008
8:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
GJrodburner writes:
MrBrightSide are you a 'wings fan? Seriously, what do you know about hockey? Are you still in the Midwest or are you here in Colorado? Either for our mutual amusement or disgust (depends on how much venom we keep shelling out) let me ask you a question about hockey and you reply. Yes, I will do the same if you have a question in return. What is backchecking and why is it considered the hardest part of the game? I can tell you know nothing about work, I think your collar may be a bit white, but this is a hockey blog, so I'll ask an easier one: how do you see your 'wings: defending or losing?
Three posts? Was that your last nerve I was standing on or just bored and waiting until September for training camp? LOL; I'll bet tough guys crack you up: fractures, splits, contusions, and lacerations maybe? There are several significant differences between the Western Slope of Colorado and the UP, for conversations sake how about unimaginable UP lake effect snow! Even on the northern end of Rabbit Valley or up and on Douglas Pass I have never seen it snow like it did there in the UP.
July 25, 2008
8:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrBrightSide writes:
What do I know about hockey? This is rich. My dad was taking me to Olympia (i.e. not the Joe) when Norm Ullman, Gordie Howe, Roger Crozier, etc were playing before expansion. (that would be the FIRST one, not the later ones which your cheatin Niques grew from). I played it all my life until I found out that like hitting a slider, skaters are born and that my old man at 50 would always be better than me, not that I wasn't fast, I wasn't a crafty defender, he played and made money doing so, not me.
Backcheck, let's see, gosh this is tough..... if you do it right, you can cause a delayed offsides, care to explain that to me? Your turn.
Watch Vintage Games on the NHL network, and you'll see the best forward that ever played, number 9 backcheck and much off great offensive rushes so effortlessly that he doesn't even look like he's trying.
Yeah, tough guys crack me up, I used to tell all my co-workers while moving furniture and later at my dojo how much they made me laugh. Especially the judo bunch.
I still like the "fist in the grill" statement. That's classic. You Nordalanche fans really take it over the top.
July 29, 2008
9:42 a.m.
Suggest removal
GJrodburner writes:
Well your last posting would indicate that you are between the ages of 45 to 55, given the fact that you did see Howe and the others play. Did your pop play in the NHL, or did he play in the minors?
Are you sure about the backcheck? For it to cause a delayed offsides would mean that you somehow got the puck you lost in the other teams zone "over-and-back" across the blue line while your team still had players in that zone, prior to clearing. So, why is this considered the hardest part of the game to master? Is it a physical or mental component that hinders most players from wanting to do it more in a game?
As for the dojo. Now that's a doozy. I've never really cared for the far-east's forms of self defense. Too much precision for such a chaotic event like an actual fight. Since 1982 I've put my strength and conditioning into a form of Israeli martial art known as Krav Maga. Nothing against the "belt set", and nothing against the spirituality component of traditional martial arts. I just happen to think that what I was taught by a female Marine self-defense instructor is as prudent today as it was then: emphasis on gross motor movements such as punching, kicking, elbow-and knee-strikes, and ground fighting are as critical then as they are today. Knowing my chi, or breaking boards with my head or earning a colored belt has no bearing in serving me.
If you do watch the NHL-Network, then check out hockey academy. It may be one of the best tools for explaining the details in the game. Might give you a better look at backchecking too.
Nobody goes over the top as much as a closet 'wings fan! We never cheated the 'wings when we came into the league because we were too stupid to figure out that type of established original six type of character flaw. What we did do was finally hire a GM like Pierre Lacroix that outthought, out worked, and had the testicular-fortitude to pull off the deals that Jimmy Devallano could only dream about! Maybe that's why Ken Holland is the GM now in 'wing-town. We sure as hell weren't going to pay no dues to the Cup teams in '95-96 either. The six years before '95-'96 Joe Sakic wanted out of Quebec! Once Pierre told him that he would be a winner, and Joe bought into the plan, and of course the Patrick Roy deal was consumated, the rest is history.
August 5, 2008
1:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrBrightSide writes:
History is the rivalry, there is none.
August 5, 2008
6:58 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrBrightSide writes:
" Knowing my chi, or breaking boards with my head or earning a colored belt has no bearing in serving me.
If you do watch the NHL-Network, then check out hockey academy. It may be one of the best tools for explaining the details in the game. Might give you a better look at backchecking too."
Well, first of all, you understand nothing about the martial arts if you think that's all there is to it, and as far a a back check, that was the object, either that or an out and out takeaway. If you poked it to your dman who was home on a rush, guess the call that went up if they were on a rush?
Seriously, I've seen some e-bs in my day, but yours takes the cake. Have a great life, too bad you nordalanche won't be doing anything in the near future but hoping to make the playoffs.
August 7, 2008
9:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
GJrodburner writes:
There's plenty of history between the 'wings and the Aves. Maybe not a legacy, but over another 20-years that could be a possibility.
There is no e-bs on my part, just grounded truth. For someone that does practice the martial arts I find your postings peculiar.
The Aves will not be hoping to make the playoffs-they'll be in; the soap-opera will be in Detroit...wondering how they went from Cup Champs to one and done. They won't defend the Cup because they aren't good enough to do so.