Michael Griffiths said:Wow, just listened to the 3rd period on the radio. The Canucks win only their 4th division title in franchise history, but end Colorado's (I think 8 time?) reign. AvsGirl, your (ex) team has had an amazing regular season run...and it's nice to finally get them back, especially after last year's bitter ending.
Wow, quite the response! Would it help if I told you I didn't mean a great run this season, but for the past 9 seasons? haha, cause that's what I meant! Yes, I agree their inconsistency this year was the problem. There were times where they were unstoppable and other times where they just didn't put together the right effort. I'm not sure if it was to do with lack of chemistry though - as many of these players are very close friends (either from Colorado's past teams or from Team Canada tournaments, etc) - which is why I wouldn't consider them the Rangers of the West. And I must disagree with you on Granato - I don't think he has what it takes to coach a team to the promised land, at least not yet. He'll probably get there soon, but he has been out coached numerous times this year...all part of the learning experience I guess.AvsGirl41 said:
I think they've had a terrible run! They had a few bursts of momentum, especially from Tanguay, Hejduk and Forsberg. Aebischer proved himself a capable goaltender, but otherwise they've been appalling. Kariya and Selanne have been a joke.
Things did not come together. There was no chemistry. And the mid-season roster changes just made a bad situation worse. They completely dismantled the defense. Aebischer hasn't played well since they brought in Salo. The Avs just became a (slightly) cheaper version of the Rangers.
It will be interesting to see if any major front office changes. I imagine Granato will take the heat, although I don't think will deserve that. At least people are finally questioning Lacroix's management, but I doubt it will amount to anything, simply because everyone still says "Ray Bourque" and all is forgiven.
At any rate, Colorado can kiss their championship runs good-bye. Our prospects are gone, our team is aging. Forsberg is probabyl going back to Sweden. Hejduk and Tanguay are both free agents, both are treated pretty shabbily by the front office and would be wise to seek other teams. Work-stoppage or not, this is it for a long time and the Avs have a long, painful road of rebuilding ahead of them.
Edgeman said:Toronto is my number 1 pick....but if they fall I will then cheer for any other team from the great white north.
I just hope Toronto doesn't play another Canadian team...even if it means a classic matchup against the Habs.
Michael Griffiths said:
Wow, quite the response! Would it help if I told you I didn't mean a great run this season, but for the past 9 seasons? haha, cause that's what I meant! Yes, I agree their inconsistency this year was the problem. There were times where they were unstoppable and other times where they just didn't put together the right effort. I'm not sure if it was to do with lack of chemistry though - as many of these players are very close friends (either from Colorado's past teams or from Team Canada tournaments, etc) - which is why I wouldn't consider them the Rangers of the West. And I must disagree with you on Granato - I don't think he has what it takes to coach a team to the promised land, at least not yet. He'll probably get there soon, but he has been out coached numerous times this year...all part of the learning experience I guess.