PioneerSkies

I went to the Avalanche game last night. The Blackhawks won in an overtime shootout. Jose Theodore continued his impressive play, giving up only one goal on 23 shots in 65 minutes of play. However, he gave up shootout goals to Patrick Kane and Robert Lang. Kane scored the Hawk's only goal in regulation too. Martin Havlat had a great cross-ice outlet pass that allowed Kane to get behind the Avs defense.

Aside from the shootout, the first ten minutes of the game were really the best part. Kane scored two and a half minutes in, then a minute later Ian Laperriere fought Adam Burish, and Andrew Brunette scored the Avs only goal about eight minutes after the opening faceoff. I was glad to see the fight, which Laperriere won. I've been thinking that I've seen too much college hockey, where there are no fights, this season. The game really bogged down, especially in the second period. Both teams had their chances, including some really close ones, to score and put the game away, but neither team could finish.

The Avs have a tough road ahead of them. Long term injuries have sidelined Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth and Paul Stastny. With those three out of the lineup, the Avs will need to find another way to score goals. It's a good thing Theodore has started playing well, otherwise the season might be all but lost already. Another bright spot has been the play of Brett Clark. He has really stepped it up lately. Also, the Avs did very well on the penalty kill last night. The Blackhawks had five powerplay chances, but they didn't score on any of them. It's a tough division and a tough road ahead. Let's hope the Avs can take advantage of a lengthy home stretch.

http://www.sportsline.com/nhl/gamecenter/recap/NHL_20080118_CHI@COL