Forsberg in, Forsberg out..... Foote in, Foote out....... Smyth in Smyth out...... and so it goes. But the Avs seem unaffected. They played a very solid game against an Edmonton team that had won 7 of 8. These are the types o games you dread. Edmonton is not a playoff team, but have been red-hot. They have skill and speed and nothing to lose. Colorado contained them all night had had a terrific sense of timing. All 5 goals had a sense of timing about them. They also picked the right night to win big.

Every other team in the NW lost last night, (Minn. in ot), so the Avs picked up 2 points on Calgary and Vancouver, 1 pt. on Minn. Two points are the gold standard in the NHL these days. Gaining ground on teams around you, is priceless.


Joel Quennneville played the numbers very well this week. He has to give Jose Theodore some rest. Some expected Budaj to play in Atlanta. He did not. Budaj played last night vs Edmonton instead.... a team that he has owned during his short career. Budaj is now a perfect 5-0 against the Oilers this season! Jose has three days rest before a very interesting match-up against New Jersey on Saturday...... well done.


David Jones continues to shine, on the #1 line with Sakic and Brunette. He scored a very intelligent goal on the pp last night, using a great sense of timing, to get into scoring position at precisely the right moment. Jones is big and strong (6'2"...220) and plays awell rounded game. He's intelligent at both ends of the ice, is physical and if he can continue to build his offensive game, he will become a serious weapon for Colorado.


Hannan and Liles continue to shine. Jeff Finger showed terrific offensive timing and a tremendous wrist shot, on the first goal of the game. Salei was back in the line-up... Foote was not. It seems that it only takes ONE of them to be present back there to settle things down.......... that is a very positive thing.


N J .... Minn ..... Calgary ....... next up on the schedule. Great hockey in store this week !

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