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Sweet 16!

January 25, 2022, 9:34 AM ET [6 Comments]
Steve Palumbo
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Pavel Francouz stopped 23 shots for his second consecutive shutout as the Colorado Avalanche blanked the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Monday night.

It was Colorado's 16th straight win at the Bell Arena tying them for fourth all-time in consecutive home wins. The 'Avs still have a ways to go if they want to grab the top spot. The Detroit Red Wings won 23 straight back in 2011-12.

Nazem Kadri (16) and Mikko Rantanen (22) each scored for Colorado who improved to 29-8-3 and padded its Central Division lead to six points ahead of the St. Louis Blues AND moved into a first-place tie (FLA) for the top spot in the NHL.

It was another strong outing from Francouz. The Blackhawks played hard and forced "Franky" to make several high danger stops to preserve the win. The Hawks really do deserve full marks in this one and Marc-Andre Fleury is still a stud in my mind.

Big win on a big night. Just another example of how different the 'Avs goaltending situation looks from 6 weeks ago.

...

Lastly, don't look now but the 'Avs appear to be right smack dab in the middle of all the big trade rumors.

Elliotte Friedman tied Colorado to Philadelphia Flyers star Claude Giroux on his 32 Thoughts. Giroux is a name rumored to be on the move and he makes sense for the 'Avs.

7. During All-Star, expect Claude Giroux to sit down with his agent (Pat Brisson) to discuss his future. I think there are Avalanche players who’d love to have him. The question is if the organization decides that’s the move they need to make. The right-hand shot makes sense. But it won’t be easy for Colorado to fit. That means the possibility of a third team, which raises the asset cost. There’s still time for it to play out, and Giroux has control.


He also made an interesting point about soon-to-be UFA Nazem Kadri. sounds like he may try to price himself out of the 'Avs market.

27. In case you missed it last weekend, Colorado’s Nazem Kadri has a new agent -- now represented by Darren Ferris. Right now, he’s the biggest free agent on the market.


FWIW, another couple of names linked to Colorado are Joe Pavelski and Phil Kessel. Personally, I love the idea of Pavelski. He can take faceoffs, play on the power play and he is a master at tipping the puck. Imagine this defense firing pucks at the net while he tips them home?

Something to keep an eye on.

Thanks for reading,
Steve
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