After the senseless shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton
last week, it's safe to say not many minds in Colorado were on
hockey. When the series began this weekend after (quite rightly)
being delayed, the Avalanche, Sharks and San Jose fans quietly paid
tribute to the slain students, then took the ice with the Avs
wearing memorial patches and Sharks displaying stickers on their
helmets.
The series promised to be a chippy affair and delivered right off.
Checks were hard, unpleasantries were exchanged, and while the
Avalanche obviously have a vast talent advantage, the Sharks have
made it tough.
The Avs seemed a beat or two off in Game One - not lacking in
intensity, there was plenty of that, but just not quite right.
Patrick Roy, however, was just right. He simply took over the game,
seeming to toy with the Sharks. They needed 40-plus shots and a
5-on-3 advantage to finally score, and that wasn't enough after
strong offensive performances from Joe Sakic and Sandis Ozolinsh.
The victory was Roy's 100th playoff win, making him the first goalie
to crack that barrier. Let's all give him a hand, shall we?
Old nemesis Mike Vernon matched Patty save-for-save in Game Two, a
dual shutout until the beginning of the third period. Vincent
Damphousse put the Sharks up, but a late goal by Adam Foote and
then an OT goal from Milan Hejduk won it.
So the Avs head back to Colorado with a 2-0 series lead - a lucky
position. Given the late schedule of the series, and the fact that
likely second-round foe Detroit is having its way with the Ducks, it
behooves the Avalanche to get a sweep - they're gonna need some rest
for Round Two.
Some bright spots:
Patrick Roy. He's been simply spectacular, and overcame a
smorgasbord of defensive lapses in Game One.
Joe Sakic. At his best in the playoffs, as always.
Sandis Ozolinsh. The Wacky Latvian is always a bit nervewracking to
watch, but he's been exciting and unpredictable in this series - to
the Sharks' sorrow, not the Avs'.
Milan Hejduk. The rookie's been strong, not just scoring but playing
smart. He's also not afraid to go to the net, not bad for such a
small guy.
Goose Out
Alexei Gusarov suffered a sprained knee in Game One after colliding
with teammate Theo Fleury, prompting the move of Jon Klemm from
winger to defense in Game Two. It's unsure how long Gusarov will be
out.
Sold!
Pending approval from various sources, the Avalanche (and Denver
Nuggets as well, for their eight fans) will be sold for $400
million to Bill Laurie. Avalanche management will stay the same
from CEO Charlie Lyons on down. This certainly will help in the
Theo Fleury signing attempt - especially since ol' Theo has already
announced he wants to stay.
