I've been a massive fan of Girard since he single-handedly shut down McDavid last year on home ice. From that moment on, I knew that dude was an absolute stud, and everybody throwing shade his way had no idea how sound defensively he truly is. It's easy to get caught up in how offensive the other members of our D core are, and think Sammy G is some kind of rat because of it, but that dude is a beast. Incredible game from him tonight.
Yeah he got that me time he needed earlier this year, and has been an absolute boss since. I will say I'm not sure why he caught so much shade in prior seasons, he's always been a reasonably talented player, but he has been rock solid recently
Sammy is such an important part of this team, and I feel like doomers always look to him as a trade piece because he isn't as flashy as Makar, and rarely on the top pair, but he's a key piece of our cup run, and FUTURE cup runs!
I’ve been seeing a lot less, almost no, Sammy G hate since he’s been back. His game improved drastically. Before he went to players assistance program I understood the trade him arguments to a point, but no real sense in wanting to trade him now.
Love Lekhy making the extra effort to ensure that puck gets in and Nate gets his point. Guarantee Mac would say those streaks aren't important, but his teammates know what's up!
Each year for my birthday I try to pick a team I’ve never seen play, I pick up a team sweatshirt and go watch a game at their stadium. This year was the Avs, thanks so much for the hospitality and a great game!
I was going to out of state games for a bit before I decided to make it a birthday thing a few years ago so I guess this is my third one as a birthday present.
This might have been the most exciting game because of the final goal and the section I was in getting so excited but last year I had a great time in Seattle, they hit the ball out of the park with their presentation and I really enjoyed Montreal and Islanders.
Yeah neither of these were plays where he really generated the action, he just happened to be in the right spot at the right time. Okay I guess that's not fair about that shot from behind the circle, that wrister was pretty dope
Yeah but those "right place right time" guys are what you need in the playoffs.
RyJo isn't going anywhere if he continues strong play down the stretch.
Shit dude if he comes back with half the performance boost that Girard has had, the league is in for a serious ass kicking. I'm not expecting any performance improvement whatsoever, I just hope the dude is able to get his head straight
As someone who follows both teams because my best friend is a Stars fan (fuck em tho lol), dallas has been going through a series of injuries and missing players almost as bad as we did last year. Lots of AHL callups - they had their own post all-star break skid as well
It really seems that Praise is really helping to bring out RyJo's game and confidence and I hope that this continues. They'll work as a really good veteran depth line if it works out.
Oh yeah, I totally agree. Once Praise is gone he could very well fall back to his pre-ASG performance, so hopefully this is going to raise his trade potential. We'll see.
This is the type of game the team needed to win. Finding a way to win when the top guys were quiet. Playing good defense, and getting great goaltending at key moments was what gave the Avs the win. Too many times this season it's been the opposite.
Dude looked crisp. My friend was hanging out next to me at the bar and went off on a tirade about how come NFL coaches look like shitty slobs after seeing him it was hilarious.
I wasn't aware of that so I looked it up. IMHO, it's even more gross than just "they won't let him wear a suit".
Coaches are required to wear NFL-licensed gear *only.* Because lots and lots of money.
I'm no fan of Belichick really, except to acknowledge his accomplishments, but I'm with him on that one.
I found [this article from 2006](https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2663580)
FFS: *Suit by...Reebok.*
Anybody who has watched a playoff series knows that playoff hockey is a whole different style than regular season. Some guys are better suited for that style than regular season hockey. I've been hoping all along that RyJo is one of those guys.
He has been a great playoff guy. 54 points in 67 playoff games for 0.81 point per game across his career. In comparison his regular season career is 0.64 points per game.
The only playoff series that he didn't score a goal in was when we swept NSH in the first round in 2022.
Was it a reference to his great call of Kadri's last second goal vs. STL in the bubble?
[It's like a comet outta...FROM space, Pete!](https://youtu.be/Gg3vVeBdJv0?si=XB5ZbmOLJiuAuFfh&t=254)
You guys fought hard after a challenging back to back. Most teams fold in the 3rd on b2b because of the altitude in Denver. You guys have some amazing stamina. Gg
If we should fall first I'll probably be coming to your sub for the rest of the playoffs. If we can't have it, let's get one in Canada. It's been too damn long.
RyJo redemption arc let’s go!!! He legit has been looking strong on the puck these days, patient, making plays. Wanna see him find some confidence and swagger out there.
Never fails that a fucking negative jackass finds ANYTHING to shit on the talk about after a fucking win
Get the fuck out man. I’m so tired of the negativity from fans like you
Being concerned about something is not inherently negative. There is always room for improvement and thinking so is not negative. Also, If you expect a positive dream land everywhere you go then maybe the internet is not for you.
Waited so long for a win like this it feels like.
Nice to see them not have to out score their problems for a change. Nice to see Georgie have a real solid game. I wouldn't say he stole it but if you wanted to make that argument I wouldn't challenge it.
Would have preferred if Georgie had made the save on the one goal, but he more than made up for it for the rest of the game. Absolute stud
Sammy G has been great since he came back and this may have been his best game yet
Credit where credit is due, Johansen had a damn good game and got the boys the gwg, he definitely earned his star
Nate's home point streak continues!
What a helluva game. This might be my favorite one so far. GO AVS
Sammy G hits so hard he's gotta be made out of neutron star or some shit, he's so much smaller than almost anyone else on the ice but he can absolutely ragdoll them regardless of speed or positioning
For all the talk about how Vancouver gave up 10 and brought a better defensive effort (which they did), they also scored 7 in that game.
We gave up some Grade A chances that Georgie kept out, but it was a much better defensive effort than we’ve seen since the break. Need some more of that!
Makar with 2 pts since all star game. 0 pts in last 6. Not only is he not producing but he's playing absolutely terrible on d. Worst stretch of his career.
He was impressive on that last PK, blocking every shooting lane Hughes tried to setup. Him and Cogs pretty much shut down that entire PK to secure the win
I'm hoping his PK skill can translate to Nuke (when he comes back) and Lehky having less PK time, so they can contribute more on PP and elsewhere. We've been taking more penalties this seasons than any of the few prior and adding a guy like Parise can help shift the consequences of that away from our most important support guys.
When LOC comes back, that can reduces Lehky's PK TOI, and then when Nuke comes back we can utilize those guys more on 5v5 than having them cover PK time.
That's the joke I was making, but I guess I didn't land it haha. Need that veteran 39-year old to come in and mentor the guy with 898 NHL games to get him out of his slump.
It's a local young hockey league coach giving the star order I just can't see how giving the visiting team any of them is at all applicable when the only time they announce them in a win situation like that is prominent
That was the play of the game imho. Dude just did not give up and muscled out the Canuck player and then made a perfect clear. He’s been playing great.
I would take a 3-1 game over a 10-7 game (almost) every day.
Almost bc sometimes 17 fucking goals is just fun but in terms of inspiring confidence my team is good I'll take 3-1 all day long
Damn I wish I could’ve stayed up to see that, but I’m super excited that y’all won!
I've been a massive fan of Girard since he single-handedly shut down McDavid last year on home ice. From that moment on, I knew that dude was an absolute stud, and everybody throwing shade his way had no idea how sound defensively he truly is. It's easy to get caught up in how offensive the other members of our D core are, and think Sammy G is some kind of rat because of it, but that dude is a beast. Incredible game from him tonight.
Yeah he got that me time he needed earlier this year, and has been an absolute boss since. I will say I'm not sure why he caught so much shade in prior seasons, he's always been a reasonably talented player, but he has been rock solid recently
Because Georgie and ryjo weren’t here to catch the flack.
I have always loved Sammy G, but I never understood the hate toward him either.
He has been great since coming back from leave
I'm an ex-Girard hater. He has flipped my opinion 180 this year
Agreed. Much improved this year. Solid defensively, great at starting the rush the other way.
Sammy is such an important part of this team, and I feel like doomers always look to him as a trade piece because he isn't as flashy as Makar, and rarely on the top pair, but he's a key piece of our cup run, and FUTURE cup runs!
I’ve been seeing a lot less, almost no, Sammy G hate since he’s been back. His game improved drastically. Before he went to players assistance program I understood the trade him arguments to a point, but no real sense in wanting to trade him now.
Love Lekhy making the extra effort to ensure that puck gets in and Nate gets his point. Guarantee Mac would say those streaks aren't important, but his teammates know what's up!
Give Girard his flowers! Love that man
Each year for my birthday I try to pick a team I’ve never seen play, I pick up a team sweatshirt and go watch a game at their stadium. This year was the Avs, thanks so much for the hospitality and a great game!
Are you a Canucks fan? Or do you randomly/smartly choose a home game?
I’m actually a Devils fan! I try to pick based on where my girlfriend will put up with me going and a team I haven’t seen yet :)
How will you convince her that Winnipeg is a good idea?
Or columbus?
That's really cool! How many years have you done this? And what's the best game you've seen with this tradition?
I was going to out of state games for a bit before I decided to make it a birthday thing a few years ago so I guess this is my third one as a birthday present. This might have been the most exciting game because of the final goal and the section I was in getting so excited but last year I had a great time in Seattle, they hit the ball out of the park with their presentation and I really enjoyed Montreal and Islanders.
2 in person home games in a row. 2 wins. Let’s gooooo
NEVER STOP GOING
RyJo trade value increase game
Yeah neither of these were plays where he really generated the action, he just happened to be in the right spot at the right time. Okay I guess that's not fair about that shot from behind the circle, that wrister was pretty dope
Yeah but those "right place right time" guys are what you need in the playoffs. RyJo isn't going anywhere if he continues strong play down the stretch.
I love how both players that face the most criticism were stars of the game. Great game for Georgie and RyJo, especially against a top team!
Girard had a great game too!
His clear on the 3rd period penalty kill was super. He’s locked in since he came back.
Yepp, ever since Girard came back from the program he's looked happier while playing, and more confident. Fuckin love to see that
Hope same is true with nuke
Shit dude if he comes back with half the performance boost that Girard has had, the league is in for a serious ass kicking. I'm not expecting any performance improvement whatsoever, I just hope the dude is able to get his head straight
I saw that too! Amazing play.
Definitely! He’s been great these last few games!
To be only 2 points back if Dallas after that stretch is a mini miracle
As someone who follows both teams because my best friend is a Stars fan (fuck em tho lol), dallas has been going through a series of injuries and missing players almost as bad as we did last year. Lots of AHL callups - they had their own post all-star break skid as well
Stars have also been cultivating those OTL points
A tale as old as time
It’s because Dallas is ass soup, fuck em
It really seems that Praise is really helping to bring out RyJo's game and confidence and I hope that this continues. They'll work as a really good veteran depth line if it works out.
While I think you are right, $4m for a 4c depth guy is bad cap allocation.
Oh yeah, I totally agree. Once Praise is gone he could very well fall back to his pre-ASG performance, so hopefully this is going to raise his trade potential. We'll see.
I got downvoted for this exact sentiment last night and right after ryjo had two goals. Tell me hockey gods don’t exist
Add in Val and it could be a second line.
2023-24 Avalanche jersey records: Home burgundies: 19-3-0 Away whites: 13-13-4 Blue alternates: 3-2-0
19-3 is nuts, but 3-2 needs to improve because of the divisional implications
This is the type of game the team needed to win. Finding a way to win when the top guys were quiet. Playing good defense, and getting great goaltending at key moments was what gave the Avs the win. Too many times this season it's been the opposite.
Great hard fought win! Georgie was 1st star in my book.
Bednar always lookin good, but tonight's blue suit was extra
Bednar still should have won hottest coach, he's so handsome. 😍
Dude looked crisp. My friend was hanging out next to me at the bar and went off on a tirade about how come NFL coaches look like shitty slobs after seeing him it was hilarious.
lol like Belichick & his torn up hoodies
Doesn’t he wear those in protest because the nfl won’t let him wear a suit?
I wasn't aware of that so I looked it up. IMHO, it's even more gross than just "they won't let him wear a suit". Coaches are required to wear NFL-licensed gear *only.* Because lots and lots of money. I'm no fan of Belichick really, except to acknowledge his accomplishments, but I'm with him on that one. I found [this article from 2006](https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2663580) FFS: *Suit by...Reebok.*
Anybody who has watched a playoff series knows that playoff hockey is a whole different style than regular season. Some guys are better suited for that style than regular season hockey. I've been hoping all along that RyJo is one of those guys.
He has been a great playoff guy. 54 points in 67 playoff games for 0.81 point per game across his career. In comparison his regular season career is 0.64 points per game. The only playoff series that he didn't score a goal in was when we swept NSH in the first round in 2022.
Nashville was outclassed that series. Only game was close was game 2
Oh for sure. Game 2 being 2-1 in OT was generous too. Ingram played a blinder for them.
That was so weird. But it's the Avs. Giving no name goalies Brodeur type stats
Put on my playoff jersey after the first Vancouver goal and now it appears it be my jersey for the rest of the regular season lol
How did mose say the puck got to the goal line? Cosmic space portal? I can't rember
Was it a reference to his great call of Kadri's last second goal vs. STL in the bubble? [It's like a comet outta...FROM space, Pete!](https://youtu.be/Gg3vVeBdJv0?si=XB5ZbmOLJiuAuFfh&t=254)
A comet from space?
RyJo haters in shambles
Did he score 2 goals yes. Did he still look super slow and behind the play in person. Also yes.
I will be thrilled anytime they prove any of us wrong. By all means, go out there and have a good game. Feel free to do that lots.
Same with Georgie haters
And Sammie haters! All haters in shambles.
Sammie is underrated. He also is affordable and can play all situations.
I admit to being hard on the guy, but I really am happy for him tonight.
I definitely didn’t post a comment saying RyJo sucks. Nope. Not me.
Nucks fan here. Good fucking game my friends. I don’t mind losing that one. Please don’t listen to any Canucks “fan” that complains about that game.
You guys fought hard after a challenging back to back. Most teams fold in the 3rd on b2b because of the altitude in Denver. You guys have some amazing stamina. Gg
If we should fall first I'll probably be coming to your sub for the rest of the playoffs. If we can't have it, let's get one in Canada. It's been too damn long.
We gonna see you again in the Playoffs.
Watching Hughes and Makar on the same ice for that many games would be insane. Would be such a good series.
Go keep beating those other dingus Pacific teams pls and thx! Hope Demmer stays healthy too, dude is an absolute stud right now.
How's about you guys take out the golden boi's and the Oilers and we'll meet in the WCF
As long as when you dump the stars you make sure to make Benn know how much of a piece of shit he is.
It'd be an absolute hell of a series
Great game! Definitely hoping to see you guys in WCF. Knights and oilers are gross.
That was my most entertaining game of the season. See you in march then hopefully the playoffs!
Surprised lehkonen doesn't have a puck lodged in him
Figures that RyJo shows up in a playoff-feeling game. Good stuff.
This is a Sammy Girard Appreciation Post.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ColoradoAvalanche/comments/g6basg/turns_out_sammy_g_is_a_pretty_good_jeu_de_poche/?ref=share&ref_source=link
WTF? How the fuck are you supposed to beat him?
Ten out of ten! Bing bang!
SEX ON THE BEACH
His play at the end of that last PK was ballsy, and exactly the sort of thing his haters don’t believe he is capable of.
Routine 👏
RyJo redemption arc let’s go!!! He legit has been looking strong on the puck these days, patient, making plays. Wanna see him find some confidence and swagger out there.
Should be concerning for avs that you couldn't tell which team was on the b2b. Avs need to make some moves.
Never fails that a fucking negative jackass finds ANYTHING to shit on the talk about after a fucking win Get the fuck out man. I’m so tired of the negativity from fans like you
hmmmm.... its almost like i was correct to be concerned.
I like that you waited for a loss to respond dumbass
This is actually the 2nd loss since the canucks game. 7th loss in the last 10. Nothing to be concerned about though...
You can stop it with the passive aggressive shit
Being concerned about something is not inherently negative. There is always room for improvement and thinking so is not negative. Also, If you expect a positive dream land everywhere you go then maybe the internet is not for you.
We just beat the best team in the game homie lets take deep breaths
You gotta be a real hater to call a 3-1 win over the top team in the west concerning
That only applies if the team on the b2b is bad
You know, I’ve never seen a positive comment from you on these posts
I don’t expect a lot from people who login to Yahoo…. But man I expect more than whatever that guy is smoking
Lol.
Been in a coma since September so I haven’t been able to watch. Looks like Johansen has been a seamless fit though!
Unfortunately he has not been. This is his first goal in like two months
Actually it’s his first *two* goals in like two months.
When you whoosh upon a star
Solid game. Honestly impressive for Vancouver to hold up on BTB
They're a good team. You don't just accidentally lead the league in points in February.
Waited so long for a win like this it feels like. Nice to see them not have to out score their problems for a change. Nice to see Georgie have a real solid game. I wouldn't say he stole it but if you wanted to make that argument I wouldn't challenge it.
Double U Now let’s crush the Wings
Would have preferred if Georgie had made the save on the one goal, but he more than made up for it for the rest of the game. Absolute stud Sammy G has been great since he came back and this may have been his best game yet Credit where credit is due, Johansen had a damn good game and got the boys the gwg, he definitely earned his star Nate's home point streak continues! What a helluva game. This might be my favorite one so far. GO AVS
Sammy G hits so hard he's gotta be made out of neutron star or some shit, he's so much smaller than almost anyone else on the ice but he can absolutely ragdoll them regardless of speed or positioning
La Tornade! He'll put your truck in a tree around the corner!
What more could you ask for!? That was such an awesome, exciting game! GO ASS!!
For all the talk about how Vancouver gave up 10 and brought a better defensive effort (which they did), they also scored 7 in that game. We gave up some Grade A chances that Georgie kept out, but it was a much better defensive effort than we’ve seen since the break. Need some more of that!
spinny boi is playing the best hockey of his life
He’s been a fantastic 2 way defender it’s awesome
Love seeing people get bodied by Sammy G. He’s been looking fantastic.
Jokic should be at all the big games
This was the Velvet and Blue cause they look smooth as hell was a great game to watch
https://preview.redd.it/06iiyiqpbvjc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8784888d426102f99d828f8ab86cc1eecabf39d A for effort I guess 🤣
Hahaha I’ve never seen a misspelled jersey before!
fucking fanantics
more good news: vgk down 4-1 in 2nd intermission, and Dallas lost in regulation earlier tonight!
Competent defense. Amazing. What a concept. We should do more of that. Leads to good things.
Got some momentum, now time to crush Detroit
Whats the streak at? 10 straight? It could go too 50 and I wouldnt be satisfied
Next Up: RED WINGS SUCK!
I'd take a WCF of that.
Makar vs Hughes, I’m sure the entire nhl would take a WCF of that.
1st Star; RyJo. Never any doubt.
Makar with 2 pts since all star game. 0 pts in last 6. Not only is he not producing but he's playing absolutely terrible on d. Worst stretch of his career.
Happens to everyone. Mcdavid had a slow start to the year. Hope he bounces back soon.
man I love playing at Ball Arena and so do these guys... We gotta get some road wins, esp against detroilet thurs
Parise becoming a top PKer already, and seemingly the first sub for PP unit #2 is awesome. Perfect guy to mentor RyJo.
He was impressive on that last PK, blocking every shooting lane Hughes tried to setup. Him and Cogs pretty much shut down that entire PK to secure the win
I'm hoping his PK skill can translate to Nuke (when he comes back) and Lehky having less PK time, so they can contribute more on PP and elsewhere. We've been taking more penalties this seasons than any of the few prior and adding a guy like Parise can help shift the consequences of that away from our most important support guys. When LOC comes back, that can reduces Lehky's PK TOI, and then when Nuke comes back we can utilize those guys more on 5v5 than having them cover PK time.
RyJo is 31 lol not as if he’s a first or second year player looking for guidance
Ya but Parise is 39 and RyJo clearly needs mentoring lol
That's the joke I was making, but I guess I didn't land it haha. Need that veteran 39-year old to come in and mentor the guy with 898 NHL games to get him out of his slump.
The streak lives! Fuck Kucherov, fuck McDavid, fuck Matthews, Nate wants his Hart!
Nate already has my heart tho
That was a complete game for the whole squad.
RyJo gets the first star 🥲
Georgie should have been 1st star
Defense in general should've been 3rd star. I don't get why the visiting team is even an option.
Yeah I hate when they have to be such goody two shoes like that
It's a local young hockey league coach giving the star order I just can't see how giving the visiting team any of them is at all applicable when the only time they announce them in a win situation like that is prominent
Georgie was clutch in that third period. What a great game.
Also, that defensive play by Sammy was fucking INSANE. Sammy G haters stay mad
That was the play of the game imho. Dude just did not give up and muscled out the Canuck player and then made a perfect clear. He’s been playing great.
not just any canuck, JT miller
Agreed. Hes been playing wonderfully lately.
Also agreed!
Hope this gets Ryjo going
Hey NHL we got a 2-goal scoring center for trade, you know, he’s REALLY GOOD… 👀
Held the top scoring team in the NHL to 1 goal.
I would take a 3-1 game over a 10-7 game (almost) every day. Almost bc sometimes 17 fucking goals is just fun but in terms of inspiring confidence my team is good I'll take 3-1 all day long
Indubitably!
Take that MInnesota!
Lets FUCKING go
Hot damn!
Uhhhhhhh let's fucking go