From tonight's game in Edmonton (Jason Franson, The Associated Press).
If there could be a game that best sums up the Avalanche season, it would be tonight’s disappointing loss against Edmonton. Varlamov was pulled after allowing three early goals, creating a chasm for the Avs to climb out of. Much like their rocky start to the season, the Avalanche created a large deficit early in the year that they have been trying to compensate for the rest of the season.
Despite turning the TV off in a flash of anger and frustration, I shortly tuned back in (as I always do), and it came as no surprise to find the Avs fighting their way back in. With O’Reilly scoring the tying goal and still much of the third left to play, there was every reason to believe that the Avs could win. However, the wind was taken out of our sails when Edmonton countered back with a go-ahead-goal.
The Avs continued their relentless vigor through the pulling of Reto Berra, and even lucked out with a delay of game penalty against the Oilers. As per usual with the empty net and extra man, it would be a fight to the final seconds. Unfortunately it wouldn’t be enough and the Avs would go 0-2 in their last two attempts to gain ground in the playoff race.
In Roy’s post-game conference, he was asked “It’s not over till its over. But is it over?” and in typical Roy fashion he responded that you would never hear him say that, and that he continues to have faith in his team. While I yearn to believe in Roy and my beloved hockey club, I can’t help but feel slightly defeated after tonight’s game. The Avs played hard and had 44 shots on goal, but their early flop in the game allowed them to come up short in the end. Hopefully, the Avs slow start to the season will not be the cause of scorn if we miss the playoffs.
Tonight’s game was filled with frustration, determination, hope and grit, but ultimately resulted in a loss. Just like the season that has been filled with lows, highs, and lows again – it has been a season that I can best characterize as a roller coaster ride. But we are still on the ride, and we still hope the ride will end in jubilation, and not with a stomachache.