I May Have Spoke Too Soon

A few weeks ago, when I was busy talking about how the Denver sports teams have let me down, I mentioned that "The Avalanche might* miss the playoffs for the first time since they moved to Denver in 1995. I say might with an asterisk, because it's almost guaranteed."

Well, the Avalanche have proved me wrong the last couple of weeks. Paul Stasny went on a twenty game point streak, breaking the record by a rookie set by his father, Peter Stasny, almost two decades ago. This twenty game point streak helped the Avalanche win 9 of their last 11 games, and given them a 9-0-2 record in the previous 11 games. That's 11 straight games where at least one point was won.

The only problem is, Calgary is also winning. It's tough when you have 20 out of 22 possible points, and you really aren't moving up too much. Yes, the Avs have moved up. Before their streak, they were 12 points behind and looking at missing the playoffs. Being only 5 points behind (with one game in hand) is alot better, but you would think if you won 9 out of the last 11, you would gain more than 7 points.

The good thing is, if the Avalanche keep pace with the Flames, and then beat them in the two games they play against each other, the Avs make the playoffs, while the Flames hit the golf course.

It's a little nerve racking to have all this pressure on your team, but at the same time - The Avs have had a guaranteed playoff spot for the past 11 years in the Mile-High City. I've never had to worry about it. The more I think about it, the more exciting it is to know that the season will most likely come down to the final day. There is nothing more exciting than a Calgary vs. Colorado match-up, in Denver, with the winner going to the playoffs, and the loser hitting the beach for the summer.

I can't wait.