Game 3: Avalanche 4, Stars 3

Game 3 in Denver

You would have a hard time believing the events of Game 3 if you didn’t already see them in Game 2. And in 2004. And in 2003. The simple fact of the matter is this: You can explain away a detail here and a detail there about this team’s playoff performances, but when you put them all together, you see a trend of underachieving in the most important time of the year. This group of Dallas Stars appear to have an easy job of winning games in December, but not so much now. Sadly, a very drastic upheaval no doubt awaits these guys. A very likeable group, but surely Tom Hicks is not writing checks because they are good guys.

Notes from Game 3:

• You simply cannot take a penalty when Brendan Morrow did that canceled out a power play and gave the Avalanche one last chance to tie the game up. It looked like a soft call, but you have to weigh the risk/reward on any challenge at that moment of the game, and in hindsight, it just wasn’t worth the risk to even put your stick near the player who was 180 feet from the goal.

• I was asked if the final 2 goals of the game were Turco’s fault during the post game show. Well, here is my answer. He gave up 14 goals in 3 games.

• I hate to belabor this point, but I just can’t move on from it. Do you mean to tell me that with 3 minutes left in game 2 and 3, that the Stars would have the lead, and be on the power play? Then, they would give up the lead and the win within several minutes of game play both nights? If I didn’t just see it, I wouldn’t believe it.

• By the way, down 3-0, let’s also point out that the Stars have 0 goals in the 3rd period and overtime in the series. Doesn’t sound like a team that is prepared to win in the playoffs.

• Isn’t the bottom line in this series the following? Joe Sakic and his line dominated Mike Modano and his line for most if not all of this series? The Stars couldn’t get a handle on Sakic and Hejduk the whole series. In the 82 game regular season, Sakic-Hejduk-Brunette combined for 80 goals, while Modano-Lehtinen-Jokinen combined for 77. But for some reason, the Sakic line looks like the best line since Gretzky-Kurri-Anderson in the mid 80’s, and Modano’s line goes quietly in pretty much every game.

• It is tough to see Bill Guerin back next season. I think he will bounce back from this horrible year, but given how this team obviously feels about him, I don’t think he bounces back in Dallas.



• I endorse Brendan Morrow (above) for captain in 2006-07.

• Friday could very well have all the intensity of a preseason game. Razor said he expects a huge performance from the Stars, but I guess I am convinced that the Stars expect bad things to happen. That disease needs to be cured over the summer.

This is the first of several posts this morning, I believe. I have to go watch the Mavericks game, now. Good times. More links to come.