Well, if you're anything like me, you'll want to have forgotten all about the debacle in Boston two nights ago. Tonight will give us the opportunity to do just that.
The Isles come to Denver to play the Avalanche, another young team struggling to forge an identity in a competitive division and conference. Colorado went 2-6-1 following a five-game win streak, not very unlike the Isles themselves who went 1-5-2 following their win streak. Like John Tavares (who leads the Isles with 13 points), fellow 2009 draft pick Matt Duchene leads the Avs with 12 points on the season to date. And if you look at the comparative stats, the story's pretty much the same for each team, with a few discrepancies.
That being said, what do the Isles have to do? Easy. Forecheck, and forecheck early. Don't leave it up to the defense and whichever goalie is in net for us tonight, to do everything. There are plenty of offensive weapons on this time, not the least of whom is Tavares (and he can't do everything by himself). Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau, this is your chance to show something on the ice. Both of you have been playing better than you had been starting out, but you're still largely invisible out there. Get some points on the board. Stay out of the penalty box. And everyone, EVERYONE, needs to show some effort tonight, for a full sixty minutes.
I really shouldn't have to say all this (and let's face it, I don't), but it's frustrating to see this team go from kicking ass and taking names against a top team in Washington, to completely falling apart against Boston. There has to be some consistency and some kind of sustaining momentum. It's still early, but it won't be early forever. Keep your focus.
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