Morning After Pills: Av’s Vs. Yote’s Series Thoughts

It has been roughly 24 hours since the Avalanche closed out the Coyotes decisively in game 5. Realistically, the Yotes could have thrown the towel in after their 7-1 loss in game 4, but Rick Tocchet just isn’t that type of guy. So good old Tik-Tocchet asked for another serving of pound cake and the Av’s obliged with a second 7-1 thumping.

Before I go into how the Avalanche were just the better team on every level, I will admit…Darcy Kuemper did about all that he could. Typically, a .913 save percentage will win you more than one game in a playoff series. However, typically you don’t face 30+ shots every game while your “Superstar” forwards decide to be non-existent in the offensive zone. I love Taylor Hall, but 1 goal, 1 assist, and a +/- of -4 pretty much sums up his entire series performance. Kessel wasn’t any better in case you were wondering.

Arizona was doomed from the start, and I think even their fans will tell you that. At the end of the day the Av’s are just way too deep. The depth guys have the same no quit energy as the top 6, and with Game-Breakers like MacKinnon and Makar, I don’t know why anyone ever thought Arizona had a chance. It looked like a peewee hockey team playing against an NHL team all series.

Even though the Avalanche looked just dominant, I am nervous going forward. The Dallas Stars will most likely be the second round match-up for the Av’s, and they have players that actually showed up to play hockey against Calgary. The Stars also have a line-up that isn’t afraid to push back, like Corey Perry who has been in prime Worm form. Joe Pavelski, the man who sunk the Av’s last year, is also looked good and being the tip-master as usual.

It will be a challenge going forward, but this team is deep and I am VERY excited to see this team hit the ice again.