Hey Gabe, Do You Think It's Time To Start Scoring Again?

Gabe Landeskog is an all-around elite player. He plays a gritty game, goes to the hard places, backchecks, kills penalties, and has an offensive punch that ranks him up there with the best of them. Let’s focus on that last part; the offensive punch.

Remember that home and home against the Wild where Landeskog had goals in each games? Well those were the only goals he has scored in the past 15 games. That’s right, 2 goals in 15 games for the Avalanche captain. That isn’t very good. In the last 15 games, the Avalanche have sort of come down to Earth from their shocking start winning only 8 of their last 15 games. In those 7 losses they have not scored more than 2 goals. Do you think they could have used some of Landeskog’s  scoring touch? Probably.

Bottom line: If the Avs want to continue being successful, then guys like Landeskog, especially Landeskog, needs to start putting pucks into the net. And it isn’t like Landeskog is helping offensively in other ways. In those 15 games he has only 5 assists and is -1. In his last 10 games Landeskog has 0 goals and just 3 assists. That’s horrible. Yes, it can be argued that his linemates Parenteau and Stastny are holding him back, but Landeskog is type of player who should make those around him better. And it isn’t like PA and Stastny don’t have enough skill to compliment the young Swede.

So Gabe, you think it might be time to start finding the scoresheet again? Great, thanks. 

Why The Stadium Series/Outdoor Games Are A Joke

Yes, the Stadium series is a joke. And here is why:

Remember that one week all those years ago when YOLO was actually cool? Like it was actually a new, innovative acronym for a very true expression? And if you said it, it was considered witty, funny, and true. But then you started hearing it everywhere didn’t you? Kids were saying it, it was in songs, on t-shirts, on sunglasses, and then all of the sudden it wasn’t cool anymore. Oh no, it was lame. Rightfully so. Well this year, the NHL has made outdoor games the equivalent of YOLO. They had it so right before. One outdoor game a year, 2 outdoor games every 4 years with the Heritage Classic in Canada. What did this do? This kept outdoor games, The Winter Classic, a fresh, fun, exciting event; something to look forward to. But just like YOLO, it has been ruined. You take the ONE game, throw it around to teams who we’ve already seen play outdoors (Rangers, Wings, Penguins AGAIN, Hawks) coupled with teams we don’t want to see outdoors (Islanders, Devils, Senators) and now outdoor games are just mainstream. Is anyone truly excited to watch every single outdoor game this year? And to top it all off, just like YOLO, the outdoor games have made their way to Hollywood. Which leads us to the next section:

An outdoor game in California? That place known best for its hot, sunny weather outside of Florida? This game will get ratings. No, not because people want to see Selanne, Perry, Brown, and Doughty play outside, but because they want to see how bad the ice is, how it screws up the game, and how the TV crew tries to pretend the conditions aren’t god awful. People will watch but just because they want to see how bad things get. We call this the “Paranormal Activity 5” effect. They’ll watch, but not because its good.

Now this is the part that is WAY too obvious and way too frustrating. The Winter Classic and Heritage Classic should be celebrations of the game of hockey and its roots. Going back to where the game started, outdoors on a sheet of ice, against whatever elements are thrown at the players. Instead, the NHL has turned it all into a disgusting way to make back the loads of money it lost during the most recent (THIRD) lockout. I can hear the NHL’s thoughts now: “Let’s find absolutely massive stadiums, fill the seats, and make a ton of money off attendance revenue. Also, let’s divide the games into 3 separate categories. The Winter Classic, Heritage Classic, and Stadium Series. Why? So we can get three sponsors of course! CHA-CHING!”

And what’s worse, is that every team but the Canucks will be designing and wearing a new jersey. We’ve already seen most teams’ jerseys, and given the time you’re reading this, we have seen the Hawks new jersey too. Now in trying not to sound overly cynical about the whole thing, come one, do the teams really all need new jerseys? And it’s not like they are bringing back old jerseys, like the Canucks are doing with their Millionaires jerseys. These are NEW jerseys. Why couldn’t the Ducks wear the eggplant jerseys? The Kings could have worn their purple and yellow jerseys. The Wings could have worn their older Winter Classic jerseys and Isles could have gone back to one of the 18 jerseys they’ve had over the past 6 years. Come on Rangers. You really didn’t have an old jersey style to reincarnate? No, probably not, you’ve only been around since the 20’s. But then if you did that, then everyone wouldn’t spend as much money on these manipulative events. Many people have the eggplant Ducks jerseys and the purple Kings jerseys, so that’s going to be a number of fans who don’t pull out their credit cards and send some more money the NHL’s way. It’s pathetic really. And very transparent.

Oh and if you’re thinking “The NHL only does this because the fans keep paying money. The fans are letting them get away with it” then think of it this way: if a child wants you to buy him an ice cream cone, and you make him shine your shoes every time you do, you could say “If he’s willing to shine your shoes then why stop him” but this does not make it right to take advantage of the child because you keep getting your shoes dirty. The NHL is taking advantage of its excellent, loyal, passionate fans because they keep losing money on horrible decisions and lockouts. And we’re paying for it. What a joke.

The 12 Days Of Avsmus. A Christmas Wishlist For Avs Fans

Ahh Christmas. The time of year society forces us to spend money to express our love and care for the people in our lives. The time we used to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The time Gary Bettman hyperventilates at all the Hockey Related Revenue being driven into the league's pockets. And the time that the Avs are 19-6 unless you're reading this past Thursday. 

So as an Avs fan, or a friend of an Avs fan, or an Avs fans who's befriended another Avs fan, you might be thinking to yourself "What Avs related items should I get him/her?"

Well look no further. We present you the 12 Days of Avsmus. A Christmas list for Avs fans.

On the 1^st day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: A hockey puck because she is cheap.

Either an official game puck, or just a puck with a great design on it. This is a very inexpensive way to tell the Avs fan in your life that you remembered his or her favorite team. Price Range: $2-15.

On the 2^nd day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: A Mini stick of my favorite team.

For the child on your shopping list, or adult who refuses to grow up. C’mon guys, we’ve all played mini-sticks past 25, don’t lie to yourself. Mini sticks come blank, or with NHL team logos on them, and even feature players like Ovechkin and Crosby. Good luck finding your favorite Avalanche player on one though because they aren’t Ovechkin and Crosby. Price range: $5-30

On the 3^rd day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: Some Hockey cards ‘cause he’s pretty sweet.

 Hockey Cards: Not specific to the Avalanche but hey, if you get them enough hockey cards, we’re sure a Colorado player will come up. Hockey cards are a fun hobby and a great way to represent your love for the game. Price range: $1.50-50, dependent upon if you get single packs or hobby boxes.

On the 4^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: An Avalanche Ornament for my tree!

Looking for something more sentimental? Something more festive and special? Well Colorado Avalanche Christmas tree ornaments are fun, reusable, festive, and unique. These can be found in local sports stores during the holiday season, online, and in your neighbour’s house if they already have one. Just kidding. Stealing would put you on Santa’s naughty list, and you might get a Red Wings puck in your stalking. Price range: $2-15.

On the 5^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: Blood Feud because I can read!

A book by Denver Post sports writer Adrian Dater. If you are a hardcore Avs fan, or even a bandwagon jumper who can read, (Sorry hockey fans from Kentucky, but maybe there is a “Books on Tape” edition) then this is a must have. This book talks about the fierce Red Wings/Avs rivalry of the mid to late 90’s and is a must read for the veteran fan wanting to relive the brawls, or the new fan yearning for a piece of history. The book can be ordered at many bookstores, it can be found online, and it is also available in Kindle form. Amazon does it best: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Feud-Colorado-Avalanche-Nastiest/dp/1589793196

 Technology eh? Gotta love it. Price range: $7-24.

On the 6^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: An Avs hat, and shipping was free!

This year’s draft hat or one of the many featured online or in hockey stores around the country, wherever you may be. An Avalanche hat is a nice simple way of being able to constantly support the team, while looking mighty snazzy as you do so. Price range: $9-40

On the 7^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: A picture plaque for my house guests to see!

By now we hope you are reading the headings in tune of the 12 Days of Christmas. Have you ever been walking through the mall and hit the kiosk where they have absolutely amazing pictures and paintings of NHL players in a beautiful frame? Pictures like this would light up any guy’s man cave, or any girl’s recreation room. Popular players featured in these works of art include Joe Sakic, Patrick Roy, Peter Forsberg, Ray Bourque, Alex Tanguay, and the list goes on. Price range: $50-800.

On the 8^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: A hoody, shirt, sweater or shirsey”

Less expensive than a jersey, and still a great way to sport the colors of Burgundy and Blue.  These can also be worn more in public. Unfortunately jerseys are not very versatile. Shirseys are great too. Sporting #92 or #29 (sorry dyslexic people) whithout paying $100+ would make Puddy off of Seinfeld happy. Gotta support the team. Price range: $10-150. (The really nice hoodies are expensive but worth it)

On the 9^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: A bed spread complete with Avs sheets.

Admit it. Growing up, and probably still, you wanted your room decked out in Avs stuff, including an Avalanche bed set. Look in your Wal-Mart or Sears catalogue, or similar stores to find this. How cool would that be? Price range: $45-100

                                                                                                                                 

On the 10^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: An Avs lanyard or tag for my keys!

Key chains, bottle openers, mini pucks, lanyards. Make starting your car, opening your mailbox, and locking your house extra exciting by having one of these many Avs themed key sets. That was perhaps the biggest over sell of key related items since Watergate. Price range: $1-15

On the 11^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: A box that contained an Avalanche jersey!

 Blank or customized, home or away, blueberry or vintage, a Colorado Avalanche jersey will put a huge smile of the face of any fan of the team. Jerseys can be found online at the NHL store if you want to feed Gary Bettman, or in Colorado Avalanche team stores, as well as (if you do not live in Colorado) a wide array of sporting memorabilia stores throughout the United States and Canada. Price Range: $124-400. We would also suggest checking out @ColAvsJerseys on Twitter and eBay.

On the 12^th day of Avsmus my Avs friend gave to me: game tickets for section thirty!

No you don’t have to stick to section thirty, but it rhymed. Tickets are a staple gift around the holidays, and if you have a ton of money, they make an amazing stalking stuffer.  Price range: $24-150+. You can find $24 tickets on StubHub sometimes.

Well there you have it folks. Our top 12 gift ideas for the Colorado Avalanche fan in your life. Or of you are lonely around the holidays, you can buy this stuff for yourself. We hope to have given you some ideas or some reassurance as to what to get your hockey fans. If you think we left anything out feel free to leave more ideas for the readers in the comment section below. And Happy Holidays.