Keeping The Good Times Rolling

Colorado Avalanche forwards John Tavares and Mark Scheifele were the last two players to leave the ice Friday morning after the team’s pre game skate. Of course the last time they were on the ice at the TD Garden in Boston, they were hoisting the Stanley Cup. “It sure brings back a lot of good memories coming back here” spoke Scheifele. In a joking manner Tavares commented on the smell of the visitor’s locker room noting that there was a hint of stale beer and champagne left over from that triumphant night in early July.  Both players know, that despite a few new faces in the locker room, a new coach and a brand new season, the goal remains the same. We want to be the last team standing again explained newly appointed captain John Tavares. Both also know how important gelling as a team will be early on, in fact in what was Tavares’ first unofficial act as team captain, he alongside other veteran players decided that after Tuesday nights game against the Rangers, rather than travel back to Denver for the two days in between games; they would stay in NYC. “Stuff like that really brings a group together, it’s not often you get a little gap like that in the schedule when you’re on the road so it’s nice to take advantage of.” Tavares went on to say. When asked about the teams “unofficial and impromptu” night on the town in New York Gm Lycar spoke quite candidly “It’s apart of pro sports, the boys got on the bike the next morning and sweated out whatever they put into their systems. We’ll be a tighter unit because of it and we’ll be ready to go tonight.”

Heading into Friday nights game against the Bruins the Avalanche have gotten themselves off to a hot start, winning games on back to back nights; first in New Jersey, and again one night later against the Rangers, picking up exactly where they left off. “The boys had some fun this summer, but we didn’t want to be one of those teams that falls victim to the proverbial cup hangover” Explained GM Kirklan Lycar. “They’ve (the players) certainly done a good job of that thus far.”

Generally, when the Avs and Bruins meet, sparks fly. Tonight’s game should be no different. The Bruins also are off to a 2-0 start. When asked about his outlook on tonight’s matchup rookie head coach Jared Bednar had this to say “We know they have a lot of dangerous weapons, we do too, ultimately it will be about which team can neutralize the other and capitalize on their opportunities.”

While it’s only the first week of the EHE season, the points count the same. Getting off to a hot or even cold start for that matter can make or break a team’s season. For these two EHE juggernauts, Friday’s game is as much about the points as it is a statement game for both. The Avs and Bruins are said to be early cup favourites. Months ago it was the Avalanche who secured the last laugh, while the bruins can’t take the sting away of losing in the cup finals to the aforementioned Avalanche squad, they can certainly get back a little bit of the pride in which was lost in a 4 game sweep. Friday night’s game should be a doozie.