from Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post,
It’s bad hockey, not wretched officiating, that will send the Avs home from the playoffs early, possibly as early as Friday, when Colorado plays Game 6 in Seattle.
For five straight games, the Avs have surrendered the first goal and committed the first penalty. That’s playing hockey like chumps, not champs.
“We seem to be getting frustrated,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said.
What has been Bednar’s only response from the bench? Ordering MacKinnon to jump off the bench and over the boards more often. The Avalanche’s superstar center logged 27 minutes and one second of ice time, more than any defenseman on either team in Game 5.
“We classified this as a must-win game at home,” said Bednar, explaining why he was committed to doing whatever it took, even if it meant working MacKinnon until his skates fell off.
“Is there a point where he runs out of gas? Maybe. But we’re facing elimination. So if we’ve got to play him 30 (minutes), we’ll do it.”
That’s not good coaching. It’s desperation.
more including the no-call on MacKinnon.
You ca also watch the no-call below along with the game highlights.
I'm not sure about a non-call - originally I thought it was a non-call, then I thought their skates got tied up, now it looks like his stick might have swiped at MacKinnon's legs...the camera angle isn't great. But the ref was standing right there looking at it.
Ultimately though, the non-call wasn't the reason for the subsequent Seattle goal. But MacKinnon's choice to throw a little fit and then eventually get to the bench caused Seattle to get an advantage up the ice before the Avs could get a sub on the ice and involved in the play.
It's the same type of thing we see from Larkin on the ice, getting frustrated at a no-call. I used to get upset back when Lidstrom and Z didn't show emotion or frustration, but in hindsight it was smart on their part. Argue your position at the whistle and keep yourself in the play in the meantime.
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.