The Avalanche Control Their Own Clichés

In a game Wednesday night where the Colorado Avalanche still “controlled their own destiny,” it turns out they didn’t “play a full 60 minutes” or “do the little things” that they needed to do to “stay in the driver’s seat.”

That would be the playoffs driver’s seat in case you aren’t current with locker room jargon.

After the drubbing by the Anaheim not-so-mighty Ducks the Avs had a “closed door” meeting where there is little doubt that nearly every worn out cliché “in the book” was “used and abused.” It’s time for the players “regain their confidence,” “get back to their game,” and “keep it simple.”

Back in November Sacco played the “must-win” card and perhaps learning a “hard lesson” from that ill-timed declaration in November he is taking a different approach to this recent “collapse.” Coach Sacco was sporting a reassuring “father-figure” persona after the game whereas most of the season he has leaned more toward the “hard-nosed” approach after a “tough loss.” Sacco was more interested in the team staying on an “even keel” and “working hard.” No need to “panic,” the “ball is still in our court.”

Well that is all fine and dandy but that means that the Avs will be facing the “desperate” Calgary Flames on Friday in a “four-point” match up that just might shape up to be a “must win” situation. According to the players/coaches/experts/bloggers it’s time for the Avs to get “hungry” again and stop “squeezing the stick.”  Just go out there and “have fun.”

Right, you want fun? Hire a clown.

“Bottom line”: the Avs need to “regroup,” “remember who they are” and “find a way to win.”