Avs beat defending Champions!

 

Stephine Chavez (HV)

 

Colorado beat the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on Monday, December 11, 2006. John Grahame was in goal for Carolina while the Avs had Peter Budaj in net. Grahame stopped 25 shots for the 'Canes but it just wasn't enough. "Our problems have been snowballing on this trip," Carolina goaltender John Grahame said of the 0-3-1 trip. "Tonight they snowballed bigger than the rink." This was the main feeling in the team's locker-room after the game. Everyone seemed frustrated and exhausted. Budaj stopped 26 shots on goal earning his 13th decision in 30 career games for Colorado. So, is Budaj still just the backup goalie to Jose Theodore for the Avs? Head Coach Joel Quenneville weighs in. "When you win a game, you've got a chance to sustain it. That's the message we've sent Peter: You're not a backup, you can push and challenge for more playing time," said Quenneville. As for Budaj, he is ready when his team needs him. "That's a question for Coach. I'm going to be ready whenever I get a call," "I'm not here to say who's going to play in net. I'm here to help my team win a hockey game," said Budaj. Colorado is 11-0-3 in its last 14 meetings with Carolina. The Avalanche haven't lost to the Hurricanes since dropping a 3-2 overtime decision in 1996. Colorado defenceman Karlis Skrastins played in his 463rd consecutive game. Carolina defenceman Bret Hedican played in his 900th NHL career game.

 

 

© Stephine Chavez (HV)