Skrastins Scores!

Skrastins Scores!

Stephine Chavez (HV)

He went 120 games without a goal but on Tuesday, November 22, 2007 at Edmonton, Karlis Skrastins scored on Oilers goaltender Mathieu Garon. It was a nice slap shot at 6:43 into the game.

Skrastins was very happy about his goal saying, "It's a huge weight off my chest. I am glad I could help the team win tonight." The last game Skrastins scored in was December 26th, 2005 against Phoenix. The Avs woudl go on to win 3-2 over the Oilers.

Skrastins has kept his points scoring alive with an assist during the third period of the December 1st game at LA. Skrastins assisted on Ryan Smyth's goal helping the Avs to win 5-2. Skrastins also had another assist on December 3rd when the Avs hosted the San Jose Sharks. This was a 1st period assist to Milan Hejduk's goal. Skrastins is happy that he can help the team and says he is just trying to do his job.

Skrastins was a healthy scratch for two games at the end of November. When asked if this was related to his performance, Skrastins says "It is hard to tell especially since I had an injury at the start of the season and was out for a month. I try to remain positive and work harder getting ready for each game. If I play, I play and if not then that is the coach's decision. I am happy to be playing though."

In light of the recent changes being made to the schedule beginning next season, Skrastins says he is happy that they will get the opportunity to play every team so they can get to know their style. He thinks it is a good decision stating "playing eight games against Edmonton and Calgary is a bit too much."

As far as the Avs not playing as well as they should be as of late, Skrastins says, "We need to get back to the basics, we need to try to play harder and compete every game. We aren't working hard enough. We have good players and need to be ready for every game. We need to learn from our mistakes and march forward."

Skrastins says his shoulder injury is completely healed and he feels good. He says he has no injuries right now. Skrastins feels the loss of Avalanche Captain Joe Sakic to a recent groin injury is definitely hurting the team. "He's a top player. But we have other guys who are stepping up and playing hard."

Skrastins comments on fellow Latvian and San Jose Sharks' Sandis Ozolinsh: "He had a rough last season due to his injury but he's a good player. He worked hard in the summer and is in good shape and is a three time All-Star player."

For the month of December, the Colorado Avalanche will play two teams that they haven't seen this season yet including The Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers. The rivalry will be back when the Detroit Red Wings play at Colorado on December 27th.