AvsOkie
03-28-2011, 12:07 AM
While the Western Division teams beat each other up, and the Barons ride a nice little losing streak, things in the North Division seem to be heating up. The fourth place team (Marlies, at the moment) still seem to be a weak spot and open for west teams to sneak into, but the teams as a whole seem to be more competitive and not willing to roll over and be brushed out of the playoffs.
Chief among these are the Lake Erie Monsters. When the Barons last played them, the Monsters were barely holding their head above the North cellar and didn't put up much of a fight. But they have found a spark as of late, with a now eight game winning streak after dispatching the Marlies in a shootout yesterday. They seem destined to make the playoffs now, and if they remain where they are, could be a deadly foe for any west team taking a crossover spot.
Also, top Avalanche goalie prospect Calvin Pickard is on his way now to Cleveland to shore up their efforts in goal. Avs fans are all aflutter about this guy, he is supposed to be fairly good. If he adapts to AHL life well, he may add another weapon to an already surging, and dangerous potential playoff foe.
Chief among these are the Lake Erie Monsters. When the Barons last played them, the Monsters were barely holding their head above the North cellar and didn't put up much of a fight. But they have found a spark as of late, with a now eight game winning streak after dispatching the Marlies in a shootout yesterday. They seem destined to make the playoffs now, and if they remain where they are, could be a deadly foe for any west team taking a crossover spot.
Also, top Avalanche goalie prospect Calvin Pickard is on his way now to Cleveland to shore up their efforts in goal. Avs fans are all aflutter about this guy, he is supposed to be fairly good. If he adapts to AHL life well, he may add another weapon to an already surging, and dangerous potential playoff foe.