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CHAT REPLAY: Are the Colorado Avalanche for real?

Last Updated: Monday, November 9, 2009 | 5:06 PM ET

CBC Sports

Craig Anderson has been a revalation for the Avalanche this season. The seven-year NHL veteran sports a 11-4-2 record so far. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The secret is out. The Colorado Avalanche are the surprise of the 2009-10 NHL season.

After not qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs last spring, the Avalanche have exploded out of the gate with 12-4-2 record through Monday.

Behind the stingy play of bargain goalie Craig Anderson, a well-balanced attack and an over-achieving rookie class, the Avalanche find themselves tied with San Jose for first place in the Western Conference.

So what's behind it all?

Is it new bench boss Joe Sacco's tactics? Adam Foote's leadership? Paul Stastny's resurgence? Or is it merely having a healthy roster?

Will rookies Ryan O'Reilly, who leads all first-year players in points and plus-minus, and Matt Duchene continue to have an impact as the season grows older?

We discussed those topics and more with Avs Talk blogger Shane Giroux.

Internal Links

Anderson the answer for Avs' post-Roy woes
Injuries are a pain to NHL
PLAYER BIO: Ryan O'Reilly
PLAYER BIO: Matt Duchene
LISTEN: HNIC radio interview with Joe Sacco

External Links

BLOG: Avs Talk

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Hockey Headlines

Canucks explode for 4-goal 3rd period: The Vancouver Canucks chased Colorado goalie Craig Anderson after two periods on Nov. 14 and followed up with five goals Friday night for their third win in a row over the Avalanche, 5-2 at General Motors Place.
Canadiens outlast Capitals in regulation: The Montreal Canadiens notched a rare regulation win with a 3-2 victory over the Capitals in Washington on Friday.
Clemmensen closes door on Red Wings: Scott Clemmensen made 39 saves and Bryan McCabe's goal 40 seconds into overtime gave Florida a 2-1 win over the hometown Detroit Red Wings on Friday night. Clemmensen made 39 saves for the Panthers
Flames lose top scorer Bourque: Rene Bourque, who leads the Calgary Flames with 21 points in 20 games, will miss at least two contests with an undisclosed injury, coach Brent Sutter said Friday.
Thornton, Heatley dispatch Flyers: Dany Heatley scored three times, Joe Thornton recorded his 600th NHL assist, and the San Jose Sharks beat the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3 on Friday night.

Sports Headlines

Canucks explode for 4-goal 3rd period: The Vancouver Canucks chased Colorado goalie Craig Anderson after two periods on Nov. 14 and followed up with five goals Friday night for their third win in a row over the Avalanche, 5-2 at General Motors Place.
Rochette holds Skate Canada lead: Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette achieved a personal best in the short program on Friday to take the lead at the HomeSense Skate Canada International in Kitchener, Ont.
Canadiens outlast Capitals in regulation: The Montreal Canadiens notched a rare regulation win with a 3-2 victory over the Capitals in Washington on Friday.
Raptors handle Heat in return home: Warned by their coach about a possible letdown after a disappointing road trip, the Toronto Raptors heeded Jay Triano's advice Friday, at least in the first half, and earned a 120-113 victory over the Miami Heat.
Chan sits 6th at Skate Canada: Canadian men's figure skater Patrick Chan did not have the season debut he was probably hoping for as a fall and a missed jump put him sixth in the men's short program.