Two Fan's Perspectives on Colorado Avalanche Hockey...and jerseys too.
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In this (in AHP terms) historic podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay talk about the Blues and Oilers series, they revisit the exhaustive list of playoff hockey clichés, and they make absolutely no predictions because everyone knows exactly what we want to see happen in the Stanley Cup Final. Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #139 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Four wins away, friends!
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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay recap the first round matchup against the Nashville Predators, they discuss the difference between some rest and possibly too much rest, and they also highlight the potential keys to the second round series against the St. Louis Blues (after watching game one.) Those topics and much more Avs and hockey stuff coming at you in episode #138 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Thanks for the listen, Avs friends!
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In this podcast, James “Tapeleg” Gralian and Jay discuss playoff keys and hopes, they break down the importance of Mikko Rantanen and Devon Toews, and they also briefly mention the standard click bait that’s now available pretty much everywhere. Those topics and a whole lot more Avs and hockey stuff in episode #137 of The Avs Hockey Podcast. Welcome to the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, Avs fans.
Jay mentioned Cale Makar’s three overtime game winners this season. Let’s enjoy them all again, shall we?
My passion for game worn jerseys and telling their stories has been well documented here for many years. I have quietly collected Avalanche game used and goal scored pucks throughout the years as well. These pucks, just like jerseys, have stories to tell. As expected, I really enjoy doing the research and exploring the details and figured it was time to share some puck history here too. Hoping you appreciate these small pieces of Colorado Avalanche history as much as I do.
Quite simply, I really love me an EJ goal puck. Erik Johnson obviously doesn’t score goals very often, but when he does I’m definitely hoping to add that puck to my collection. In a related note, the Winnipeg Jets goal puck program has been stable and accessible for many years. During the last couple of seasons they have shifted the program to eBay. Things can still work out just fine for the most part. Case in point:
THE DATE: April 8, 2022
THE VENUE: Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
THE DETAILS: Erik Johnson scored this hockey puck at 9:11 of the second period which gave the Avs a 3-2 lead at the time. Colorado ended up winning the game 5-4 in overtime. EJ has been unusually healthy this season *knocks on the nearest piece of wood* and he has been one of the reasons the Avalanche have had the regular season they’ve had. EJ in the lineup helps many things and this has been the case for his entire tenure in Colorado. This was “The Condor’s” 7th goal this season and the 87th goal of his career. And in a personal side note, this is the seventh EJ goal puck I have been able to add to my collection.
THE ASSISTS: Alex Newhook and Nico Sturm
THE HIGHLIGHT: EJ is never shy when it comes to joining an offensive scoring chance. He’s no Cale Makar (no one else is Cale Makar), but he’s definitely known to bury a puck on the rush from time to time. This was a great read in support of an effective forecheck finished off with a beautiful wrister which beat Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to his blocker side.
If you’re able to zoom in a bit on the picture of the back of this puck you’ll see that it looks like there was tape placed on it at some point. I’m guessing this was placed there to help the penalty box attendant keep track of which goal puck was which before the edge on the puck could be more officially taped and labeled. While I appreciate the effort, this does impact the true game used condition of the puck. Perhaps some painter’s tape (rather than stick tape) would be less abrasive so the markings and lettering on the puck could be more effectively preserved. There’s always room for small adjustments and improvements when it comes to documenting little pieces of hockey history. In the end, it’s all good.
Special shout out to my buddy Jake Dubin who reached out to make sure that I saw this puck listed on eBay. Always good to have people in the game used/worn hobby who know you as a collector. Right on, Jake.
Until the next goal puck post, please take care and #GoAvsGo.