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The Avalanche reacted to the ignominious Game 7 loss to the Red Wings in the conference finals as if it was an anomaly and not an indictment. Perhaps general manager Pierre Lacroix's abiding faith in his approach and his organization will be rewarded. But the only significant offseason move the Avalanche made was to exercise its option and extend Peter Forsberg's contract for this season. It all is a bit risky, but part of Lacroix's "recipe" will remain to bide his time and make another major trade at the deadline in March.
The 1-2 center punch: Forsberg's playoff performance after missing the entire regular season was amazing, until he played with a broken finger in the last couple of games against the Wings. But it's worth remembering that Forsberg's original leave of absence had a lot to do with his lack of enthusiasm for the game, and he must show not only that he can remain healthy, but is still motivated. Forsberg's attitude, resiliency and performance also are crucial for Joe Sakic, who is more effective when he doesn't have to face opponent's top defensive pairing night in and night out.
Roy's swagger: Patrick Roy's Statue of Liberty gaffe in Game 6 against the Red Wings, then the disaster of the Game 7, chipped away at Roy's image as a "money" goaltender. He had a staunch regular season, but that collapse is what people remember. Will be remain in denial or use it -- and what he clearly believes was a politically motivated Hart Trophy voting -- as motivation?
Who's on defense?: After trumpeting his acquisition, the Avalanche were cavalier about allowing Darius Kasparaitis sign with the Rangers. So they're even worse off than before they acquired Kasparaitis. Again, Colorado will be asking Rob Blake and Adam Foote to play marathon minutes, the improved Greg de Vries to play a role for which he is not suited, and the young Martin Skoula to sink or swim (and too often, it's been the former). Beyond that, the Avalanche are hurting.
Preseason schedule
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DATE
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OPPONENT
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TIME (ET)
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Thu., Sept. 19
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Dallas
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9 p.m.
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Sat., Sept. 21
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San Jose
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9 p.m.
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Wed., Sept. 25
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Los Angeles
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9 p.m.
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Sat., Sept. 28
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vs. Montreal at Quebec City (Colisee Pepsi)
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8:30 p.m.
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Wed., Oct. 2
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at San Jose
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10:30 p.m.
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Thu., Oct. 3
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at Dallas
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8:30 p.m.
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Sat., Oct. 5
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vs. Los Angeles at Las Vegas (MGM Grand Garden)
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10:30 p.m.
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