Ultra
3.1K posts
10 Observations from calling last nights @Avalanche and @NYIslanders game with @TheRealCally24 at the beautiful Islanders rink. 1) Alex Romanov was a beast. He should play like that every night. Pancaked Makar, had a strong stick in multiple situations. Awarded with a goal. Take pride in being a great defender and it will make you rich and a fan favorite. 2) Where our broadcast position is, we have to go through the crowd to use the bathroom. As Cally (former Rangers Captain) made his way to the Men's room, an Islander fan, without stopping, walked by Cally, pointed at him, and deadpanned, "YOU'RE an asshole." Cally loved it. Never change, Long Island. 3) I wonder if the Avs should split up Necas and MacKinnon and then occasionally pair them like Crosby/Malkin, Leon/McDavid. Two line drivers instead of one. I can't wait for the first Avs OT with Nate/Necas/Makar 4) I can see why Jared Bednar is a good coach with staying power. He has no airs about him, unpretentious. Great hair which gives a man confidence. A genuine small town, Saskatchewan dude. And whenever he opens his mouth, something smart comes out. 5) We talk to each head coach during a TV timeout once a game. There's a headset next to the bench. Patrick Roy put his on last night but he couldn't hear me or Callly. The commercial was ending and we were coming back live. Roy was patiently waiting. Other coaches (and probably me) would have said "WTF!" and ripped it off. Our production truck is yelling "forget the interview!". But I can see Roy standing still just waiting. So, I wait. Suddenly, the headset works as the puck is being dropped and we are talking live to Roy as play begins. Patrick Roy has aged well. 6) Say what you want about Lou Lamoriello but he just tries to find good hockey players and tries to win with the hand he is dealt. 7) Top 3 All Time Defenseman Points per game: 1-Orr 2-Coffey 3-Makar. Cale is a wonder and he will sign a gigantic extension in the summer of 2026. 8) Avs need to make another roster move or two to be a legit Stanley Cup threat. I know their top tier guys are ELITE but the drop off is too big. 9) It's got to be tough for Islander fans to watch Devon Toews. What an excellent all around defenseman. A Jaccob Slavin defender with a 50 point offensive game. 10) As we were leaving the arena last night we saw a sight that you simply WOULD NOT see in any other sport. Who was helping the Avs training staff by wheeling out equipment to the waiting bus to get to the airport and fly home? Gabriel Landeskog. The Avs Captain will not be the player he was before without an unforeseen medical miracle. Players don't return to old form when out this long. And if they do, it's for a short burst. But, he remains hopeful. And continues to lead by example. And yearning to do it with blood and guts and not his good manners and selflessness. This is what draws some people this sport. And why it doesn't let go when it grabs them.
