ROCKIES LAY EGG AT HOME, BOOED OFF ICE

 

Denver

 

You could see it coming a mile away. In fact, we called it before the puck dropped to open the match. The Quebec Nordiques were going to come ready to play, with fire in their hearts.

 

Anyone that’s been in the game long enough would know how the first few minutes of the game would start. Quebec would come out firing on all cylinders and likely establishing the pace of play. It would have been up to Colorado to quell the storm and push back.

 

The result was not favourable to the Rockies and the fans sure let them hear it.

 

Ray Bourque opened the scoring with two goals in 10 seconds settings franchise record for the Nords in the process. Quebec would score two more goals before Colorado would finally answer with one of their own only seconds before the end of the 2nd period.

 

The Rockies would only have four shots in the period and skated off the ice to a 4-1 deficit and a shower of boos from the fans.

 

Captain Joe Reekie said, “We deserved it. That’s not how we are structured to play. We were out of system almost all night and couldn’t stay out of the box. The outcome? It was inevitable”.

 

Quebec would take a 5-1 lead with a few minutes to go in the game. Kelly Hrudey was pulled afterwards and he too heard the boo birds. Colorado potted a late tally but the game was well out of reach. Hrudey said, “We hear it. We take it to heart. We will be better”.

 

GM Smith spoke to the media after the game. He stated, “I think the inconsistency is the main concern. There are times we look unbeatable. Then there are times, like this, where we look like we don’t know up from down”. He finished, “If they don’t figure it out I suppose I will”.

 

With their inconsistency on the ice the Rockies are in need to sort it all out. Kelly Hrudey looks to finally be showing his age and Manny Fernandez play might just be enough for the next few starts.

 

Coincidentally the Rockies’ next game is against the Philadelphia Flyers. Fernandez said, “Hey, if I get the start I’ll be ready. Those guys know me and I know them. Would be fun to see how it plays out”.

 

Fernandez played 15 games with the Flyers last year going 6-6-1. So far this season the 23-year old is 3-0-1 with Colorado in 8 appearances.