Svatos, Budaj Provide Spark in Win Over Coyotes

Despite an uncertain and turbulent offseason, the Phoenix Coyotes have started the 2009-2010 season off strong. The Colorado Avalanche has come out of the gates even stronger. The Avs came out of Wednesday night’s game with a victory to stay undefeated at the Pepsi Center this year and extend their Western Conference lead.

The 4-1 score does not reflect how tight the game was, as the Avs were up 1-0 through most of the game. Milan Hejduk provided the early fireworks, launching a shot past Ilya Bryzgalov less than a minute into the game. Marek Svatos must also be reading my blog now, because after I called him out on my last post, he scored the game winner on a pretty rebound up close to the crease, where he’s most dangerous. Svatos is one of our streakiest player, so maybe that goal will get him started and we’ll see him putting up more points in the next few games.

Peter Budaj also played exceptionally well. He didn’t show any of the rust that most expected from a goaltender who hadn’t started since April. I wouldn’t expect a goaltending controversy any time soon though. Craig Anderson is our #1 guy, and Budaj has proven in the past that he can be a very adequate back-up.

Next up is the Chicago Blackhawks tonight. I expect Anderson will start, and Matt Duchene, who hurt his shoulder in the 3rd period against the Coyotes, is also expected to play.