Glendale, Ariz. – Rob Blake hopes to get a call back from Wayne Gretzky after his audition Wednesday night.
The Avalanche defenseman scored a goal, his 600th NHL point, in Colorado’s 3-1 victory over the Gretzky-coached Phoenix Coyotes. The victory was more important, but Blake admitted to feeling good about playing well in front of the man responsible for picking Team Canada’s Olympic hockey roster.
“He’s the man in charge, and you always want to do the best you can,” Blake said. “It’s an honor to play on those teams any time you’re asked.”
Blake should be a lock to make the Canadian team again. Being a good friend of Gretzky’s probably doesn’t hurt, but his play has improved after a slow start.
Blake played a game-high 26 minutes, 14 seconds. His goal, at 12:06 of the third period, came on the power play to give Colorado a 3-1 lead.
About his team’s play, Gretzky said the Coyotes let up after a good first period.
“I think we lose respect for the opposition to come out and play a good second period,” Gretzky said. “We’ve got to realize when you play against other teams, these guys are good players and they have a lot of pride.”
Line changes
The Avs started the game with a first line of Joe Sakic flanked by Steve Konowalchuk and Marek Svatos. Milan Hejduk played on a second line with Pierre Turgeon and Alex Tanguay.
Turgeon returned from a one-game absence because of a hip injury. Right wing Dan Hinote missed the game with a bruised knee.
Footnotes
Avalanche prospect Wojtek Wolski, sent back to junior earlier this season, has played well for the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League. In nine games, he has four goals and eight assists. … The Avalanche will practice in Glendale today before departing for California.
