The announced attendance of 14,536 for the Avalanche-Calgary game Thursday night was the second-lowest since the team moved into the Pepsi Center in 1999.
The lowest attendance was the 14,381 listed for a Feb. 4 game last season against Phoenix.
In the nine home games, the Avalanche has had four announced sellouts of 18,007 and is averaging 16,269.
Budaj’s view.
After allowing only one goal on 33 shots in the 1-0 loss, Avalanche goalie Peter Budaj took exception to the suggestion he should be frustrated that Colorado of late has often allowed his strong play go to waste.
“It’s not frustrating, it’s disappointing, and there’s a difference,” Budaj said. “We’re not down on ourselves. We’re disappointed, because we think we could have scored at least one, get that lucky bounce.
“I think we have to get back to basics, get shots from the point, get greasy in front, get deflections, tips and bounces. We have to work through it. That’s the only recipe right now.”
Budaj also complimented the recent play in front of him. “I’m seeing the puck really good and the guys are doing a good job of boxing out the players, so there’s not many screened shots and I can see the shots go through,” he said.
Injuries.
Joe Sakic (back) and Ben Guite (ribs) were among the nine Avalanche skaters who took part in Thursday morning’s optional game-day skate, but as expected, neither played against the Flames. Both are expected to make the trip today with the Avalanche for the games at Los Angeles on Saturday and at Anaheim on Monday.
It is what it is.
Yes, Todd Bertuzzi was booed every time he touched the puck in his first appearance in the Pepsi Center as a member of the Flames.
Terry Frei, The Denver Post
