If one believes in destiny, by definition, it cannot be controlled. It has been predetermined, and we are controlled by it, not the other way around. But that never stops people from professional sports teams saying that they “control their own destiny” near the end of a regular season.
It is the Avalanche’s turn with the catchphrase. The Avs hold a four-point lead on the Calgary Flames for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with seven games left — six for the Flames. If the Avs can go 4-3 in the seven games, it won’t matter what Calgary does in its last six. The Avs also have five of the last seven at home.
“The ball’s in our court still. We can control our destiny. We don’t have to worry about what other teams do still,” Avs coach Joe Sacco said after Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks.
Problem is, the Avs have lost five of their last six (one was in overtime). They are playing their worst hockey of the season at a time when just mediocrity would be good enough to get into the playoffs after a one-year absence.
All the Avs can do, captain Adam Foote says, is look to the next game.
“We’ve got to stay positive. We’ve got to keep working at it,” Foote said. “I think our effort’s been there. We’ve been playing hard, but we’ve made some mistakes that we’ve got to work harder to eliminate.”
Jones practicing soon.
Right wing David Jones, out since Nov. 28 with a torn ACL, probably will return to practice at the start of next week.
Jones has done some skating on his own recently but has yet to practice. It is likely a longshot that he would play in any remaining regular-season games, but the team said it is encouraged by Jones’ recent progress.
In other medical news, defenseman Ryan Wilson (concussion) should return to practice today, and the Avs are hoping winger Brandon Yip (shoulder) might be ready to return to the lineup Wednesday against Anaheim. Center Stephane Yelle, who has not skated lately because of a bruised leg, could resume practicing today as well.
Adrian Dater, The Denver Post
