SAN JOSE, CALIF. — The old playoff saying for underdog teams — that they just have to hope for a “split” in the first two road games — is one the Avalanche wants to change tonight.
“We don’t want to be satisfied with getting just one here,” said Avs coach Joe Sacco, whose team plays the top-seeded San Jose Sharks in Game 2 of the Western quarterfinals at HP Pavilion. “Our mindset has to be going out and doing the same things and trying to get another win.”
The Sharks spent much of the previous 24 hours trying to figure out ways to better combat Colorado’s defensive pressure in Game 1, especially through the neutral zone.
“We have to get our intensity up. I don’t think we played with enough of it in Game 1,” former Av Rob Blake said. “They’re a quick team. They get to their spots quick and made it tough for us to get through the neutral zone. We did some adjustments in practice, looked at some clips and things and we’ve got to come through (the neutral zone) much cleaner.”
The Avs aren’t planning any changes to their lineup for Game 2. Winger David Jones will not play, though there is a chance he could see action soon in the series. Winger Peter Mueller remains in Denver, sidelined by a concussion.
The Avs said he has not skated in recent days, not a good sign if there is to be any hope he’ll play soon in the series.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com and
