A Winning Formula
(from the Rocky Mountain News)
By Rick Sadowski
Rocky Mountain News
November 30, 2005 - EDMONTON, ALBERTA
Excerpt:
Yet as much as Sakic scoring a winning goal generates headlines the way "dog bites man" does, the same can't be said for Ian Laperriere or Antti Laaksonen, without whom Tuesday's victory wouldn't have been possible.
The two free-agent acquisitions hooked up for two goals in the first period and never seemed to leave the ice while helping to kill off two late Edmonton power plays.
"I try to chip in once in a while," said Laperriere, whose two goals gave him 10 for the season, matching his total for the entire 2003-04 campaign with Los Angeles. "When you play with guys like Laaksonen and (Andrew) Brunette, they give you more opportunities the way they work out there. I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time."
"I'm having a lot of fun this year. It's a great bunch of guys and we work for one reason, and that's to win. I know that's a cliché, but that's the way it is."
Sakic said he thought Laperriere had more offense in him than he was given credit for.
"He was in a checking role in L.A.," Sakic said. "I've always known he has skill, but it's really coming together for him this year. It's nice to see. He's a great guy and it's good to see him put the puck in the net."
Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville admitted that, for him, Laperriere has been a pleasant surprise.
"He's had a tremendous year, I'll tell you," Quenneville said. " 'Lappy' keeps doing it, game in and game out. We use him for other responsibilities besides scoring, but his energy has been contagious throughout the locker room."
"He's showing me, we'll call it surprise patience with the puck. I didn't know he had that ability, but it's certainly been nice to see."
Sakic Wrist Shot Lifts Avs
(from the Denver Post)
By Adrian Dater
Denver Post Staff Writer
November 30, 2005 - EDMONTON, ALBERTA
Excerpt:
Ian Laperriere had two of the Avs' four shots in the first period, and both went in the net. He scored his ninth goal of the season at 7:14 to make it 1-0, a wrist shot off the rush that slipped past Morrison. He made it 2-0 at 19:31, scoring on a mini-breakaway after a lead pass from Antti Laaksonen.
Laperriere keeps building on a season that can be called a breakout one so far.
"I tell you, he's had a tremendous season for us," Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said. "I think one thing is that he has shown surprising patience with the puck. He's made the most of a lot of his opportunities."
Laperriere had his two goals set up by linemate Laaksonen. They have been two of the Avs' most consistent forwards this season.
"I was fortunate to get chances set up for me," Laperriere said. "We had to battle tonight. But around this team, it's a cliché, but it's really all about winning. I'm having a great time here." The Avalanche had a poor second period, getting only six shots on Morrison despite three power plays, including a 5-on-3 opportunity for 1:05. Even with a two-man advantage, the Avs had trouble getting set up.
THREE STARS OF THE GAME:
#1 COL 14 I. Laperriere
#2 COL 1 D. Aebischer
#3 EDM 47 M. Bergeron