Ryan’s Return

My favorite Mike Haynes comment for the night: "Ever have the feeling you have a puck caught in your pants?"

I wish Mike was still on the radio. :)

The comment was in reference to when the puck got lost in Laperriere's jersery during the last 2+ minutes of the game. How does that happen???

Ryan Smith's return to Edmonton - Av's FIRST road win of the season - empty net goal - Budaj has a superb game. A fun game to watch. And that's not just the pumpking ale talking. Pumpking??? Ok, maybe it IS the pumpkin ale talking... geesh...

Most important, the Avs were able to do things that they've been struggling with for all their road games this season - score first and not lose the lead late in the 3rd.

Here's a little write up on Smyth's return -- Very touching. And that's not a term that is used often in Hockey. Personally, I'm overjoyed that Ryan is on our team this year...




From Sports Illustrated online -
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/hockey/nhl/10/23/bc.hkn.oilers.smyth.ap/

DMONTON, Alberta (AP) -- Facing his former team for the first time since his trade eight months ago, former Edmonton Oilers star Ryan Smyth had a predictable reaction.

The left wing, now with the Colorado Avalanche, became teary-eyed as he lined up in pre-game ceremonies, watched a 1-minute video tribute of his 11 seasons with Edmonton and received a 30-second standing ovation from the 16,839 fans at Rexall Place.

Smyth kept his head down through most of the video tribute, but skated out to the middle of the rink twice to lift his stick and acknowledge the cheers.

Beside him, players on both benches banged their sticks against the boards in appreciation.

At a news conference Monday, Smyth was asked about the trade to the New York Islanders in February, his tearful goodbye to fans at Edmonton International Airport and how he might react Tuesday.

"I'm sure I'll break down," said Smyth, struggling to keep his emotions in check.

The 31-year-old Alberta native has three goals and three assists with the Avalanche this season after leaving the Islanders in the offseason and signing a five-year, $31.25 million free-agent deal with Colorado.

He had 549 points in 770 regular-season games with the Oilers. He is seventh on the Oilers' career scoring list.

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.