Aebischer disappointed in loss

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 13, 2004 | by DAN WOLKEN THE GAZETTE

DALLAS - Goaltender David Aebischer's first road playoff game was far from a success.

Though he made 28 saves in Colorado's 4-3 overtime loss, Aebischer probably could have

stopped three of Dallas' four goals. But coach Tony Granato said he is confident Aebischer will play better in Game 4 on Wednesday.

"He's been very solid since Day One," Granato said. "If he wasn't happy with his performance, he always bounced back the next time and that's what we expect him to do the next game. He's very critical on himself. He's not happy when he lets goals in."

Aebischer had little chance on Dallas' first goal, a well- executed tip by Jason Arnott on Mike Modano's power-play blast from the point.

But Scott Young's powerplay goal with two seconds left in the second period came after a sequence where Aebischer failed to control two rebounds and then opened his legs just enough for Young to slip the puck through.

Philippe Boucher's tying goal came from a sharp angle at the half- boards, and Steve Ott's game-winner went in on the short side.

Chippy ice

The temperature barely reached 60 degrees in Dallas on Monday, but the Avalanche said ice conditions at American Airlines Center were typical for a playoff game in Texas.

Typical, as in not good.

"The ice has a tendency to be a little soft and bouncy, and that's what we expect," winger Alex Tanguay said. "It's very humid. It's not warm today outside, but usually it's really warm this time of year."

Reunion Arena, where the Stars played until 2001, was widely maligned for having one of the worst surfaces in the NHL, especially in the playoffs when the weather began to warm up.

American Airlines Center has a complex cooling system for the ice sheet with eight miles of one-inch pipe under the surface pumping 320 tons of refrigeration.

Etc.

Winger Milan Hejduk broke a 15-game drought without a goal.... Winger Teemu Selanne was on the ice for 9:59 in regulation, least of any Colorado player.... Captain Joe Sakic went 2 for 10 on faceoffs.... Rookie winger Marek Svatos was on the ice for Dallas' tying and winning goals.