Shanahan Pots 20th

(AP) Denver, CO
Brendan Shanahan potted his 20th marker today in what can only be described as a successful final campaign for him in the CCHL. The aging Shanahan has already announced his plans to retire at the conclusion of the Denver Spurs' season, whenever that is. Said Shanahan, "When GM Poelker offered me a contract to play with Joe Sakic in Denver I couldn't pass it up. I decided to play one more season . Playing with Joe occasionally in my final CCHL season has been great. Having Joe on the ice for my 20th in my final season...well...it's special." While Sakic didn't register a helper on Shanny's 20th, he was assisted by Gionta & Hunwick, he had been elevated recently to Sakic's 2nd line due to an injury to portsider Marco Sturm. Marco Sturm...that's another story. Shanny, an old portsider himself, had been plying his trade of late at right wing with sporadic duty at lw on the 3rd line. No doubt, he still has the stones for the left side.

As for the aforementioned Sakic, Joe is also in his final CCHL campaign despite the 2 year contract he was given by the club as a free agent signee prior to the season. Heck, consider it a bonus for the '08 Cup! Currently Captain Joe, who scored his 17th in the same game, has 55 points in 67 games along with a +/- of +22. Quite a respectable farewell tour in the CCHL for Super Joe also...eh?!?!?

In relation to 'that's another story', near the end of the trade deadline Poelker made a move due to the Spurs' position in the reshaped CCHL. The Spurs have surprised some folks around Denver because many of the prognosticators didn't pick them to be so high in the standings this late in the season. Frankly, neither did I.
Poelker said, "Hey, as was just stated, didn't think we'd be where we were at the time either so when some talent came across my ticker as the trade deadline was coming up, I made some inquiries figuring I might be able to beef up a bit for the playoffs."
What was brought in has certainly 'beefed 'em up' as Poelker put it because the Spurs are currently on a 6 game win streak, their longest of the season. And have won 9 of their last 10. This has elevated them to 5th in the standings. Certainly a good time to get hot (5 games remaining in the regular season). Hopefully saying this doesn't put in the jinx because it would be great to finish the season with 100 pts since this type of performance wasn't expected.
Getting back to the deadline deals, portsider Sturm (currently injured) and rearguard Craig Rivet were brought in from the Niagara Falls Thunder (GM Bobby Nicol) and have been an integral part of the current success. Rivet was inserted at the first 1st D pair with Liles upon arrival, while Sturm has seen time with Captain Joe on the 2nd line along with PP & PK time. Not only has their play helped, but having a couple more leaders as evidenced by their 'A' (Sturm) and 'C' (Rivet) with former clubs doesn't hurt either. With Sturm's recent injury, Shanahan, as previously mentioned has been moved to the 2nd line LW. Rookie Milan Lucic, who was the 2nd line LW until Sturm's arrival, is currently being rested since this is his first full season of the rigors of the CCHL. GM/Coach Poelker wants him rested for the upcoming playoffs.
Also coming over in the deal with Sturm and Rivet was center Maxim Lapierre (right pic) who's being utilized with Ian Laperriere on the top PK unit. Yep...it's the 'Lappy Brigade'!!

Another surprise of late has been the play of winger Jamie Lundmark. A few weeks ago due to an injury to Shanny, he was inserted on the 3rd line with Lucic & Koivu and boy, did he respond. At one point he had burned the lamp 6 times over 2 games!!
In the last game when Shanny got his 20th, Jamie potted the first goal of the game, a 7-3 win over Copenhagen and the often maligned Andrew Raycroft, his 15th of the season!.
It appears Poelker has some decisions to make come playoff time with so many playing so well of late.
It's a nice 'problem' to have....eh?!?!?
Stay tuned for the upcoming CCHL Playoffs!!

Dasher Notes
In an unrelated deal, the Spurs sent top reargusrd prospect Bobby Sanguinetti to Victoria for thei 2nd rounder in the 2010 CCHL Entry Draft, another near deadline deal. While Sanguinetti was a prize prospect in the Denver organization, the 2nd rounder should replace his upside adequately.
The 5 remaining games of the regular season will see the Spurs play Springfield & Budapest on the road, league leading River Cities at home, then Long Island & Calgary on the road to close out the season. So, 4 of the last 5 on the road to close the season. The Spurs' will have to become Road Warriors of the highest magnitude to reach the century mark.

Reported by Peter Puckhead (voice of the Spurs)