thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Polio-like illness that paralyzes children’s limbs due to return, but will COVID-19 precautions hold

Polio-like illness that paralyzes children’s limbs due to return, but will COVID-19 precautions hold it off?

A rare syndrome that paralyzes children ’ s limbs would normally return this fall , but it ’ s still unknown whether precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 could keep it in check .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent out a message this month asking doctors to look out for cases of acute flaccid myelitis , which causes muscle weakness or paralysis .
AFM , as it ’ s known , has followed a two-year pattern since 2014 , with a spike in cases from August to November in even years and relatively few cases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AFM had a common respiratory virus roughly a week earlier , so it ’ s not clear if precautions meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will reduce the number of cases , said Dr. Kevin Messacar , a pediatric infectious disease researcher and physician at Children ’ s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado .
There ’ s no sign the virus believed to cause AFM was circulating in Colorado as of the second week of August , he said .
Still , it ’ s important for parents to be on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nerves die , the damage can ’ t be repaired , Messacar said .
About 75 % of kids they followed at Children ’ s Hospital Colorado have some long-term muscle weakness , though physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles can help , he said .
• Pain in the neck , back , or limbs • Not using one or more limbs normally The disease isn ’ t fully understood .
The CDC believes enterovirus D68 is a major cause , though other common viruses could be behind some cases .
Enteroviruses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but EV-D68 typically causes cold-like symptoms .
EV-D68 was first identified in the 1960s , but didn ’ t attract much attention until the 2000s , when more kids started showing up with difficulty breathing , and later with muscle weakness , Messacar said .
It ’ s not clear why it started making kids sicker in recent years , he said .
Even in years with more cases than usual , AFM is rare .
The CDC recorded 238 cases in 2018 , with most in the late summer or fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an intensive care unit , and almost a quarter needed a ventilator to breathe .
Most were young children , though cases have been reported in teens and adults .
The reason for the two-year pattern isn ’ t known with certainty , but common respiratory viruses do tend to follow a cycle , dipping after significant numbers of people were infected and coming back later , Messacar said .
With EV-D68 , it could reflect many children getting infected in school or daycare , so that the virus only gains a foothold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start attending .
“ There just needs to be enough susceptible people out there , ” he said .
Parents don ’ t need to be alarmed about common cold symptoms , but they should seek help immediately if a child is struggling to breathe or shows signs of muscle weakness , Messacar said .
Weakness , in this sense , doesn ’ t mean the general wiped-out feeling when you ’ re sick , but difficulty with basic functions like walking , talking or swallowing , he said .
“ This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no longer lift their arm , ” he said .
Studies in mice show the virus can attack the spinal cord , but patients also tend to have substantial inflammation from the immune system ’ s response , Messacar said .
Researchers are still studying which is the culprit in paralysis cases , so they know whether it ’ s better to treat patients with antiviral or anti-inflammatory drugs , he said .
Work on a potential vaccine also is ongoing .
Many people get EV-D68 , and very few develop AFM .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ study vaccines and treatments , in case it becomes a more common syndrome , Messacar said .
That happened with polio , which has existed for thousands of years but only began causing large outbreaks in the 20th century , he said .
“ The goal is to study diseases while they ’ re still uncommon and rare , so if they do become common , you have tools in your toolbox , ” he said .
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A rare syndrome that paralyzes children’s limbs would normally return this fall, but it’s still unknown whether precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 could keep it in check.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent out a message this month asking doctors to look out for cases of acute flaccid myelitis, which causes muscle weakness or paralysis. AFM, as it’s known, has followed a two-year pattern since 2014, with a spike in cases from August to November in even years and relatively few cases in odd years.
Most kids who developed AFM had a common respiratory virus roughly a week earlier, so it’s not clear if precautions meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will reduce the number of cases, said Dr. Kevin Messacar, a pediatric infectious disease researcher and physician at Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado. There’s no sign the virus believed to cause AFM was circulating in Colorado as of the second week of August, he said.
Still, it’s important for parents to be on the lookout for symptoms, because once nerves die, the damage can’t be repaired, Messacar said. About 75% of kids they followed at Children’s Hospital Colorado have some long-term muscle weakness, though physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles can help, he said.
Symptoms to watch for include:
Difficulty walking
Trouble talking or swallowing
Fever
Facial drooping
Pain in the neck, back, or limbs
Not using one or more limbs normally
The disease isn’t fully understood. The CDC believes enterovirus D68 is a major cause, though other common viruses could be behind some cases. Enteroviruses are a family that includes poliovirus, but EV-D68 typically causes cold-like symptoms. EV-D68 was first identified in the 1960s, but didn’t attract much attention until the 2000s, when more kids started showing up with difficulty breathing, and later with muscle weakness, Messacar said. It’s not clear why it started making kids sicker in recent years, he said.
Even in years with more cases than usual, AFM is rare. The CDC recorded 238 cases in 2018, with most in the late summer or fall. About half of patients were admitted to an intensive care unit, and almost a quarter needed a ventilator to breathe. Most were young children, though cases have been reported in teens and adults.
The reason for the two-year pattern isn’t known with certainty, but common respiratory viruses do tend to follow a cycle, dipping after significant numbers of people were infected and coming back later, Messacar said. With EV-D68, it could reflect many children getting infected in school or daycare, so that the virus only gains a foothold again after enough younger, unexposed kids start attending.
“There just needs to be enough susceptible people out there,” he said.
Parents don’t need to be alarmed about common cold symptoms, but they should seek help immediately if a child is struggling to breathe or shows signs of muscle weakness, Messacar said. Weakness, in this sense, doesn’t mean the general wiped-out feeling when you’re sick, but difficulty with basic functions like walking, talking or swallowing, he said.
“This is a child who wakes up and can no longer lift their arm,” he said.
Studies in mice show the virus can attack the spinal cord, but patients also tend to have substantial inflammation from the immune system’s response, Messacar said. Researchers are still studying which is the culprit in paralysis cases, so they know whether it’s better to treat patients with antiviral or anti-inflammatory drugs, he said. Work on a potential vaccine also is ongoing.
Many people get EV-D68, and very few develop AFM. Still, it’s important to study vaccines and treatments, in case it becomes a more common syndrome, Messacar said. That happened with polio, which has existed for thousands of years but only began causing large outbreaks in the 20th century, he said.
“The goal is to study diseases while they’re still uncommon and rare, so if they do become common, you have tools in your toolbox,” he said.
Subscribe to bi-weekly newsletter to get health news sent straight to your inbox.


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Rockies Mailbag: What can be done about Colorado’s bullpen dilemma?

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag .
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .
The early part of the season when the Rockies had success , and not getting national media coverage , the storyline was that they were playing with a “ chip on their shoulder.
” Do you feel like this is still the case or has the mindset shifted to more of a sustaining success and “ we-belong-here ” mindset ?
Especially after the last two series losses .
Just curious what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thanks and Go Rockies from NE South Dakota !
It ’ s more difficult for me to judge the mindset of the team this season because I am not in the clubhouse and I don ’ t have the chance to talk to players one-on-one .
In a “ normal ” season , I can ask players off-the-record questions about the mood and pulse of the team .
I can ’ t do that this year .
As I write this , the Rockies have lost six of their last eight games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially from Nolan Arenado and David Dahl .
Still , I think the team still believes in itself and that chip is still there , although the chip falls off the shoulder as the losses mount .
The starting pitching has been terrific and if that ’ s sustainable I think the Rockies will rebound .
Will there be an Arizona Fall League season this year ?
If not , will there be any opportunity for Rockies minor leaguers to continue playing past the MLB season ?
Judy , it ’ s my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement an AFL , but that could change if the coronavirus pandemic is not contained .
There has even been talk that the AFL could be expanded to include more teams and more players .
That plan , however , is in limbo .
As for minor-league players in general , this is a tough summer .
Right now , they are working out on their own or in small groups .
There is a possibility that the Rockies and other teams will hold a minor-league camp of some sort this fall but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s clear the Rockies ’ closer is not currently on the roster and that the two lefties in the ‘ pen are pretty much used for mop-up duty .
Are there any options in the satellite team ?
Maybe Ben Bowden ?
Which closer and lefty reliever might be available in the trade deadline ?
Ricardo , the Rockies are certainly facing a bullpen dilemma right now .
The loss of right-hander Scott Oberg because of reoccurring blood clots in his right arm was a huge blow .
Jairo Diaz and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ninth but they have allowed far too much traffic in the early going .
The other possibilities right now are right-handers Daniel Bard and Jeff Hoffman , both of whom have pitched very well .
I think Hoffman has the right stuff to be a closer but does he have the right mentality ?
That remains to be seen .
I don ’ t see any legitimate options on the “ satellite team.
” Jon Gray needs to overhaul his mental attitude .
If he fails to make the adjustment Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
Would Bud Black consider trading Jon Gray ?
Sonny , I ’ m assuming you wrote this question after Gray ’ s poor start vs. Arizona when he gave up eight runs on 11 hits in 3 1/3 innings .
On Sunday , however , Gray regrouped and threw seven strong innings ( save for two home runs ) in a win over Texas at Coors Field .
I do not think the Rockies should trade Gray .
And , by the way , Black doesn ’ t make trades , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gray disappointed at times ?
Yes , even Gray would admit that .
But he ’ s handled Coors Field better than almost any other pitcher .
Gray ’ s .684 ( 26-12 ) career winning percentage at Coors is the second-best mark in franchise history behind Jorge De La Rosa ( .726 , 53-20 ) .
The Rockies are 35-25 in Gray ’ s 58 starts in Denver .
His 4.50 ERA also ranks fourth at home all-time among Rockies pitchers with 50 or more starts in Denver .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday ) crush the Rockies and I really like the moves the Diamondbacks ’ manager ( Torey Lovullo ) is making with his less-talented team .
Is there such an innovative manager in the Rockies organization , or are we stuck with Bud Black , a career sub .500 manager ?
RW , I like Lovullo as a manager , too .
I think he ’ s getting a lot out of his team .
But to jump to the conclusion that the Rockies are “ stuck ” with Black is ridiculous .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 262-247 and he ’ s led the Rockies to the postseason in two of his first three seasons .
Did Black have a losing record in San Diego ?
Yes , but ask almost anyone who covered , played or worked under Black when he was with the Padres and they will tell you that he was a solid manager who never got the support he needed from ownership .
What are the odds you give Charlie Blackmon will finish the year hitting .400 ?
He ’ s slowed down this past week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streak might be enough in this short season .
Also , can we take a minute to appreciate Kyle Freeland ?
He looks amazing this year .
Rockies comeback player of the year — not named Daniel Bard — for sure !
No .
1 : No , I don ’ t think Blackmon can hit .400 – even over a 60-game season .
Even Blackmon thinks it ’ s a reach .
“ I don ’ t really think that .400 is a realistic mark for today ’ s game , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitching is too good .
The stuff is too good .
There is more specialization .
I don ’ t think it ’ s something that will happen .
“ I think there ’ s maybe some scares , but I think .400 is just too far away from the average , right ?
I don ’ t think it ’ s something that will be done .
I ’ m not expecting to hit .400 for a season.
” No .
2 .
Yes , let ’ s celebrate Freeland ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I wrote an in-depth story in last Sunday ’ s Denver Post on how he ’ s changed as a pitcher and embraced the changeup .
No .
3 .
Bard has overcome something – the yips – that not many pitchers can beat .
It ’ s amazing , no doubt .
Plus , he ’ s not just a feel-good story , he ’ s been one of the Rockies ’ best relievers so far .
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — related question for the Rockies Mailbag .

Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.
The early part of the season when the Rockies had success, and not getting national media coverage, the storyline was that they were playing with a “chip on their shoulder.” Do you feel like this is still the case or has the mindset shifted to more of a sustaining success and “we-belong-here” mindset? Especially after the last two series losses. Just curious what the mindset has been in the clubhouse. Thanks and Go Rockies from NE South Dakota!
— Zach Wevik, Watertown, S.D.
It’s more difficult for me to judge the mindset of the team this season because I am not in the clubhouse and I don’t have the chance to talk to players one-on-one. In a “normal” season, I can ask players off-the-record questions about the mood and pulse of the team. I can’t do that this year.
As I write this, the Rockies have lost six of their last eight games and I do sense some frustration, especially from Nolan Arenado and David Dahl.
Still, I think the team still believes in itself and that chip is still there, although the chip falls off the shoulder as the losses mount. The starting pitching has been terrific and if that’s sustainable I think the Rockies will rebound.
Will there be an Arizona Fall League season this year? If not, will there be any opportunity for Rockies minor leaguers to continue playing past the MLB season?
— Judy Frieman, Denver
Judy, it’s my understanding that baseball will still try to implement an AFL, but that could change if the coronavirus pandemic is not contained. There has even been talk that the AFL could be expanded to include more teams and more players. That plan, however, is in limbo.
As for minor-league players in general, this is a tough summer. Right now, they are working out on their own or in small groups. There is a possibility that the Rockies and other teams will hold a minor-league camp of some sort this fall, but those plans are far from concrete.
It’s clear the Rockies’ closer is not currently on the roster and that the two lefties in the ‘pen are pretty much used for mop-up duty. Are there any options in the satellite team? Maybe Ben Bowden? Which closer and lefty reliever might be available at the trade deadline?
— Ricardo De Pablos Velez Luckie, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Ricardo, the Rockies are certainly facing a bullpen dilemma right now. The loss of right-hander Scott Oberg because of reoccurring blood clots in his right arm was a huge blow.
Jairo Diaz and Carlos Estevez have the firepower to pitch in the ninth but they have allowed far too much traffic in the early going. The other possibilities right now are right-handers Daniel Bard and Jeff Hoffman, both of whom have pitched very well. I think Hoffman has the right stuff to be a closer but does he have the right mentality? That remains to be seen.
I don’t see any legitimate options on the “satellite team.”
Jon Gray needs to overhaul his mental attitude. If he fails to make the adjustment Jon should move on to look for another team. Would Bud Black consider trading Jon Gray?
— Sonny Chiaro, Clifton
Sonny, I’m assuming you wrote this question after Gray’s poor start vs. Arizona when he gave up eight runs on 11 hits in 3 1/3 innings. On Sunday, however, Gray regrouped and threw seven strong innings (save for two home runs) in a win over Texas at Coors Field.
I do not think the Rockies should trade Gray. And, by the way, Black doesn’t make trades, general manager Jeff Bridich does. Has Gray disappointed at times? Yes, even Gray would admit that. But he’s handled Coors Field better than almost any other pitcher.
Check out these stats: Gray’s .684 (26-12) career winning percentage at Coors is the second-best mark in franchise history behind Jorge De La Rosa (.726, 53-20). The Rockies are 35-25 in Gray’s 58 starts in Denver. His 4.50 ERA also ranks fourth at home all-time among Rockies pitchers with 50 or more starts in Denver.
I’m sitting here watching the Diamondbacks (last Wednesday) crush the Rockies and I really like the moves the Diamondbacks’ manager (Torey Lovullo) is making with his less-talented team. Is there such an innovative manager in the Rockies organization, or are we stuck with Bud Black, a career sub .500 manager?
— RW Armour, Grand Junction
RW, I like Lovullo as a manager, too. I think he’s getting a lot out of his team. But to jump to the conclusion that the Rockies are “stuck” with Black is ridiculous. His overall record with the Rockies is 262-247 and he’s led the Rockies to the postseason in two of his first three seasons. Did Black have a losing record in San Diego? Yes, but ask almost anyone who covered, played or worked under Black when he was with the Padres and they will tell you that he was a solid manager who never got the support he needed from ownership.
What are the odds you give Charlie Blackmon will finish the year hitting .400? He’s slowed down this past week, but man, one more big streak might be enough in this short season. Also, can we take a minute to appreciate Kyle Freeland? He looks amazing this year. Rockies comeback player of the year — not named Daniel Bard — for sure!
— Bryan, Chicago
Bryan, three excellent points.
No. 1: No, I don’t think Blackmon can hit .400 – even over a 60-game season. Even Blackmon thinks it’s a reach.
“I don’t really think that .400 is a realistic mark for today’s game,” Blackmon said last week. “The pitching is too good. The stuff is too good. There is more specialization. I don’t think it’s something that will happen.
“I think there’s maybe some scares, but I think .400 is just too far away from the average, right? I don’t think it’s something that will be done. I’m not expecting to hit .400 for a season.”
No. 2. Yes, let’s celebrate Freeland’s comeback. In case you missed it, I wrote an in-depth story in last Sunday’s Denver Post on how he’s changed as a pitcher and embraced the changeup.
No. 3. Bard has overcome something – the yips – that not many pitchers can beat. It’s amazing, no doubt. Plus, he’s not just a feel-good story, he’s been one of the Rockies’ best relievers so far.
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders with the latest installment of his Rockies Mailbag.
Pose a Rockies — or MLB — related question for the Rockies Mailbag.


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--$500 million Pueblo steel plant expansion expected to bring 1,000 jobs to city

EVRAZ North America is moving forward with a $ 500 million expansion of its steel plant in Pueblo and will receive millions of dollars in tax incentives .
The EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel ’ s new rail mill is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs .
The Colorado Economic Development Commission said in a statement Thursday that it has approved a performance-based job growth incentive tax credit of $ 2.8 million over eight years for the creation of 205 new jobs .
The commission said it also approved an advanced waiver for Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credits of $ 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these potential tax credits are transferable .
The Pueblo plant expansion project “ embodies the thoughtful and innovative economic advancements ” that Gov .
Jared Polis champions , said Betsy Markey , executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade .
The expansion will include construction of a $ 250 million , 240-megawatt solar installation being developed in partnership with Xcel Energy and Lightsource BP , which will finance , build and own the Bighorn Solar project .
Xcel Energy will buy the electricity under a long-term power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin on the solar facility in the fall and be completed in late 2021 .
The deal on the solar project was struck in 2019 after EVRAZ , Xcel Energy ’ s largest power consumer in Colorado , considered moving out of the state without assurances of low electricity rates .
The issue arose after Xcel Energy announced plans to close two coal plants in Pueblo earlier than planned .
Colorado Senate President Leroy Garcia and Rep. Daneya Esgar , both of Pueblo , said in a statement that the decision by EVRAZ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the community to make sure the steel mill stays in Pueblo .
They pointed to a 2017 law they worked on to increase tax credits to businesses willing to invest at least $ 100 million in the state .
This project also received support from the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation .
Established in 1881 , EVRAZ Pueblo , formerly known as the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company , produces steel products including rail , seamless pipe , rod and coiled reinforcing bar .

EVRAZ North America is moving forward with a $500 million expansion of its steel plant in Pueblo and will receive millions of dollars in tax incentives.
The EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel’s new rail mill is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs. The Colorado Economic Development Commission said in a statement Thursday that it has approved a performance-based job growth incentive tax credit of $2.8 million over eight years for the creation of 205 new jobs.
The commission said it also approved an advanced waiver for Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credits of $14 million. Up to $17 million of these potential tax credits are transferable.
The Pueblo plant expansion project “embodies the thoughtful and innovative economic advancements” that Gov. Jared Polis champions, said Betsy Markey, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
The expansion will include construction of a $250 million, 240-megawatt solar installation being developed in partnership with Xcel Energy and Lightsource BP, which will finance, build and own the Bighorn Solar project. Xcel Energy will buy the electricity under a long-term power purchase agreement.
Construction is expected to begin on the solar facility in the fall and be completed in late 2021. The deal on the solar project was struck in 2019 after EVRAZ, Xcel Energy’s largest power consumer in Colorado, considered moving out of the state without assurances of low electricity rates. The issue arose after Xcel Energy announced plans to close two coal plants in Pueblo earlier than planned.
Colorado Senate President Leroy Garcia and Rep. Daneya Esgar, both of Pueblo, said in a statement that the decision by EVRAZ is the culmination of years of work by the community to make sure the steel mill stays in Pueblo. They pointed to a 2017 law they worked on to increase tax credits to businesses willing to invest at least $100 million in the state.
This project also received support from the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation.
Established in 1881, EVRAZ Pueblo, formerly known as the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company, produces steel products including rail, seamless pipe, rod and coiled reinforcing bar.


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Climate change hits home in Colorado with raging wildfires, shrinking water flows and record heat

Climate change hit home in Colorado this week , exacerbating multiple environmental calamities : wildfires burning across 135,423 acres , stream flows shrinking to where state officials urged limits on fishing , drought wilting crops , and record temperatures baking heat-absorbing cities .
This is what scientists , for decades , have been warning would happen .
Gov .
Jared Polis on Tuesday lamented “ the hot and dry conditions ” and called smoke impacts from the state ’ s four major wildfires “ profound , ” noting “ poor air quality often can cause COVID-type symptoms.
” He banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The hot , dry weather is making fire behavior extreme , and the rapid spread is already taxing our resources to fight fires , ” the governor said at an afternoon news conference .
“ We need to do everything we can to stop fires from starting in the first place.
” Meanwhile , environmental groups have filed lawsuits against Colorado pressing for climate action .
State lawmakers last year ordered state officials to create a plan by July 1 for reducing heat-trapping greenhouse gas air pollution by 90 % before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generations — something that hasn ’ t been done .
Polis “ knows we must act to shift to renewable energy by 2040 and do our part on climate , ” his deputy press secretary Shelby Wieman said .
A letter sent to Polis this week from 100 climate activists urged greater inclusion of low-income residents in creating a plan to cut greenhouse gas pollution .
But that political flare-up was about the future .
“ This is a now problem , not a future problem .
We ’ re seeing systemic change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just in heat but in fire , in water , in agriculture , and in economics , ” said Aspen Ski Company vice president Auden Schendler , a former Basalt town councilman who served until last month — when Polis declined to re-appoint him — on Colorado ’ s Air Quality Control Commission .
“ How many times are you not going to be able to drive through Glenwood Canyon ?
” Schendler asked , referring to the Grizzly Creek fire , which has closed Interstate 70 for more than a week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after these fires , we are going to have landslide .
This is such an obvious clear and present danger .
Now is the time to deploy really aggressive climate policy.
” Building resilience has emerged as the challenge .
“ We ’ re going to have to become more resilient to some of these changes — and be prepared for them , ” state climatologist Russ Schumacher said .
Climate scientists emphasized that average temperatures will continue to increase for decades due to humans burning so many fossil fuels — coal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That means impacts including wildfires , aridity , depleted streams and rivers — with some variability — likely will intensify .
This week , the temperature in Death Valley , California , hit 130 degrees — among the highest temperatures ever recorded worldwide .
Denver ’ s temperature hit a record 100 degrees Tuesday , and the National Weather Service saw little sign of cooling here and around the West .
August was on pace to be the hottest on record in Denver , where temperatures have topped 90 degrees on 58 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record of 73 .
Meteorologists forecasted highs above 94 degrees at least through next Tuesday .
Earlier this month , federal officials designated 100 % of Colorado abnormally dry or in drought for the first time in eight years , and the fourth time during the state ’ s 20-year shift toward greater aridity .
This reflects a climate-driven combination in Colorado of heat and lack of precipitation that is unleashing myriad new strains on ecosystems , Shumacher said from his base at Colorado State University ’ s Colorado Climate Center .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water cycle , and when things start to change in those systems is puts stress on everything .
And wildfires are an outcome , ” he said .
“ Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for a long time , ” Shumacher said .
“ Even if we completely stopped emitting greenhouse gases tomorrow , the effects of what happened over the past decades will still be up there .
… It ’ s going to continue to get warmer .
And how that plays out in specific impacts is tough to pin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranchers or water managers , long-term planning for change is certainly necessary.
” In western Colorado , federal firefighting managers listed high temperatures as a main cause of the four largest wildfires .
The “ extreme fire behavior ” they observed included flames leaping from tree-tops to burn up more trees and embers flying beyond front edges of fire walls as far as 2,500 feet to spark new fires .
Hotter temperatures linked to climate warming have led to bigger and more frequent western wildfires , which burned twice as many acres a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the previous 15 years , according to federal fire data .
Climate warming also is leading to earlier melting of mountain winter snowpack and faster drying out of soils .
“ In wildfires , a little bit of warming is leading to a lot more burning .
I expect us to see much more burning in response to continued increasing temperatures , ” University of Colorado fire scientist Jennifer Balch said , recommending better protection for people .
“ It boils down to two things .
Building better .
And burning better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put more homes in harm ’ s way .
And we need to let fires burn and use prescribed fires to fight fire.
” At front edges of the lightning-sparked , 87,778-acre Pine Gulch fire on federal land about 10 miles from Fruita , hundreds of firefighters risked heat exhaustion as they struggled for control .
“ The heat matters .
What it means is the relative humidity stays in the single digits and we ’ re not getting recoveries overnight .
It is just so dang hot , ” said Tracy LeClair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with suppressing that fire , one of the largest in Colorado history .
“ When the winds blow , we ’ re seeing flames spotting 1,500 to 2,500 feet ahead of the fire front .
We ’ ve definitely had extreme fire behaviors : fire moving quickly , especially in some of the lighter , flashier fuels like grasses and sage brush .
Then , when the wind and terrain align , it really pushes the fire and can create almost like a wind tunnel in narrow canyons.
” Water levels in stream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decreased rapidly with most snow melted .
Federal officials warned that water in the largest reservoirs along the Colorado River — Lake Mead and Lake Powell — will remain barely above trigger-points for additional cuts in California , Nevada and Arizona .
Heat in Colorado hit streams so hard that fish may die .
Colorado Parks and Wildlife managers on Monday issued a notice asking anglers in southwestern Colorado to stop fishing before noon “ because of the low flows and warm water temperatures ” that hurt fish .
Heavily-fished rivers “ have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the notice said , and more fishing in low water where temperatures exceed 71 degrees could worsen the harm .
Wildlife officials also suggested that anglers carry thermometers to check river temperatures and not fish in water warmer than 70 degrees .
State officials also closed the Ridgway State Park swimming beach for the summer .
A large draw-down of water in the reservoir was necessary to help farmers , ranchers and towns .
“ Due to the dry conditions , ” a notice said , “ water must be shipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Denver and other Front Range cities , lower-income residents , including hundreds without homes camping along streets , bore the brunt of the heat and haze from wafting wildfire smoke .
At a Home Depot store along Colorado Boulevard , portable air-conditioning coolers arrived after selling out in July .
Clerk Mason Butler said “ there ’ s definitely a correlation between the climate and people purchasing AC at Home Depot.
” Denver paramedics reported receiving 22 calls since July 1 for residents seeking help for heat exhaustion or heat stokes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worsening of diabetes and respiratory ailments to vital organ failure , heat stroke and sometimes death .
These hit the elderly , children and people with chronic medical conditions the hardest .
Statewide , Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment records show that , since 2011 , extreme heat sent an average of 451 people a year to doctors seeking medical help .

Climate change hit home in Colorado this week, exacerbating multiple environmental calamities: wildfires burning across 135,423 acres, stream flows shrinking to where state officials urged limits on fishing, drought wilting crops, and record temperatures baking heat-absorbing cities.
This is what scientists, for decades, have been warning would happen.
Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday lamented “the hot and dry conditions” and called smoke impacts from the state’s four major wildfires “profound,” noting “poor air quality often can cause COVID-type symptoms.” He banned campfires and fireworks statewide for a month.
“The hot, dry weather is making fire behavior extreme, and the rapid spread is already taxing our resources to fight fires,” the governor said at an afternoon news conference. “We need to do everything we can to stop fires from starting in the first place.”
Meanwhile, environmental groups have filed lawsuits against Colorado pressing for climate action. State lawmakers last year ordered state officials to create a plan by July 1 for reducing heat-trapping greenhouse gas air pollution by 90% before 2050 in an effort to save future generations — something that hasn’t been done.
Polis “knows we must act to shift to renewable energy by 2040 and do our part on climate,” his deputy press secretary Shelby Wieman said.
A letter sent to Polis this week from 100 climate activists urged greater inclusion of low-income residents in creating a plan to cut greenhouse gas pollution.
But that political flare-up was about the future.
“This is a now problem, not a future problem. We’re seeing systemic change of the climate that manifests itself not just in heat but in fire, in water, in agriculture, and in economics,” said Aspen Ski Company vice president Auden Schendler, a former Basalt town councilman who served until last month — when Polis declined to re-appoint him — on Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission.
“How many times are you not going to be able to drive through Glenwood Canyon?” Schendler asked, referring to the Grizzly Creek fire, which has closed Interstate 70 for more than a week. “And, by the way, after these fires, we are going to have landslides. This is such an obvious clear and present danger. Now is the time to deploy really aggressive climate policy.”
Building resilience has emerged as the challenge.
“We’re going to have to become more resilient to some of these changes — and be prepared for them,” state climatologist Russ Schumacher said.
Heat and drought
Climate scientists emphasized that average temperatures will continue to increase for decades due to humans burning so much fossil fuel — coal, gas and oil — in the past. That means impacts including wildfires, aridity, depleted streams and rivers — with some variability — likely will intensify.
This week, the temperature in Death Valley, California, hit 130 degrees — among the highest temperatures ever recorded worldwide.
Denver’s temperature hit a record 100 degrees Tuesday, and the National Weather Service saw little sign of cooling here and around the West. August was on pace to be the hottest on record in Denver, where temperatures have topped 90 degrees on 58 days this year, approaching the 2012 record of 73. Meteorologists forecasted highs above 94 degrees at least through next Tuesday.
This summer is now 1 day off of the pace set in 2012. It looks like we will be moving ahead of the 2012 pace over the next couple days. #COwx pic.twitter.com/UU1wBEnrbK — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) August 17, 2020
Earlier this month, federal officials designated 100% of Colorado abnormally dry or in drought for the first time in eight years, and the fourth time during the state’s 20-year shift toward greater aridity.
This reflects a climate-driven combination in Colorado of heat and lack of precipitation that is unleashing myriad new strains on ecosystems, Shumacher said from his base at Colorado State University’s Colorado Climate Center. “Our big picture is changes to the water cycle, and when things start to change in those systems is puts stress on everything. And wildfires are an outcome,” he said.
“Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for a long time,” Shumacher said. “Even if we completely stopped emitting greenhouse gases tomorrow, the effects of what happened over the past decades will still be up there. … It’s going to continue to get warmer. And how that plays out in specific impacts is tough to pin down. Whether it is farmers, ranchers or water managers, long-term planning for change is certainly necessary.”
“So dang hot”
In western Colorado, federal firefighting managers listed high temperatures as a main cause of the four largest wildfires. The “extreme fire behavior” they observed included flames leaping from tree-tops to burn up more trees and embers flying beyond front edges of fire walls as far as 2,500 feet to spark new fires.
Hotter temperatures linked to climate warming have led to bigger and more frequent western wildfires, which burned twice as many acres a year over the past two decades compared with the previous 15 years, according to federal fire data. Climate warming also is leading to earlier melting of mountain winter snowpack and faster drying out of soils.
“In wildfires, a little bit of warming is leading to a lot more burning. I expect us to see much more burning in response to continued increasing temperatures,” University of Colorado fire scientist Jennifer Balch said, recommending better protection for people.
“It boils down to two things. Building better. And burning better. We need to rethink how we put more homes in harm’s way. And we need to let fires burn and use prescribed fires to fight fire.”
At front edges of the lightning-sparked, 87,778-acre Pine Gulch fire on federal land about 10 miles from Fruita, hundreds of firefighters risked heat exhaustion as they struggled for control.
“The heat matters. What it means is the relative humidity stays in the single digits and we’re not getting recoveries overnight. It is just so dang hot,” said Tracy LeClair, spokeswoman for the multiagency team tasked with suppressing that fire, one of the largest in Colorado history.
“When the winds blow, we’re seeing flames spotting 1,500 to 2,500 feet ahead of the fire front. We’ve definitely had extreme fire behaviors: fire moving quickly, especially in some of the lighter, flashier fuels like grasses and sage brush. Then, when the wind and terrain align, it really pushes the fire and can create almost like a wind tunnel in narrow canyons.”
Risk to fish
Water levels in streams and rivers across the Colorado River Basin decreased rapidly with most snow melted. Federal officials warned that water in the largest reservoirs along the Colorado River — Lake Mead and Lake Powell — will remain barely above trigger-points for additional cuts in California, Nevada and Arizona.
Heat in Colorado hit streams so hard that fish may die. Colorado Parks and Wildlife managers on Monday issued a notice asking anglers in southwestern Colorado to stop fishing before noon “because of the low flows and warm water temperatures” that hurt fish.
Heavily-fished rivers “have deteriorated to critical levels for trout survival,” the notice said, and more fishing in low water where temperatures exceed 71 degrees could worsen the harm. Wildlife officials also suggested that anglers carry thermometers to check river temperatures and not fish in water warmer than 70 degrees.
State officials also closed the Ridgway State Park swimming beach for the summer. A large draw-down of water in the reservoir was necessary to help farmers, ranchers and towns. “Due to the dry conditions,” a notice said, “water must be shipped downstream for agricultural and municipal use.”
In Denver and other Front Range cities, lower-income residents, including hundreds without homes camping along streets, bore the brunt of the heat and haze from wafting wildfire smoke. At a Home Depot store along Colorado Boulevard, portable air-conditioning coolers arrived after selling out in July. Clerk Mason Butler said “there’s definitely a correlation between the climate and people purchasing AC at Home Depot.”
Denver paramedics reported receiving 22 calls since July 1 for residents seeking help for heat exhaustion or heat strokes.
Health impacts of extreme heat range from worsening of diabetes and respiratory ailments to vital organ failure, heat stroke and sometimes death. These hit the elderly, children and people with chronic medical conditions the hardest. Statewide, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment records show that, since 2011, extreme heat sent an average of 451 people a year to doctors seeking medical help.


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Johnson & Wales University’s northeast Denver campus will hit the market next month

Johnson & Wales University is preparing to sell its 25-acre campus in Denver ’ s South Park Hill neighborhood and there is no guarantee it will remain a school .
Real estate services giant CBRE will take the lead in helping the Providence , R.I.-based university sell the Denver campus it first acquired in 1999 , according to a news released this week .
The campus , formerly home to the Colorado Women ’ s College , is about 2 miles east of City Park at 7150 Montview Blvd .
It ’ s home to 13 buildings including dorms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ park , the Denver Museum of Nature & Science , and the Denver Zoo and easy access to Interstate 70 , the property is primed to attract lots of eyes .
CBRE is expecting both institutional users like other schools and developers keen on adaptive reuse opportunities to be interested .
A developer purchased the Loretto Heights campus in southwest Denver in 2018 and plans to turn it into a mixed-use area with housing , office and retail after the previous owner ’ s efforts to find another college operator to take it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involve historic reuse of existing buildings .
Karlen Beitman , who leads work on deals involving public and educational institutions for CBRE ’ s Mountain States region , is part of the team that will start marketing the Johnson & Wales property next month .
In Monday ’ s news release , he said the school , abbreviated JWU , has been committed to being a positive part of northeast Denver .
“ Keeping that commitment in mind , JWU is looking to find a buyer who will implement the highest and best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University and the surrounding community will benefit , ” he said in a statement .
CBRE ’ s release did not list and asking price .
Johnson & Wales announced in June that it would shut down operations at its Denver and North Miami campuses in the summer of 2021 .
The school , best known for its culinary programs , has had poor enrollment for years , Denver campus spokesman Alan Bilsborough said Tuesday .
That ’ s the main driver for the decision to close down .
The school has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to host some in-person classes this academic year including culinary labs and addiction counseling program courses , Bilsborough said .
The fall cohort will total 482 students , 85 of whom plan to move into campus housing next week .
The COVID-19 pandemic “ was definitely a contributing factor ” to the school ’ s closure , Bilsborough said .

Johnson & Wales University is preparing to sell its 25-acre campus in Denver’s South Park Hill neighborhood and there is no guarantee it will remain a school.
Real estate services giant CBRE will take the lead in helping the Providence, R.I.-based university sell the Denver campus it first acquired in 1999, according to a news released this week.
The campus, formerly home to the Colorado Women’s College, is about 2 miles east of City Park at 7150 Montview Blvd. It’s home to 13 buildings including dorms.
With proximity to cultural amenities like the park, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Denver Zoo and easy access to Interstate 70, the property is primed to attract lots of eyes. CBRE is expecting both institutional users like other schools and developers keen on adaptive reuse opportunities to be interested.
A developer purchased the Loretto Heights campus in southwest Denver in 2018 and plans to turn it into a mixed-use area with housing, office and retail after the previous owner’s efforts to find another college operator to take it over fell through. That project will involve historic reuse of existing buildings.
Karlen Beitman, who leads work on deals involving public and educational institutions for CBRE’s Mountain States region, is part of the team that will start marketing the Johnson & Wales property next month. In Monday’s news release, he said the school, abbreviated JWU, has been committed to being a positive part of northeast Denver.
“Keeping that commitment in mind, JWU is looking to find a buyer who will implement the highest and best use of the property so both the University and the surrounding community will benefit,” he said in a statement.
CBRE’s release did not list and asking price.
Johnson & Wales announced in June that it would shut down operations at its Denver and North Miami campuses in the summer of 2021.
The school, best known for its culinary programs, has had poor enrollment for years, Denver campus spokesman Alan Bilsborough said Tuesday. That’s the main driver for the decision to close down.
The school has always emphasized hands-on and experiential learning and plans to host some in-person classes this academic year including culinary labs and addiction counseling program courses, Bilsborough said. The fall cohort will total 482 students, 85 of whom plan to move into campus housing next week.
The COVID-19 pandemic “was definitely a contributing factor” to the school’s closure, Bilsborough said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Getting a new Colorado driver’s license could take months after COVID closures cause appointment bac

Getting a new Colorado driver’s license could take months after COVID closures cause appointment backlog

Spring closures of the state ’ s Division of Motor Vehicle offices continue to mean long waits for appointments in the Denver metro area , inconveniencing people who need new licenses and leaving many new Coloradans concerned about their ability to vote .
Because of the coronavirus , the state ’ s DMV locations closed to in-person services for six to eight weeks beginning March 18 , creating a backlog that the offices haven ’ t been able to completely erase .
The largest backlog in appointments has been for teens who are trying to get their driving permits or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Colorado licenses , said DMV spokesperson Julie Brooks .
That has worried some seeking to register to vote in November .
“ I did not want to be delayed , and I wanted to make sure my vote counted when it needed to count on time , ” said Melissa Shotts , a Denver resident who moved to the state in June .
She tried to get into a DMV for a new license but had to wait for an available appointment for nearly two months .
Like many new residents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ register to vote without an in-state license , and she doesn ’ t feel like the other options were made clear .
Although Coloradans can automatically register to vote at the DMV when getting a state ID , other registration options are available and other forms of ID are accepted .
For instance , new Colorado voters can register to vote by mail and submit copies of other identification documents .
The state also offers same-day voter registration for anyone who wants to vote in person .
Visit govotecolorado.com for more information .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who reported problems with long appointment wait times , including one person whose out-of-state license expired before the next available appointment .
Travis Golden said he has been calling the DMV , but the automated system keeps hanging up on him .
The closest appointment he could find was more than an hour away in Colorado Springs , and it was still after his license was set to expire .
Ada Worcester had to schedule an appointment several months out for a license renewal because of a name change .
She ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t look like her anymore .
She almost drove from her Denver home to Grand Junction for an available appointment before that one was snatched up , too .
A citizen advocate was eventually able to help her get in .
“ Being able to get your license updated or have a license is a really , really essential service , and these delays have serious impacts on people ’ s lives and even livelihood , ” she said .
On an average month , the state ’ s DMV offices get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , so a six-week closure made an impact .
In February , the offices had 82,272 in-person appointments and 24,868 online services used .
In June , the first full month of reopening , they saw 68,306 in office and 53,746 online .
As social distancing guidelines remain in place , some offices have implemented extended hours in an unsuccessful effort to meet the increased demand .
Brooks encourages people to check back regularly for availability .
She estimates the offices receive more than 100 cancellations per day .
She also urges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change their address or renew vehicle registration to use the online option to save slots for those who have to go in person .
About half of the renewal appointments coming in are people who could have renewed online , she said .
To check appointments or find out if a service is offered online , go to mydmv.colorado.gov .

Spring closures of the state’s Division of Motor Vehicle offices continue to mean long waits for appointments in the Denver metro area, inconveniencing people who need new licenses and leaving many new Coloradans concerned about their ability to vote.
Because of the coronavirus, the state’s DMV locations closed to in-person services for six to eight weeks beginning March 18, creating a backlog that the offices haven’t been able to completely erase.
The largest backlog in appointments has been for teens who are trying to get their driving permits or licenses and new residents who are applying for Colorado licenses, said DMV spokesperson Julie Brooks.
That has worried some seeking to register to vote in November.
“I did not want to be delayed, and I wanted to make sure my vote counted when it needed to count on time,” said Melissa Shotts, a Denver resident who moved to the state in June.
She tried to get into a DMV for a new license but had to wait for an available appointment for nearly two months. Like many new residents, she didn’t know you can register to vote without an in-state license, and she doesn’t feel like the other options were made clear.
Although Coloradans can automatically register to vote at the DMV when getting a state ID, other registration options are available and other forms of ID are accepted. For instance, new Colorado voters can register to vote by mail and submit copies of other identification documents. The state also offers same-day voter registration for anyone who wants to vote in person. Visit govotecolorado.com for more information.
The Denver Post heard from multiple people who reported problems with long appointment wait times, including one person whose out-of-state license expired before the next available appointment. Travis Golden said he has been calling the DMV, but the automated system keeps hanging up on him. The closest appointment he could find was more than an hour away in Colorado Springs, and it was still after his license was set to expire.
Ada Worcester had to schedule an appointment several months out for a license renewal because of a name change. She’s trans, and her old license doesn’t look like her anymore. She almost drove from her Denver home to Grand Junction for an available appointment before that one was snatched up, too. A citizen advocate was eventually able to help her get in.
“Being able to get your license updated or have a license is a really, really essential service, and these delays have serious impacts on people’s lives and even livelihood,” she said.
On an average month, the state’s DMV offices get between 60,000 and 80,000 appointments, Brooks said, so a six-week closure made an impact. In February, the offices had 82,272 in-person appointments and 24,868 online services used. In June, the first full month of reopening, they saw 68,306 in office and 53,746 online.
As social distancing guidelines remain in place, some offices have implemented extended hours in an unsuccessful effort to meet the increased demand. Brooks encourages people to check back regularly for availability. She estimates the offices receive more than 100 cancellations per day.
She also urges residents who need to renew licenses, change their address or renew vehicle registration to use the online option to save slots for those who have to go in person. About half of the renewal appointments coming in are people who could have renewed online, she said.
To check appointments or find out if a service is offered online, go to mydmv.colorado.gov.


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--A look at the Avalanche’s highest-scoring playoff games

The Avalanche ’ s offense struck like a hammer on Monday , tallying seven goals in a win against the Arizona Coyotes to take a 3-1 lead in the first round of the Stanley Cup Finals .
Since Colorado arrived in Denver in 1995 , the team has scored at least seven goals five times in the playoffs for a record of 5-0 .
When they ’ ve scored at least six goals , the Avs have gone 12-0 .
When they score at least five , they are 32-1 , the lone loss to the Sharks on April 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at the Avs ’ highest scoring playoff games : If you want to win over a new fan base , this is a good start .
In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against Florida , the Avs walloped the Panthers , 8-1 , to take a 2-0 series lead .
Peter Forsberg led the way with a hat trick and Rene Corbet and Jon Klemm added two goals apiece .
After losing Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals , the Avs came out firing , scoring the first five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an 8-2 victory at the Pepsi Center .
Six different Colorado players scored , led by defenseman Rob Blake .
Five power-play goals — including a PP hat trick from Valeri Kamensky led the Avs to the first-round win at the Pepsi Center .
Adding insult to injury , Patrick Roy was a perfect in net , stopping 25 shots for the shutout .
The two teams combined for 12 total goals as Colorado edged Dallas , 7-5 , in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals .
The game was tied at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chris Drury scored — his second of the game — off of an assist from Joe Sakic .
Peter Forsberg added an empty netter to clinch the victory .
After scoring just two goals on 51 shots in Game 3 , the Avalanche pounded Arizona , 7-1 , on Monday to take a 3-1 first-round series lead .
Nazem Kadri has two goals and an assist in the victory .
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The Avalanche’s offense struck like a hammer on Tuesday, tallying eight goals from seven different players in an 8-6 win over the visiting Edmonton Oilers to take a 1-0 lead in the third round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Since Colorado arrived in Denver in 1995, the team has scored at least seven goals 10 times in the playoffs for a record of 10-0. When the Avs reach eight goals, they are 3-0.
Here’s a look at the Avs’ highest-scoring playoff games (updated June 1, 2022):
1T. 8 — June 6, 1996 vs. Panthers
If you want to win over a new fan base, this is a good start. In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against Florida, the Avs walloped the Panthers, 8-1, to take a 2-0 series lead. Peter Forsberg led the way with a hat trick and Rene Corbet and Jon Klemm added two goals apiece.
1T. 8 — May 4, 2002 vs. Sharks
After losing Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Avs came out firing, scoring the first five goals of the game en route to an 8-2 victory at the Pepsi Center. Six different Colorado players scored, led by defenseman Rob Blake.
1T. 8 — May 31, 2022 vs. Oilers
Two of the NHL’s most-potent offenses kicked off their third-round series with a bang, combining for 14 goals and made the Ball Arena final scoreboard look like old-school Coors Field. Seven different Avs scored, led by a pair from J.T. Compher, to lift Colorado to an exciting, 8-6, win over the visiting Oilers in Game 1.
4T. 7 — April 24, 1997 vs. Blackhawks
Five power-play goals — including a PP hat trick from Valeri Kamensky led the Avs to the first-round win at the Pepsi Center. Adding insult to injury, Patrick Roy was a perfect in net, stopping 25 shots for the shutout.
4T. 7 — May 30, 1999 vs. Stars
The two teams combined for 12 total goals as Colorado edged Dallas, 7-5, in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. The game was tied at 5-apiece midway through the third period when Chris Drury scored — his second of the game — off of an assist from Joe Sakic. Peter Forsberg added an empty netter to clinch the victory.
4T. 7 — Aug. 17, 2020 vs. Coyotes
After scoring just two goals on 51 shots in Game 3, the Avalanche pounded Arizona, 7-1, on Monday to take a 3-1 first-round series lead. Nazem Kadri has two goals and an assist in the victory.
4T. 7 — Aug. 19, 2020 vs. Coyotes
Two days after crushing Arizona with seven goals, the Avs did it again in Game 5, beating the Coyotes 7-1 to win the series and advance to the second round. Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri each contributed with two goals.
4T. 7 — May 30, 2021 vs. Golden Knights
After sweeping the Blues in four games, the Avs kicked off their second-round series against Vegas in grand fashion, peppering the Knights, 7-1, in a chipping Game 1 at Ball Arena. Nathan MacKinnon and Gabe Landeskog scored two goals apiece and Cale Makar had four points (a goal and three assists) in the victory.
4T. 7 — May 3, 2022 vs. Predators
Colorado kicked off the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a bang, cruising to a 7-2 Game 1 rout of the Blues at Ball Arena. The Avs had five first-period goals — tying a club record for goals in a postseason period. Cale Makar had three points in the first — a goal and two assists — to lead the way.
4T. 7 — May 7, 2022 vs. Predators
Just four days after pounding the Predators in Game 1, Colorado crushed Nashville, 7-3, at Bridgestone Arena in the first-round series. Captain Gabe Landeskog picked up a hat trick and Cale Makar added three assists.
11T. 6 — 25 times
Source: Hockey-reference.com


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Metro Denver apartment construction on track to drop by half

Developers are on track to deliver half as many apartments in metro Denver this year as they did last year , marking the second-largest dropoff in new apartment construction of any major metro area , according to a report from RENTCafé and Yardi Matrix .
Nationally , apartment deliveries are expected to drop 12 % compared to last year as builders cope with labor shortages , difficulties in obtaining financing and permitting delays , the report said .
Some locations also implemented temporary construction bans during the early weeks of the pandemic , although Colorado categorized housing construction as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active metros for apartment construction , 13 are expected to see fewer new units .
Miami is expected to see the biggest percentage decline at 53 % , followed by Denver at 51 % .
While it might be tempting to point a finger at the pandemic , delivering a multi-family project takes years of planning , said Doug Ressler , senior analyst and manager of business intelligence at Yardi Matrix .
After financing is in place and construction underway , developers tend to push through .
“ Once it became evident late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and more units were slated for delivery , many projects stopped both because they couldn ’ t get construction financing and also because there were insufficient construction crews available .
Prices for construction also rose at almost 5 % a month , so the whole industry slowed down , ” he said in an email .
Over the past five years , metro Denver has added about 47,000 apartments , including 11,618 last year , according to Yardi Matrix .
This year , Yardi Matrix expects 5,695 new units will be added , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leader to a laggard in apartment construction .
One area where the pandemic could create trouble for landlords involves shifting attitudes about urban living .
As people try to socially distance , they are leaving more densely populated areas , contributing to higher vacancies and lower rents in places like New York City and San Francisco .
The region ’ s apartment construction is heavily concentrated in central Denver rather than the suburbs .
But metro Denver remains a place where people want to live .
The region had a big drop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see completions come roaring back in 2018 .
Earlier this summer , Apartment Insights , a local firm , counted 22,000 apartments as under construction in the Denver area with 40,000 in the planning pipeline .

Developers are on track to deliver half as many apartments in metro Denver this year as they did last year, marking the second-largest dropoff in new apartment construction of any major metro area, according to a report from RENTCafé and Yardi Matrix.
Nationally, apartment deliveries are expected to drop 12% compared to last year as builders cope with labor shortages, difficulties in obtaining financing and permitting delays, the report said. Some locations also implemented temporary construction bans during the early weeks of the pandemic, although Colorado categorized housing construction as an essential activity.
Of the 20 most active metros for apartment construction, 13 are expected to see fewer new units. Miami is expected to see the biggest percentage decline at 53%, followed by Denver at 51%.
While it might be tempting to point a finger at the pandemic, delivering a multi-family project takes years of planning, said Doug Ressler, senior analyst and manager of business intelligence at Yardi Matrix. After financing is in place and construction underway, developers tend to push through.
“Once it became evident late last year that rent growth was slowing and more units were slated for delivery, many projects stopped both because they couldn’t get construction financing and also because there were insufficient construction crews available. Prices for construction also rose at almost 5% a month, so the whole industry slowed down,” he said in an email.
Over the past five years, metro Denver has added about 47,000 apartments, including 11,618 last year, according to Yardi Matrix. This year, Yardi Matrix expects 5,695 new units will be added, which will take the metro area from a leader to a laggard in apartment construction.
One area where the pandemic could create trouble for landlords involves shifting attitudes about urban living. As people try to socially distance, they are leaving more densely populated areas, contributing to higher vacancies and lower rents in places like New York City and San Francisco. The region’s apartment construction is heavily concentrated in central Denver rather than the suburbs.
But metro Denver remains a place where people want to live. The region had a big drop in apartment construction in 2017, only to see completions come roaring back in 2018. Earlier this summer, Apartment Insights, a local firm, counted 22,000 apartments as under construction in the Denver area with 40,000 in the planning pipeline.


thedenverpost--2020-08-19--Ask Amy: Dinner party reveals problem without a name

Dear Amy : A couple of years ago , an acquaintance of ours hosted a dinner party .
I was only acquainted with half the people there .
The hostess didn ’ t make introductions .
One person present was someone I had met a few times .
( I ’ ll call her “ Jane.
” ) I knew that Jane had a partner , “ Joan , ” whom I had only met once years before .
At the dinner , Jane was sitting next to a man .
At one point I stared across the table because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was Jane ’ s brother , or if Joan was transitioning to male .
I admit that I feel bad for staring , but I was trying to figure out if we had met .
We spoke briefly afterward , and they made no attempt to reintroduce themselves to me .
After they left , the hostess explained that Joan was now “ John ” and how they hate to have to explain themselves or their pronoun , which is “ they.
” I tried to joke : “ I didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hostess replied , “ It wasn ’ t my memo to send.
” I think the hostess could have spared some social awkwardness with one quick sentence privately , like “ Joan is John now , deal with it , ” which would have been fine with me .
I am still angry with the hostess for leaving us floundering as to who was at the party .
What do you think ?
Dear Befuddled : Let us for a moment go back to nursery school .
Have you ever noticed that when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ names , they don ’ t talk to them ?
Names : We have them for a reason .
Now let ’ s talk about this hostess .
Who invites a bunch of previously unacquainted ( or semi-acquainted ) people to their home and then doesn ’ t introduce ( or re-introduce ) them to each other at the beginning of the evening ?
I mean , if you ’ re going to make a cassoulet , you can certainly make an introduction .
Now onto you .
In the absence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduce yourself to people ?
“ Hi .
I ’ m Befuddled Guest .
But please , you can call me Befuddled .
Tell me your name ?
” If the person answers by saying , “ We ’ ve met before ” ( I get this a lot ) , you can say , as I always do , “ Oh , I ’ m so sorry , I ’ ve forgotten that .
Remind me of your name ?
” I agree that it is not the hostess ’ s job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gender transition in advance of the party .
It IS the hostess ’ s job to introduce her guests to one another .
If you know someone ’ s name , you don ’ t have to ponder or puzzle over their gender .
Granted , “ John ” is likely a male .
“ Courtney ” might be a man or a woman .
But gender identity doesn ’ t matter , because when you know someone ’ s name , you can just address them by their name , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take it from there .
Dear Amy : I read several advice columns every day .
I am nearly 70 , a U.S. Navy veteran and thanks to the GI bill , have a BS in health and human services .
I was a high school teacher , volunteered at a hospice center , and did in-home assessments for a nonprofit .
With ALL of the requests from people asking for advice about , “ What do I do when it comes to caring for my loved one ?
” I have done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience .
Amy , please advise your readers to make sure that they have planned for the future !
MY results show that about 90 percent of the folks that I have interviewed do not have any EOL ( end of life ) plans , i.e.
, DNR or “ Full Code.
” Please advise the family members to talk about how their elders are doing and to review these plans with them , so there is less shock and confusion when the time comes .
Dear Bruce : Just yesterday I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very thing !
I will be working on my EOL plans in the coming weeks and urge readers to do the same .
Thank you so much for this important reminder .
Dear Amy : Reflecting on the burdens of caregiving , your recent line : “ As a liberated caregiver , I would give anything to be annoyed again , ” brought me to tears .
My parents drove me crazy during all those years when they were bothering me with their needs .
I miss them so much now that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most painful aspects of caregiving elderly loved ones is that you know how it is going to end .

Dear Amy: A couple of years ago, an acquaintance of ours hosted a dinner party. I was only acquainted with half the people there. The hostess didn’t make introductions.
One person present was someone I had met a few times. (I’ll call her “Jane.”)
I knew that Jane had a partner, “Joan,” whom I had only met once years before.
At the dinner, Jane was sitting next to a man.
At one point I stared across the table because I was trying to determine if this was Jane’s brother, or if Joan was transitioning to male.
I admit that I feel bad for staring, but I was trying to figure out if we had met.
We spoke briefly afterward, and they made no attempt to reintroduce themselves to me.
After they left, the hostess explained that Joan was now “John” and how they hate to have to explain themselves or their pronoun, which is “they.”
I tried to joke: “I didn’t get the memo.” To which the hostess replied, “It wasn’t my memo to send.”
I think the hostess could have spared some social awkwardness with one quick sentence privately, like “Joan is John now, deal with it,” which would have been fine with me.
I am still angry with the hostess for leaving us floundering as to who was at the party. What do you think?
— Befuddled Guest
Dear Befuddled: Let us for a moment go back to nursery school. Have you ever noticed that when children don’t know other kids’ names, they don’t talk to them?
Names: We have them for a reason.
Now let’s talk about this hostess. Who invites a bunch of previously unacquainted (or semi-acquainted) people to their home and then doesn’t introduce (or re-introduce) them to each other at the beginning of the evening? I mean, if you’re going to make a cassoulet, you can certainly make an introduction.
Now onto you. In the absence of hostess-courtesy, why didn’t you introduce yourself to people? “Hi. I’m Befuddled Guest. But please, you can call me Befuddled. Tell me your name?” If the person answers by saying, “We’ve met before” (I get this a lot), you can say, as I always do, “Oh, I’m so sorry, I’ve forgotten that. Remind me of your name?”
I agree that it is not the hostess’s job to deliver the memo about a guest’s gender transition in advance of the party. It IS the hostess’s job to introduce her guests to one another.
If you know someone’s name, you don’t have to ponder or puzzle over their gender. Granted, “John” is likely a male. “Courtney” might be a man or a woman. But gender identity doesn’t matter, because when you know someone’s name, you can just address them by their name, see them as fellow humans, and take it from there.
Dear Amy: I read several advice columns every day. I am nearly 70, a U.S. Navy veteran and thanks to the GI bill, have a BS in health and human services.
I was a high school teacher, volunteered at a hospice center, and did in-home assessments for a nonprofit.
With ALL of the requests from people asking for advice about, “What do I do when it comes to caring for my loved one?” I have done an informal study over MY years of experience.
Amy, please advise your readers to make sure that they have planned for the future! MY results show that about 90 percent of the folks that I have interviewed do not have any EOL (end of life) plans, i.e., DNR or “Full Code.”
Please advise the family members to talk about how their elders are doing and to review these plans with them, so there is less shock and confusion when the time comes.
— Bruce
Dear Bruce: Just yesterday I was talking to a family member about this very thing! I will be working on my EOL plans in the coming weeks and urge readers to do the same. Thank you so much for this important reminder.
Dear Amy: Reflecting on the burdens of caregiving, your recent line: “As a liberated caregiver, I would give anything to be annoyed again,” brought me to tears. My parents drove me crazy during all those years when they were bothering me with their needs.
I miss them so much now that it physically hurts.
— A Fan
Dear Fan: One of the most painful aspects of caregiving elderly loved ones is that you know how it is going to end.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Kiszla: Paul Millsap is $30 million of dead weight. Nuggets need to bench him to avoid getting bounc

Kiszla: Paul Millsap is $30 million of dead weight. Nuggets need to bench him to avoid getting bounced from NBA playoffs by Utah.

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. – The Nuggets ’ bubble is about to burst .
Their pathetic defense succeeds only as an exercise in social distancing .
Injured starter Will Barton has gone home .
And his teammates acted as if they didn ’ t want to be here during a distressing 124-105 playoff loss to Utah on Wednesday .
“ We can ’ t be afraid to look in the mirror and see why we lost , ” Denver coach Michael Malone said afterward .
The first person requiring deep reflection is Malone .
He ’ s paid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to bench veteran forward Paul Millsap , who has been $ 30 million of dead weight since Denver arrived in Florida more than a month ago .
Yes , Malone will be tempted to stay the course .
But just as he reluctantly benched a struggling Barton in order to survive a first-round scare from San Antonio a year ago , Malone must contemplate a lineup change again now .
“ We ’ re not going to panic after a loss , ” Malone insisted .
But if Denver wants to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to change in a big way .
And pronto .
With the best-of-seven series tied 1-1 but momentum shamelessly making goo-goo eyes at the Jazz , it ’ s long past time for the Denver front office to flush foolish pride down the same drain where Tim Connelly tossed a three-year deal ( for the ridiculous amount of $ 90 million ) to Millsap .
With an app on my cell phone showing test results that proved me to be COVID-free , I was granted admission for the first time to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Know one of the most striking things about the Hoops House of the Mouse on the Disney campus ?
Everything , from virtual fans on giant monitors to a camera mounted on a track chugging up and down the sideline opposite the team benches , is meticulously constructed , with enough technological artistry to impress Elon Musk .
But … Games here feel more like they ’ re being staged on the set of a TV game show than inside an arena where you can smell both the beer breath and the passion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Why is this important ?
Despite the league ’ s best efforts to pump up the volume with an endless playlist of party tunes played on top of canned crowd noise , it ’ s almost eerie how a losing team stews in silence as a game slips away .
“ We have to get on each other more .
We ’ ve got to keep the energy up , ” Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said.
” I feel like we got flat , especially that third quarter.
” Since the days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roamed the earth , there ’ s been a tendency for a team that wins the playoff series-opener to relax and be rocked by the intense desperation of its foe in Game 2 .
That ’ s precisely what happened on this sunny Florida afternoon , when the Nuggets couldn ’ t rally without the uplifting noise of Pepsi Center , which they missed almost as much as Barton .
He has decided after weeks of failing to get an aching knee healthy to depart the bubble and seek more focused rehab elsewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proud as any in America .
Maybe they could ’ ve pulled the Nuggets out of their funk , before the team got whacked with a 43-29 Utah hammer shot in the third quarter .
Well , you have to admire the Nuggets for being coronavirus aware and diligently staying at least 6 feet away whenever Donovan Mitchell , Joe Ingles or Jordan Clarkson launched a shot from beyond the 3-point arc .
When Utah took an 81-62 lead with six minutes , 13 seconds , remaining in the third period , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-ball , making 16-of-29 attempts .
Denver is down two injured starters , and at this point , it ’ s probably wishful thinking to expect Gary Harris to contribute much more to the cause than Barton , who sounds as if he might be done for the playoffs .
“ For us , it means we have to step up , ” said forward Michael Porter Jr. , who scored 28 points .
“ One of our best players is out .
If we want to do big things out here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team effort and we ’ re all going to have to step up in a major way.
” Malone needs to shorten his rotation and stop hoping for a miracle from Millsap .
He has been awful for more than a month , averaging a measly 8.3 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 43.3 % from the field .
Averaging 15.5 points in the bubble and much more adept at getting out to pressure Utah ’ s 3-point attempts , shouldn ’ t inserting Grant in Millsap ’ s place be a no-brainer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stung .
But it ’ s time to move on .
“ If we let this stay with us going into Game 3 , it will be more of the same , ” Malone said .
A hurting team can not afford to have anything less than its five best players on the court .

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Nuggets’ bubble is about to burst. Their pathetic defense succeeds only as an exercise in social distancing. Injured starter Will Barton has gone home. And his teammates acted as if they didn’t want to be here during a distressing 124-105 playoff loss to Utah on Wednesday.
“We can’t be afraid to look in the mirror and see why we lost,” Denver coach Michael Malone said afterward.
The first person requiring deep reflection is Malone. He’s paid to make tough decisions. It’s time to bench veteran forward Paul Millsap, who has been $30 million of dead weight since Denver arrived in Florida more than a month ago.
Insert Jerami Grant in the starting lineup.
Yes, Malone will be tempted to stay the course. But just as he reluctantly benched a struggling Barton in order to survive a first-round scare from San Antonio a year ago, Malone must contemplate a lineup change again now.
“We’re not going to panic after a loss,” Malone insisted.
Panic? There’s no need.
But if Denver wants to avoid a first-round upset, something’s got to change in a big way. And pronto.
With the best-of-seven series tied 1-1 but momentum shamelessly making goo-goo eyes at the Jazz, it’s long past time for the Denver front office to flush foolish pride down the same drain where Tim Connelly tossed a three-year deal (for the ridiculous amount of $90 million) to Millsap.
With an app on my cell phone showing test results that proved me to be COVID-free, I was granted admission for the first time to be an eye-witness in the NBA bubble. Know one of the most striking things about the Hoops House of the Mouse on the Disney campus?
Everything, from virtual fans on giant monitors to a camera mounted on a track chugging up and down the sideline opposite the team benches, is meticulously constructed, with enough technological artistry to impress Elon Musk. But …
Games here feel more like they’re being staged on the set of a TV game show than inside an arena where you can smell both the beer breath and the passion of thousands of crazed fans smushed together.
Why is this important?
Despite the league’s best efforts to pump up the volume with an endless playlist of party tunes played on top of canned crowd noise, it’s almost eerie how a losing team stews in silence as a game slips away.
“We have to get on each other more. We’ve got to keep the energy up,” Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said.”I feel like we got flat, especially that third quarter.”
Since the days when George Mikan and glorious basketball dinosaurs roamed the earth, there’s been a tendency for a team that wins the playoff series-opener to relax and be rocked by the intense desperation of its foe in Game 2.
That’s precisely what happened on this sunny Florida afternoon, when the Nuggets couldn’t rally without the uplifting noise of Pepsi Center, which they missed almost as much as Barton. He has decided after weeks of failing to get an aching knee healthy to depart the bubble and seek more focused rehab elsewhere.
Denver fans are as loud and proud as any in America. Maybe they could’ve pulled the Nuggets out of their funk, before the team got whacked with a 43-29 Utah hammer shot in the third quarter.
“We guarded nobody,” Malone harrumphed.
Well, you have to admire the Nuggets for being coronavirus aware and diligently staying at least 6 feet away whenever Donovan Mitchell, Joe Ingles or Jordan Clarkson launched a shot from beyond the 3-point arc. When Utah took an 81-62 lead with six minutes, 13 seconds, remaining in the third period, the Jazz had been ridiculously accurate with the 3-ball, making 16-of-29 attempts.
Denver is down two injured starters, and at this point, it’s probably wishful thinking to expect Gary Harris to contribute much more to the cause than Barton, who sounds as if he might be done for the playoffs.
“For us, it means we have to step up,” said forward Michael Porter Jr., who scored 28 points. “One of our best players is out. If we want to do big things out here, it’s going to take a team effort and we’re all going to have to step up in a major way.”
Malone needs to shorten his rotation and stop hoping for a miracle from Millsap. He has been awful for more than a month, averaging a measly 8.3 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 43.3% from the field.
Averaging 15.5 points in the bubble and much more adept at getting out to pressure Utah’s 3-point attempts, shouldn’t inserting Grant in Millsap’s place be a no-brainer?
The lopsided nature of this loss stung. But it’s time to move on. “If we let this stay with us going into Game 3, it will be more of the same,” Malone said.
A hurting team cannot afford to have anything less than its five best players on the court.
Bench Millsap. Start Grant.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Jazz stifle Nuggets’ Jamal Murray in Game 2 with clever adjustment: “Now it’s our turn”

For two days the Jazz had to live with Jamal Murray nightmares , the type that leave you trailing a series despite a historic 57-point explosion by one of your own .
And Jazz coach Quin Snyder was determined to get a good night ’ s sleep .
Utah opened Wednesday ’ s Game 2 with rugged wing Royce O ’ Neale checking Murray instead of veteran Joe Ingles .
There was no erasing the memory of Murray torching Ingles throughout Monday ’ s fourth quarter and overtime sessions despite the size advantage he seemingly had over him .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was O ’ Neale ’ s job to bottle up Denver ’ s precocious point guard .
In large part , the tweak worked .
Murray finished with an unremarkable 14 points and four assists in 30 minutes in the Game 2 pounding .
That defensive assignment had nothing to do with the collapse of Denver ’ s 3-point defense , but it certainly impeded its ability to claw back .
“ If you want to credit them scoring 124 points and limiting us to 105 ( to that matchup ) you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , ” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said sharply .
Murray had just four points at halftime , when the game was still close , and was almost a non-factor alongside Denver ’ s two other pillars , Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr .
Meanwhile , Jazz star Donovan Mitchell authored another exemplary , efficent performance with 30 points .
“ Their best players played well , ” Malone said .
“ We need our best players to play well .
That ’ s the bottom line , it ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His steady , self-assured postgame answers sold the idea that he wasn ’ t flustered by the tactic .
“ ( O ’ Neale ) was just pressing , ” Murray said .
“ We just got ta be more aggressive , we just got ta hold our spots more .
( He ) messed up the plays a couple times , makes it look worse.
” In the moments after Wednesday ’ s drubbing , Murray was already reassessing how his approach would differ in Game 3 .
“ Whether I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m taking my shot , just commit to it , ” Murray said .
“ Sometimes I get indecisive.
” Maybe O ’ Neale ’ s physicality was more impactful than anyone knew going in , but the Nuggets thrive when Murray plays with conviction .
He did in the third quarter , when he put his head down and bullied O ’ Neale for a team-high 10 points , though it barely registered in comparison to Utah ’ s 43-point flood .
If the Jazz stick with O ’ Neale on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should serve as a rough outline .
“ They made some adjustments and now it ’ s our turn to go make ours , ” Murray said .

For two days the Jazz had to live with Jamal Murray nightmares, the type that leave you trailing a series despite a historic 57-point explosion by one of your own.
And Jazz coach Quin Snyder was determined to get a good night’s sleep.
Utah opened Wednesday’s Game 2 with rugged wing Royce O’Neale checking Murray instead of veteran Joe Ingles. There was no erasing the memory of Murray torching Ingles throughout Monday’s fourth quarter and overtime sessions despite the size advantage he seemingly had over him.
One loss and 36 points later, it was O’Neale’s job to bottle up Denver’s precocious point guard. In large part, the tweak worked. Murray finished with an unremarkable 14 points and four assists in 30 minutes in the Game 2 pounding.
That defensive assignment had nothing to do with the collapse of Denver’s 3-point defense, but it certainly impeded its ability to claw back.
“If you want to credit them scoring 124 points and limiting us to 105 (to that matchup) you can, but I don’t buy that,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said sharply.
Murray had just four points at halftime, when the game was still close, and was almost a non-factor alongside Denver’s two other pillars, Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. Meanwhile, Jazz star Donovan Mitchell authored another exemplary, efficent performance with 30 points.
“Their best players played well,” Malone said. “We need our best players to play well. That’s the bottom line, it’s the playoffs.”
Murray knows it, too. His steady, self-assured postgame answers sold the idea that he wasn’t flustered by the tactic.
“(O’Neale) was just pressing,” Murray said. “We just gotta be more aggressive, we just gotta hold our spots more. (He) messed up the plays a couple times, makes it look worse.”
In the moments after Wednesday’s drubbing, Murray was already reassessing how his approach would differ in Game 3.
“Whether I’m going downhill or whether I’m taking my shot, just commit to it,” Murray said. “Sometimes I get indecisive.”
Maybe O’Neale’s physicality was more impactful than anyone knew going in, but the Nuggets thrive when Murray plays with conviction. He did in the third quarter, when he put his head down and bullied O’Neale for a team-high 10 points, though it barely registered in comparison to Utah’s 43-point flood.
If the Jazz stick with O’Neale on Murray, Wednesday’s third quarter should serve as a rough outline.
“They made some adjustments and now it’s our turn to go make ours,” Murray said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Nazem Kadri sheds hot-head image as Avalanche advances past Coyotes in first round

Nazem Kadri allowed his temper to outshine his talent .
One season with the Avalanche flipped that hockey reputation on its head .
“ The smile says it all , ” Kadri said Wednesday , of course , with a huge grin .
He spoke after Colorado advanced past Arizona in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a Game 5 blowout , 7-1 , with Kadri extending his stretch of brilliant play in the Edmonton bubble .
He scored twice in the first period to bring his postseason total to six goals — tied for most in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
And , perhaps as important , Kadri advanced to the second round without spending a single minute in the penalty box .
It ’ s a complete role reversal from the 2018 and ’ 19 NHL postseasons , when Kadri , while playing for Toronto , received multi-game suspensions for illegal first-round hits in consecutive playoffs .
The Avs traded for Kadri in July 2019 , with plans to harness that aggression into a dependable but gritty center to anchor the second line .
“ I talked with Naz when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about his history in Toronto , some of the penalties and his reputation , ” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said .
“ He stated right away that he had made some mistakes there , that he was sort of past that and it wouldn ’ t be a problem .
I said … ‘ I want you to play your game , be physical and sort of tow the line .
Be highly competitive , be a difference-maker for us , but I don ’ t want you in the ( penalty ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re too big a piece to our team.
’ ” “ You want to learn from your mistakes and I ’ m trying to mature as a person , a player , and as a teammate , ” Kadri said .
“ I ’ m trying to stay calm out there and composed .
I want to help my team win and I think staying in games would do that.
” Kadri was most dominant as part of the Avs ’ top power-play unit .
He netted four PP goals in the Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Avalanche player in the postseason since Joe Sakic scored five power-play goals in 2001 over four rounds .
“ Naz has really found a way to impact our hockey club in a great way , ” Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said .
“ He ’ s that little extra sandpaper that I felt we needed last year .
He ’ s one of those guys who can help out in all areas of the game.
” Back in July , it would have been easy for Colorado to pass on Kadri considering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creating headaches , though , Kadri has established himself as a consistent point producer with the maturity of an established leader this postseason .
“ All the kudos belong to the team , ” Kadri said .
“ They opened up their locker room and have made me feel at home since Day 1 .
They ’ ve done a great job of that and embraced my play and who I am off of the ice .
Of course , I ’ ve been around for a while , so I try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The team and the organization has accepted me and allowed me to do what I do best .
That ’ s something that ’ s much appreciated .
”

Nazem Kadri allowed his temper to outshine his talent.
One season with the Avalanche flipped that hockey reputation on its head.
“The smile says it all,” Kadri said Wednesday, of course, with a huge grin.
He spoke after Colorado advanced past Arizona in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a Game 5 blowout, 7-1, with Kadri extending his stretch of brilliant play in the Edmonton bubble. He scored twice in the first period to bring his postseason total to six goals — tied for most in the NHL (Bo Horvat, Vancouver). And, perhaps as important, Kadri advanced to the second round without spending a single minute in the penalty box.
It’s a complete role reversal from the 2018 and ’19 NHL postseasons, when Kadri, while playing for Toronto, received multi-game suspensions for illegal first-round hits in consecutive playoffs. The Avs traded for Kadri in July 2019, with plans to harness that aggression into a dependable but gritty center to anchor the second line.
“I talked with Naz when he first got to us a little bit about his history in Toronto, some of the penalties and his reputation,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “He stated right away that he had made some mistakes there, that he was sort of past that and it wouldn’t be a problem. I said … ‘I want you to play your game, be physical and sort of toe the line. Be highly competitive, be a difference-maker for us, but I don’t want you in the (penalty) box all the time. You’re too big a piece to our team.’”
It appears Kadri’s image makeover is complete.
“You want to learn from your mistakes and I’m trying to mature as a person, a player, and as a teammate,” Kadri said. “I’m trying to stay calm out there and composed. I want to help my team win and I think staying in games would do that.”
Kadri was most dominant as part of the Avs’ top power-play unit. He netted four PP goals in the Arizona series, which ranks the most by an Avalanche player in the postseason since Joe Sakic scored five power-play goals in 2001 over four rounds.
“Naz has really found a way to impact our hockey club in a great way,” Avs captain Gabe Landeskog said. “He’s that little extra sandpaper that I felt we needed last year. He’s one of those guys who can help out in all areas of the game.”
Back in July, it would have been easy for Colorado to pass on Kadri considering his sordid playoff history. Instead of creating headaches, though, Kadri has established himself as a consistent point producer with the maturity of an established leader this postseason.
“All the kudos belong to the team,” Kadri said. “They opened up their locker room and have made me feel at home since Day 1. They’ve done a great job of that and embraced my play and who I am off of the ice. Of course, I’ve been around for a while, so I try to take on more of a leadership role.
“The team and the organization has accepted me and allowed me to do what I do best. That’s something that’s much appreciated.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-20--Michael Porter Jr. finds little solace in strong offensive performance after Nuggets loss

Michael Porter Jr. isn ’ t trying to focus on any positives .
Not after the 124-105 drubbing the Denver Nuggets took Wednesday from the Utah Jazz in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series — a loss that evened the series 1-1 .
“ Twenty-eight points doesn ’ t really mean anything when you get beat , ” he said .
The rookie ’ s play on offense was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dark affair for Denver .
In just under 33 minutes , Porter dropped 28 points to match Nikola Jokic for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward also grabbed six rebounds , with his 58.8 % shooting ( 10-of-17 ) tops among Nuggets who played more than six minutes .
His strong showing came after a spotty Game 1 performance , but for Porter the only numbers that matter are the ones on the scoreboard .
“ I don ’ t think I played the best game I could play , ” he said .
“ There are a lot of areas I ’ ve got to improve on , some adjustments I ’ ve got to make , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team.
” With Will Baron out indefinitely , and defensive-minded Torrey Craig tasked with guarding Utah ’ s Donovan Mitchell , Porter has been forced to shoulder more of the scoring load for the Nuggets .
That point guard Jamal Murray attempted just two 3-pointers only compounded the need for the rookie to step up on the offensive end .
And step up he did : Porter made 6-of-9 from beyond the 3-point arc , even as Utah defenders closed out on him once he established he had it going from deep .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ face .
“ I have a pretty high release , so I don ’ t really know what it looks like on TV , but it doesn ’ t feel like they have a hand in my face , ” he said .
“ They feel like open shots.
” Despite his offensive output , Porter was critical of his own lack of aggressiveness searching for his shot , especially as he spends more time with the starting group and learns to mesh his game with Jokic and Murray .
Defense , however @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harshest on himself .
The Nuggets , he said , struggled with help defense but he added poor one-on-one defense was the root of most of their problems .
Utah ’ s guards created shots at will or blew by defenders to get into the lane .
Porter said he must focus harder on that end .
“ I just need to lock in every possession , have a fly-around mentality , and try to be just as good on the defensive end as on the offensive end , ” he said .

Michael Porter Jr. isn’t trying to focus on any positives.
Not after the 124-105 drubbing the Denver Nuggets took Wednesday from the Utah Jazz in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series — a loss that evened the series 1-1.
“Twenty-eight points doesn’t really mean anything when you get beat,” he said.
The rookie’s play on offense was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dark affair for Denver.
In just under 33 minutes, Porter dropped 28 points to match Nikola Jokic for the team lead in scoring. The 6-foot-10 forward also grabbed six rebounds, with his 58.8% shooting (10-of-17) tops among Nuggets who played more than six minutes.
His strong showing came after a spotty Game 1 performance, but for Porter the only numbers that matter are the ones on the scoreboard.
“I don’t think I played the best game I could play,” he said. “There are a lot of areas I’ve got to improve on, some adjustments I’ve got to make, as well as the rest of the team.”
With Will Barton out indefinitely, and defensive-minded Torrey Craig tasked with guarding Utah’s Donovan Mitchell, Porter has been forced to shoulder more of the scoring load for the Nuggets. That point guard Jamal Murray attempted just two 3-pointers only compounded the need for the rookie to step up on the offensive end.
And step up he did: Porter made 6-of-9 from beyond the 3-point arc, even as Utah defenders closed out on him once he established he had it going from deep. Several makes came with hands in his face.
“I have a pretty high release, so I don’t really know what it looks like on TV, but it doesn’t feel like they have a hand in my face,” he said. “They feel like open shots.”
Despite his offensive output, Porter was critical of his own lack of aggressiveness searching for his shot, especially as he spends more time with the starting group and learns to mesh his game with Jokic and Murray.
Defense, however, was the topic he was the harshest on himself. The Nuggets, he said, struggled with help defense but he added poor one-on-one defense was the root of most of their problems. Utah’s guards created shots at will or blew by defenders to get into the lane. Porter said he must focus harder on that end.
“I just need to lock in every possession, have a fly-around mentality, and try to be just as good on the defensive end as on the offensive end,” he said.