A 6-1 drubbing of the division leading Calgary Flames was not the only surprise the Colorado Avalanche had in store for today. They also made two significant deals, one of them with those very same Flames

The myth that teams dont make big trades within their own division has been shattered this season, especially by the Colorado Avalanche and Calgary Flames. The two clubs hooked up for a deal of veterans today, marking the third deal of significance between these clubs since the summer.

Earlier this month the clubs completed a swap or Toni Lydman and Lee Sweatt for Trevor Daley and Shawn Lalonde. Today they made another move as Colorado sent defenceman Jay McKee and disgruntled forward Tim Jackman to the Calgary Flames for defencman Paul Mara forward Mike Knuble and goaltending prospect MacMillan Carruth. The deal came as a shock to everyone including McKee who had worked his way into the first unit defence pairing with Matias Ohlund.

"I was in total shock. No one even hinted that id be dealt. Very dissapointing as i loved this team and think they have all the makings of a contender"

To rub salt into the wounds, theteams played that very night and Colorado opened the floodgates, clobbering the Flames 6-1. It was the breakout this team was hoping for. "We were very proud of the effort tonight. To compete like this against the top team in the division is huge." stated coach Paul Maurice. "Its the first time all season id say we dominated in every facet. Hopefully this team is finally coming together."

Ironically, the very reason this deal was made was to help the bottom two lines out a bit as Knuble brings a wealth of experience, but this may have been the best game of the year for the 3rd and fourth lines. David Backes who may be the victim of demotion due to Knubles arrival was solid and Colin Wilson, James Wright and Zack Smith finally got on track.

"It was an all around effort, and i hope this continues" said GM Sentinel20. "The deal today would ahve been made regardless, i just feel it puts us in a better position. Jay McKee was superb for us last year, had one of the highest +/- ratings in the league, but he fell off a bit this year in my opinion. Unfourtunately his contract was a bit of an albatross, so we brign in a cheaper option in Mara, and Knuble will fit nicely ont he 3rd or 4th line."

When asked where this puts Backes he replied "We will cross that bridge when we come to it. Definately not trading him, but some time in the minors may be beneficial We feel Mayorov has been great on the 4th line and we dont want to sit Knuble at 3 mill so Backes may be caught in a number game."

As if this deal didnt strain their ca situation enoguh, the Avs later went out and acquired tough guy George Parros from Florida for a couple of picks in future drafts.

"This deal made sense for us from the standpoint that we were losing a tough guy in Jackman and i didnt want to get into a situation where we are getting pushed around. Not sure where exactly Parros will fit but just having him there will hopefully deter teams from taking liberties with my team."

The Avalanche now have a well deserved 3 days off before playing their first game out of the conference against the New Jersey Devils. It will be interesting to see leading up to the game what the lineup will look like.

"We have a lot more options today then we did yesterday thats fr sure" said Maurice. "I have a few ideas up my sleeve so stay tuned."

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