"Some NHL thoughts on a Sunday as the midway point of the season passes:

B Peter Mueller has guts. In the back of his mind, the Avalanche winger has to be scared every minute he's on the ice. Is another concussion just a moment away? How he has been able to keep a good attitude and persevere through nearly two years' worth of a concussion injury is beyond me. I used to have a little bit of envy for pro athletes just like everyone else, but no more. Not to say they are to be pitied, but having your livelihood sit on a string as it is for these guys, to have it yanked back and forth so easily, is not for the weak.

Sure, Mueller is making $2.5 million this year. He really is to be envied. But what good is money if you don't get to do what you really enjoy, and what kind of a price in peace of mind must it be to know your income could be zero starting next year? Not enough money in the world in my book.

And yet, Mueller has come back again, when everybody doubted it would happen. Still, he could be right back in a dark world of pain and uncertainty with the next hit. It takes guts to keep coming back to live a dream.

B The Avalanche isn't going anywhere until it starts to win tough games. There is plenty of hope for the Avs' future. There are a lot of nice young pieces in place, and enough guys care in the dressing room."