I could waste a lot of space previewing this game, but instead I'll just break it down into a list of things working for and against the Avalanche when they face the Chicago Blackhawks on the road tonight at the United Center. This is the first game of a four-game road trip.
Working For The Avs:
- Two-game winning streak
- Ryan Smyth on a rampage
- The Youngins (Stastny, Wolski, Svatos)
- The Blackhawks' defensive weakness
Working Against The Avs:
- Jose Theodore in net
- 0-2 record on the road so far
- Inconsistent defense
- The Youngins (Toews, Kane, Ruutu)
This game could really go either way. On paper, the Avalanche is a much stronger team by far than the 'Hawks, but with their twin road game collapses and Jose "I Can't Believe It's Not Budaj" Theodore getting a totally-undeserved start in net, it's a toss up.
I'll be live blogging at least until I can't take it anymore. The game starts at 7:30 PM Central Time (8:30 Eastern, 6:30 Mountain).
ESPN preview.