Finally, after what seemed like the longest off-season of all time, the puck drops on the regular season for the Colorado Avalanche tonight at the Pepsi Center. It's about time!
The Dallas Stars come into this game with a 4-2-1 record in the pre-season, including a loss to and an overtime win against the Avs. Also of note is the fact that the Avalanche haven't beaten the Stars during the regular season since October 8 of 2005. Dallas also has a 7-0-3 record in their last ten season-opening games.
Mike Modano seems much older than Joe Sakic.
Colorado didn't lose a game in regulation during the pre-season, going 4-0-2 for 10 points and a three-way tie in the Northwest with Vancouver and Edmonton (Edmonton?!). The Avalanche offense was buzzing as usual, with Paul Stastny and Jaroslav Hlinka leading the way. Hlinka will make his official NHL debut tonight.
ESPN game preview.
The official start of the game is 7:30 PM Mountain Time (9:30 Eastern) and will be nationally televised on Versus. As you watch the game, keep it here at Mile High Hockey for some fun open threading!