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Game 10: Blue Jackets At Avalanche, Preview And Open Thread

By Joe Dunman






























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Columbus Blue Jackets
Colorado Avalanche
3-6-0 October 30, 2008 5-4-0
Pepsi Center
Denver, CO

The Columbus Blue Jackets, as usual, are having a rough time. They're currently on a three-game losing streak, and have given up (31) seven more goals than they've scored (24) in nine games. They're also down a goalie, having lost Pascal Leclaire to injury already. And coach Ken Hitchcock is considering moving Rick Nash to center to fill a gap in the lineup and boost scoring on a team struggling to light the lamp.
All this uncertainty and struggle is good for the Colorado Avalanche, especially against a team they have a long history of crushing at the Pepsi Center. The Jackets' record in Denver is 1-12-1.
The Avalanche need to regroup from their pathetic 3-0 loss to Calgary on Tuesday. Hopefully the return home will let them rest and recollect how to play offensive hockey, the kind of hockey that led them to a five-game winning streak during games four through eight. Unfortunately for certain members of the Denver press, however, Peter Budaj will be getting his scheduled rest day, and backup goalie Andrew Raycraft will be filling in. It's tough to blame everything on a guy who isn't playing.
But don't be surprised if somebody doesn't try.
The game starts at 7:00 PM Mountain, 9:00 PM Eastern.
ESPN preview.