 |  |  |
| Colorado Avalanche | 8:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm MT | Phoenix Coyotes |
| 19-16-1 | December 31, 2008 | 17-15-5 |
| 39 points | Jobing.com Arena | 39 Points |
| 7th in West | Glendale, AZ | 8th in West |
It seems like the Avalanche have played the Coyotes ten times already this season. After I checked the schedule I realized they've only played twice, which seems hard to believe. In those two meetings, each team has won once, but the Avs have given the Coyotes three points in the standings (a win and an OT loss) while Phoenix has ceded only two points to the Avs. The teams have each scored six goals against the other this year.
The Avs are on a hard-to-believe three game winning streak, and despite having a first line center who is pointless since being given that job, the Avs have scored nine goals and have allowed only four in their last two games. Defenseman John-Michael Liles has finally found his offensive groove over the past three games and is responsible for seven points (3g, 4a) in that time. Ryan Smyth also has seven points (2g, 5a) in three games.
The Avs will need to keep leaning on these players if they want to keep winning. Them and goalie Peter Budaj, who has had two tremendous outings and is apparently out of coach Tony Granato's dog house. Budaj will get the start tonight.
ESPN preview.