Bits and Links

Here's a preview for the game against Dallas

Avs have won 7 of 10 and with their goaltending solidified could go on a strong run. They’ve won four of the last five meetings with Dallas including a 5-0 home blowout earlier this season.

And another preview

Colorado has outscored its opponents 49-29 during five-on-five play this season.

A note about O'Byrne

In four games, O'Byrne has an assist, 17 hits, 10 blocked shots and is a solid plus-4. The Avalanche has won three of those games to climb back into a playoff position in the Western Conference.

A recap

All it took was a stick to face to energize Duchene.

Just before his scoring spree, Duchene took a stick to the lip from New York forward Ruslan Fedotenko. Duchene briefly retreated to the locker room, thinking he might need stitches, before returning to the bench more determined.

Something tells me John Tortorella isn't happy...

"Their forwards were better than our forwards; their defense was better than our defense; and their goaltending was better than our goaltending," Rangers head coach John Tortorella said flatly after the game.

Dallas news reporting that Anderson will start again

Colorado goalie Craig Anderson returned Friday night after sitting out three weeks with a knee injury and allowed only one goal on 26 shots in a 5-1 Avalanche win at home over the New York Rangers . Afterward, Avs coach Joe Sacco said he plans to start Anderson again tonight at AAC instead of backup Peter Budaj, who shut out the Stars, 5-0, at Colorado two weeks ago during Anderson's absence.

According to the denverpost.com/avalanche Peter Budaj will get the nod tonight!

Another recap

The Rangers won just 39% of the faceoffs, were outhit 24-23 and saw the Avalanche block 16 of their shots to the eight that they got in the way of.