Game 59 Preview: Colorado Avalanche at San Jose Sharks

Things have gotten interesting in Denver lately. I don't think it was much surprise to anyone that Craig Anderson was traded. The fact that it was for Brian Elliott? Well, perhaps more so. What's really shaken things up is the deal that sent Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk to St. Louis in return for Jay McClement and Erik Johnson. We will get to see tonight the impact of that trade as the Sharks are hot right now. They've won 11 out of their last 14 and have raised their stock from bottom basement just a couple of months ago to 5th in the conference. On Friday, they had some movement, too, acquiring Ian White from the Hurricanes. White will add some much needed support and depth on the blueline for San Jose.

The Avs will be without the help of new goaltender Elliott as he needs to clear visa issues before being able to backstop for the burgundy and blue. However, both Johnson and McClement will be in the line up. Personally, I'm expecting some improvement on special teams with this move. Time will tell.

What else is there to say, really? We all know the score. The Avalanche need to dig their way out of this hole mired with losing, and it's not going to be easy. The team did put in a much better performance against the Penguins earlier this week, but let's face it. That was a depleted team who was icing as many AHLers as the Avs. Against a healthy Sharks club? Who knows what will happen. Let's just hope they come out with energy and hunger.