The Avalanche are riding their longest winning streak in two months after topping the Edmonton Oilers in a shootout on Saturday. Unfortunately, about two hours before Stoa's first-ever NHL shootout attempt, the Dallas Stars went to overtime against the Philadelphia Flyers, thus eliminating the Avalanche from playoff contention. Yes, it is official; the Avalanche are now playing for pride, glory, a good draft pick, a job next year or, simply a paycheck. But they aren't playing for the postseason.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are still alive...but at 9 points back their season is effectively over as well. I think that might make for an entertaining game. The Blue Jackets have been shut out in their last two home games (Detroit and New Jersey), but beat Minnesota 5-4 in a road game sandwiched in between. The Avalanche had one of their better all-around efforts in a long time on Saturday and hope to build on that tonight. Personally, I'm done with the tank race. No matter what, the Avalanche will get a top 5 pick this summer, and that's good enough for me. Let's win the damn game.
Brian Elliott will get the call between the pipes tonight and Milan Hejduk will also return to the lineup.
PS you're welcome, 6 whores...
| Colorado | Columbus | |||
| 29th | 62 | Points | 20th | 76 |
| 19th | 2.73 | GF/G | 22nd | 2.65 |
| 30th | 3.51 | GA/G | 24th | 2.94 |
| 12th | 18.4 | PP% | 28th | 14.4 |
| 29th | 76.7 | PK% | 18th | 81.4 |
| 20th | 29.6 | S/G | 14th | 30.4 |
| 21st | 31.7 | SA/G | 11th | 30.0 |
| 18th | 50.1 | FO% | 7th | 51.3 |
| 18th | 13.1 | PIM/G | 23rd | 13.8 |
| Duchene | 56 pts | Top Scorer | Nash | 65 pts |