Game 45 Preview: St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche

The fire that JS Giguere breathed into the Avalanche petered out on Friday as the team went back to their "we don't give a shit" ways. Semyon Varlamov started that game, and perhaps it's just coincidence the effort crashed without Jiggy (or a first-time rookie) in net. Or maybe it wasn't. As of this writing, Joe Sacco has not indicated whether he will return to the veteran netminder for tonight's game or not.

Unfortunately for all involved with the on-ice performance, papa Lacroix made an appearance during that shit storm, one of many he's had lately. Methinks someone is fed up with the losing. What he'll do about it is anyone's guess.

St. Louis is pretty secure for the playoffs. Although they haven't mathematically clinched a spot, the Blues sit safely at 6th in the conference, breathing down the necks of Los Angeles and San Jose for the 4th and 5th spots respectively. (Chicago has conference champs in the bag, so 4th is the highest St. Louie can get.) The team is hot hot hot right now, losing only 2 of their last 11. It's no surprise that Chris "Contract Year" Stewart is leading the team with 32 points. Kevin Shattenkirk sits only behind Alex Pietrangelo in scoring for the Blues blueline. FWIW, I still like the trade. Patience, young Skywalker.

PA Parenteau continues to be the juggernaut of the Avalanche offense with 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points. Matt Duchene is right behind him, though, at 39 points (16g, 23a). Not sure why, but Sacco split the dynamic duo up on Friday, shifting them out on different lines. Maybe this was about seeing possibilities for next season or looking at how other players perform when given new linemates. Whatever it was, PA didn't let it stop him from scoring. Another hot ticket lately is Cody "The Highlander" McLeod. There can be only one, indeed.

Tonight is Military Appreciation Night, and the Avs are doing it up right. This is something they definitely take to heart. Some details from the Avs website:

CAMOUFLAGE JERSEYS / T-SHIRTS FOR AUCTION

Avalanche players will wear special camouflage jerseys during warmup that night. The jerseys will be auctioned off online at auction.nhl.com starting April 21. Proceeds benefit Kroenke Sports Charities, which supports numerous agencies including military. Additionally, limited edition autographed camouflage t-shirts will be on sale that night.

FESTIVITIES

The Avalanche will have a number of events surrounding “Military Appreciation Night,” which includes a special pre-game ceremony where every branch of the United States military will be acknowledged. Veterans will also be recognized during the game and a future service member enlistment ceremony will take place during intermission.

Game is on TSN and NBCSN tonight at 6 pm MT.