Avalanche Hit the Road: Look for Payback Against the Anaheim Ducks

When last we met the Colorado Avalanche managed just a single goal against the Ducksand gave up two power play goals as they took SEVEN trips to the sin bin.  The Ducks roster that night was missing star players like Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Teemu Selanne, and Saku Koivu, as well as starting goaltender Jonas Hiller.  The Avs wont be so lucky when they kick off the regular season on October 2nd against these same Ducks, so now is the time for Coach Roy and company to start making adjustments.

The Avalanche have played decent 5 on 5 hockey, but their power play is just 1/10 and the penalty kill is an alarming 9/13.  Giving up 4 power play goals in two nights, let alone 13 power play chances is no formula for success, especially since the Avs are yet to face a team that brings any top 6 forwards to the game. The Avs only have more 10 days to perfect Roy's special teams systems before everything counts, and the AHL mixed squads are swapped out for NHL talent.

Roster Notes:

- Nathan MacKinnon, who was held out of Friday's game with a hip flexor will miss his 2nd game

- Lets see if Chris Bigras gets his third consecutive preseason game, if they're really considering him for opening night, I'd hope he plays in all six.

- In case you missed it, the Avalanche cut 5 more from their roster:

• Gabriel Beaupre (47)

• Markus Lauridsen (51)

• Duncan Siemens (25)

• Karl Stollery (3)

• Michael Sgarbossa (43)

- As usual we'll have the rosters for tonight right here as soon as they become available.

The game will not be broadcast or streamed online, but our own Marc Moser has the call at 6PM on KRWZ 950 AM.