Game 71 Preview: Avalanche Look to Extend Win Streak Against Ducks

An early goal in OT by Ryan Kesler topped off a win on Wednesday that slightly diminished the LA Kings' playoff chances. The Anaheim Ducks will look to diminish those same hopes for the Colorado Avalanche tonight. Both teams are enjoying a three game winning streak right now, but the big difference is where the Ducks currently sit in the standings. Their 97 points puts them 10 points ahead of Vancouver in the Pacific, which makes it unlikely they'll be giving up that top spot. The Avalanche, however, currently sits seven points outside of the last Wild Card spot occupied by Winnipeg.

This is the second game of a back-to-back road trip that followed a four day break, so expect some fatigue on the part of the Avalanche. Roy made it clear this wonky schedule isn't making their playoff push any easier, and it's hard not to be annoyed when you see the Avs play a rested Ducks team that's been off since that win against the Kings. These teams haven't played since November, a 3-2 win for the Ducks. Emergency backup Jason LaBarbera was in net, his first NHL game in a year, but only faced 18 shots from the weary Avs.

Puck drops at 8PM MDT. Watch on Altitude. Listen on 94.1 FM

Fun fact:

Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen has 3 assists on the year. Varlamov has none.

Lines:

Gabriel Landeskog - Ryan O`Reilly - Alex Tanguay

John Mitchell - Matt Duchene - Jarome Iginla

Cody McLeod - Marc-Andre Cliche - Dennis Everberg

Jordan Caron - Freddie Hamilton - Daniel Briere

Nate Guenin - Tyson Barrie

Jan Hejda - Zach Redmond

Brad Stuart - Nick Holden

Semyon Varlamov

Reto Berra