Kings/Avalanche Gameday Thread: Preview inside! [Game #62]

Kings Roster Notes: (IN) Jonathan Quick, Brad Richardson, Kevin Westgarth. (OUT) Marco Sturm (claimed off waivers), Peter Harrold, Scott Parse. With Sturm gone, we will see the return of Richardson-Kopitar-Simmonds as the top line.

Avalanche Roster Notes: (IN) Brian Elliott (3.24 GAA, .892 SV%) Erik Johnson (OUT) Via trade: Kevin Shattenkirk, Chris Stewart, Craig Anderson. Injured: Kyle Cumiskey (whiplash), Tomas Fleischmann (blood clots), Adam Foote (leg), T.J. Galiardi (arm), Kyle Quincey (shoulder), Peter Mueller (concussion), Ryan O'Byrne (lacerations). For more info, visit Mile High Hockey.

The Avs have a much different roster than the team which lost to the Kings 5-0 on December 21st. Though they've struggled of late, some very talented players still remain: Matt Duchene leads the team in goals (21), Peter Statsny is tied with him in points (48), Erik Johnson is on a mission to make the Blues regret trading him for the rest of their lives, and Milan Hejduk has provided timely goal-scoring and solid veteran support. Meanwhile, the Kings are playing their third game in four days, and are dealing with last minute roster-shakeup to boot.

Keeping focused today will be crucial.  You don't even have to look at the standings to know just how many teams are nipping at their heels.  Can they buckle down once more?  I'm eager to find out.