Didn’t we just do this? The Kings defeated the Avs 6-4 on Oct. 23rd.
What, are we supposed to be scared? Uh huh. Colorado has lost more than 150 man games to injury so far this season, but they keep on trucking. They are currently on a 6 game winning streak, sit atop the Northwest division, and have the most potent offense in the league (3.6 goals per game). Dancey-dance scoring machine Matt Duchene leads the way with 34 points. He and new linemate Tomas Fleischmann (formerly of the Capitals), the NHL’s 1st and 2nd stars of the week, have 9 points each in the last 6 games.
Much like Chicago, the Avs also give up quite a few goals (3.2 per game, 27th overall), though they benefit from steady help from goalie Craig Anderson once again (10-4-1, .906 SV%).
Speedy teams are always a challenge. Oh, and they’ve had days to rest up. Did anyone say this would be easy?
Hey, whatever happened to… Oscar Moller and John Zeiler have been reassigned to Manchester (where the Avs sure won’t miss him). Marco Sturm finally looks set to make his debut as a King, easing into play on the 4th line.
How’s that workin’ for ya? Colorado’s power play is 3rd Overall (23.9%); their penalty kill is 27th (78.3%).
OMG, did you hear about… Injured Kings: Parse, Greene, Mitchell; Injured Avs (I told you this list is epic): Peter Mueller, Kyle Cuminsky (concussions) Chris Stewart (hand), Kyle Quincey (shoulder, out the rest of the season), Milan Hejduk and Cody McLeod (groin). Second-leading scorer Paul Stastny (neck) is back.
Okay, well, nice to see you as always… Season series: Kings up, 1-0. It’s not a battle, it’s a war.