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The last time the Ducks and the Avs met, the Ducks were in the midst of their worst start in franchise history, and the 3-0 victory for Colorado was third time the Ducks were shutout in their first four games. It was a highly forgettable contest that was also the debut of the team's new alternate uniforms. Since then Colorado has fallen flat on its collective face and proceeded to pull itself up and sits tied for the second Western Conference wild card berth, missing it by nature of having played one more game than the Minnesota Wild.
Last Games:
Ducks: Monday 3/7/16 vs. Washington Capitals (SO 1-2) "Best and Worst: Ducks' Franchise Record Streak Ends, Caps Win In Shootout 2-1"
Avalanche: Monday 3/7/16 vs. Arizona Coyotes (W 3-1) "Game Recap: Avalanche Defeat Coyotes 3-1"
Notes:
Ducks: This is the first of a brief two-game road trip for the Ducks that ends Friday in St. Louis. Despite the big win streak coming to an end on Monday, the Ducks are still carrying some rather large streaks of their own, including a standings-point streak that is now at 14 games. Additionally, the Ducks have won each of their last six road games; a win tonight would equal that franchise record.
Off the back of what was arguably his best performance of the season, John Gibson appears as though he will start for the Ducks once again, as reported by Eric Stevens of the OC Register. It doesn't appear there will be any lineup changes for this game. That being said, this will be the 20th and final game of the suspension given to Shawn Horcoff, who is eligible to return next game.
Avalanche: This is the fourth and final game of a homestand for Colorado. After riding the pine for the two previous contests, starting goaltender Semyon Varlamov was solid in their last outing, a 3-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes, and will start in net again tonight. Backup Reto Berra was in net for the Avalanche's win over Anaheim early this season. Forward Blake Comeau and defenseman Zack Redmond have both been dealing with injuries, but the Avalanche's official website notes that both are expected to play.
Big guns Matt Duchene (28-24-52), Nathan MacKinnon (20-29-49), and Gabriel Landeskog (17-29-46) once again lead the Avs in nearly all major offensive categories, however defenseman Tyson Barrie has also been a revelation this season, leading all Colorado defensemen with 45 points including a team-high 34 assists.
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Two hours before face off we'll have the game thread up, featuring the full Stat Pack, likely with expected lines, and of course your Numbers For Nerds.