Colorado Avalanche: 5 Home Games to Watch in the Last 20
Though the playoffs are not a possibility for the Colorado Avalanche this season, there is still hockey to be watched.
The Colorado Avalanche have 20 games left. They have yet to reach 20 wins, and you may think this season is a total waste. Well, come late July, early August, we’re all going to be asking “Is it October yet?” because we miss hockey so much. So let’s enjoy the hockey we still have.
Interestingly, the Avalanche have more home (11) than away games left . So, if you’re in the Colorado area, you can attend them. Though none of these are meaningful playoffs-wise, they can still be interesting. And, a small boon to the Avs being bad — tickets are cheap and easy.
Let’s look at home games worth attending.
vs. Ottawa Senators, March 11
This is a re-match of Thursday’s game in Ottawa that saw goalie Calvin Pickard make an amazing 40 saves in an eventual 2-0 loss. That’s not really the reason to go to this game, though.
On March 10-11, the NHL’s Centennial Fan Arena will be taking over in front of the Pepsi Center. The activities include a ball rink, museum truck, a zamboni VR experience and a chance to have your picture taken with the Stanley Cup.
If the Avs can go on a little win streak and win three out of five, they can hit the 20-win mark during this game.
vs. Detroit Red Wings, March 15
There’s no Fan Arena, and the Detroit Red Wings are also missing the playoffs for the first time in 25 years. However, it’s always a good time to revisit that old rivalry.
You know two things: There’s always a random Red Wings fan at any game, and Avs fans always start a spontaneous “Red Wings suck” at any game. The enmity is still alive.
The Avs will have had two more games to hit the 20-win mark.
vs. Edmonton Oilers, March 23
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Barring an epic collapse, the Edmonton Oilers are making the playoffs. They’re led by their young captain Connor McDavid — who dethroned our captain for youngest-ever player to be named captain.
In his sophomore season, McDavid has 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists) in 64 games. He may end up dethroning Sidney Crosby for best NHL player in the world. McDavid is the reason to go see this game.
If the Avalanche can get three wins in 11 games, this will be their mark.
vs. Washington Capitals, March 29
Just as McDavid is the reason to go see the Oilers when they come to town, Alex Ovechkin is the reason to go see the Washington Capitals. The team is on pace to win its second Presidents’ Trophy in a row.
This game also hosts the annual Hockey in Heels. The tickets include a pre-game catered event, a fashion show, player meet & greet (usually an injured player) and a Colorado Avalanche stemless wineglass.
If you would like to attend this event, look for tickets here.
vs. Minnesota Wild, April 6
This is the last home game of the season, and it’s against those hated Minnesota Wild who are, curse us all, going on to the playoffs. Of course, we know they’ll get eliminated by the Chicago Blackhawks, but at least that’s some spring hockey they get to play.
The last home game of the season is always Fan Appreciation Night. This includes giveaways throughout the night as well as the annual Jersey Off Our Backs. Attendees get the chance to win a jersey that one of the Avalanche players takes off his back and signs right there in the rink. It includes injured players.
I don’t want to say it, but surely the Colorado Avalanche will have 20 wins by then.
Bonus: Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues, March 9
The final game of the season isn’t one you can attend unless you happen to be in St. Louis. However, I recommend you watch this game anyway. It’s the last time we’ll have Colorado Avalanche hockey for five months (preseason).
It will be time for us to say goodbye to the most disappointing season in Colorado Avalanche history. We all hope it will be the worst we ever have to endure.
And please, hockey gods, let the Avs have won 20 games by this time.
The Colorado Avalanche begin their final 20-game stint on the road tonight, in Winnipeg. Calvin Pickard has already gotten tapped to start in his hometown.