Colorado Avalanche Face the Minnesota Wild Looking for Dignity

The Colorado Avalanche have beat the Minnesota Wild both times they have played them this season, and that may be the only dignity they have left.

The Colorado Avalanche will play the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night with only a shred of dignity left: a chance to beat the Wild for a third time this season.

First of all folks, I’d like to apologize for the lack of content over the weekend. I graduated from Montana State University over the weekend, so I was distracted to say the least. But, I’m back at it now, so do not fear.

The Colorado Avalanche will not make the playoffs this season, and if they do then call me a liar. They are currently solidly in the basement of the NHL, and are 2-9-1 in their last 12 games.

In other words, they’ve stripped themselves of their own dignity. However, they have a chance to hold onto some shred of dignity when they face the Wild on Tuesday night.

Avs Go in Search of Third Win Against the Wild

In years past, the Avs have been unable to beat the Minnesota Wild. Fortunately, the Avs have had some success against the Wild this season.

So, even if us fans are forced to watch the scraps of a team, perhaps we can get some enjoyment out of an Avs win on Tuesday.

The game will unfortunately take place in the Xcel Energy Center, and Devan Dubnyk has been on an absolute tear, but here’s to hoping.

More from Mile High Sticking

In a time when trade rumors are surfacing like bubbles in a bathtub for the Avs, it becomes all the more important for the team to scrape together what remains of their respect for one another.

This might be some of the last times that any of these players get a chance to play on the same team together.

So, with two games before the holiday break, it’s increasingly important for the Avs to hold their heads high. Especially when you consider that the trade freeze will be lifted on December 27, and some big changes could follow.

What’s on the Horizon?

Anybody’s guess really, but it’s obvious that this team doesn’t need any help finishing in last place.

Avs just are playing with so little passion these days. Just plain boring
— Adrian Dater (@adater) December 18, 2016

So, if that’s the case then perhaps they just ride the season out with the team they have — making a few trades at the deadline if possible — and then reassess during the summer.

However, Joe Sakic assessed the core over last summer, so perhaps that ship has already sailed. The only problem is that the expansion draft will make trades a bit harder during the season.

The only way a trade gets made is if some team trades the Avs a valuable NHL-ready asset in exchange for the same. No team wants to give up picks and prospects for a player that they suddenly have to add to their protection list in the expansion draft.

More From Mile High Sticking: Avs Have Finally Hit Rock Bottom

So, be ready for anything, but it’s more likely that the wrecking ball comes during the summer. Still, look for Jarome Iginla to get moved to a contender at the trade deadline.

Conclusion

It’s been a rough season for the Colorado Avalanche, there’s no avoiding that. However, brighter things could be on the horizon.

The Avs have around 17 million in cap space expected this coming summer. And, they also have some valuable trade assets, and a crop of young forwards that could potentially become the new core.

Next: Avs Losing at Home Because of Negligence

Oh, and they face the Wild on Tuesday for a chance at hanging onto the only thread of dignity they have left this season.

So, hang on folks because things could get really crazy here in Avalanche territory, and that might not be a bad thing.

Puck drop is at 6:00 pm MST on Tuesday night in the Xcel Energy Center. The Avs will look to make it three in a row against the Wild this season.