Colorado Avalanche Must Beat the Dallas Stars for Central Division Standing
The Colorado Avalanche are facing a true must-win situation as they host the Central Division rival Dallas Stars. Playoff standings are at stake.
If you were looking at the Colorado Avalanche’s schedule at the beginning of the season, you might not have marked tonight’s game against the Dallas Stars as one of the most important of the season. Sure, the Stars are a Central Division rival. However, the Avs play division rivalry nights a couple dozen times a year.
Well, tonight’s game against the Stars is of paramount importance. Dallas has leapfrogged Colorado for the second seed in the Central. What’s more, with the Avalanche’s recent slump, they’ve come dangerously close to falling into a wild card spot or even out of the playoffs.
The Avs are way too talented and deep of a team for that to stand. Therefore, tonight’s game against Dallas is a must-win. A victory will put them back into the second seed of the Central Division.
Leaders Stepping Up
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A team cannot make the playoffs, much less make a deep run, if they’re a one-line team. However, the leaders taking control of a game or three can absolutely pull the team out of a slump.
Dallas-Colorado games are often high-scoring affairs. Well, the Avs have the firepower to more than outscore the Stars. Let Nathan MacKinnon take the lead, with the other high-rollers following, and let the statisticians sort the numbers out.
My money’s on Colorado.
Chatting on the Ice
The coaching staff wants the players to “be more vocal” on the ice. The idea is to get them talking so they’re on the same page about how plays are unfolding.
Well, they might as well start tonight.
I’ve always been interested in chatter on the ice. I mean, if you’re yelling at your teammate about what to do, doesn’t that telegraph what he’s going to do? Anyway, let’s try it tonight — natter away at each other, boys.
Goal Tending Controversy
At the time of writing, the starting goalie hadn’t been named. Well, it doesn’t really matter. Both goalies have had both ups and down this season.
Whomever starts in net tonight needs to be solid. Like I mentioned, the Stars can score. The goalie in net is going to have to do his best to minimize Dallas’ scoring chances.
Next. Avs Need to be Underdogs. dark
How to Enjoy the Game
Game Time: Jan. 14, 7:00 pm MT
TV: ALT, ESPN+, FS-SW+ (Stars’ feed)
Radio: Altitude Radio (FM 92.5/AM 950)
Tonight marks the fourth and final meeting between the two teams in the regular season. Dallas has won all three games — so tonight’s the night to steal their sweep.