The Colorado Avalanche will try to make it four wins in a row when they visit the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. Colorado is coming off a 5-2 comeback victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, but the second leg of a back-to-back presents a different kind sort of situation.
The Avalanche have started the season 9-5-1 and remain one of the league's most dangerous offensive teams, averaging 4.3 goals per game. Columbus, meanwhile, enters at 5-7-0 and has struggled to generate consistent offense. The Blue Jackets have averaged just 2.1 goals over their last 10 games, which puts plenty of pressure on their defense and goaltending.
Still, Colorado shouldn't take this one for granted. Columbus is 4-3 at home, and the Avalanche will have to manage their energy after Monday's game in Chicago.
Avalanche will be looking for depth to continue stepping up
The Avalanche will be looking for depth pieces to continue stepping up. On Monday night, it was Nazem Kadri and Jaden Schwartz who carried the offensive load.
On Tuesday night, the Avalanche will be looking to continue getting that crucial scoring beyond the usual suspects. While Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas had their looks against the Blackhawks, they’ll also need to get back on track.
As for the Blue Jackets, they have a talented if struggling team. Zach Werenski is a player worth watching on the other side. The Columbus defenseman has 10 assists and is riding a three-game point streak. Kent Johnson has also been productive, leading the Blue Jackets with seven goals and 12 points through 12 games.
Colorado has to play better in front of Scott Wedgewood
The biggest obstacle for the Avalanche might not be the Blue Jackets themselves. It's the schedule.
It hasn’t been easy for the Avalanche to play on back-to-back nights this season. So, Tuesday night’s affair should present a considerable challenge.
The biggest one will be playing well in front of Scott Wedgewood. The Avalanche haven’t exactly been fully reliable in front of their backup goalie this season.
So, a strong outing should make life easier for the veteran netminder.
Beyond Wedgewood getting the call in the crease, there shouldn’t be any other changes in the lineup. Jared Bednar should roll with the same crew as Monday night.
A win by Colorado, coupled with a loss by the Minnesota Wild, who are in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, could move the Avalanche to within one point of the Central Division lead.
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