The Colorado Avalanche are looking for revenge on Tuesday night, as they face the St. Louis Blues for the second game in a row. One problem the team faced on Sunday in their 3-2 loss was that they were missing a particular player.
That player was Valeri Nichushkin, who has was hurt in the team’s recent win against the division rival Stars. Early reports on Tuesday state that Nichushkin will be a go for the game.
Here are the projected lines for the matchup.
Though Nichushkin has been injured quite frequently this season, he’s still a big-bodied forward who lays the hits more than he receives them. He’s reliable with the puck, but it’s about time he gets back on the score sheet.
He’s been held scoreless in seven-straight games he’s played in, last scoring againts the Chicago Blackhawks on March 20. The Avalanche failed to lock up the Central Division and Western Conference in several attempts as of late. They had a chance to do so against the Blues, but couldn’t pull off the win. Like I said the other day, they just aren’t making it easy on themselves.
There’s no reason to panic, though. While they have lost some recent games that deserved to have fans cringe (against the Canucks, for example), they are still in a good enough spot where fans don’t have to worry. They locked up a playoff spot, and now are just playing for positioning.
They will lock up the Central Division and the Western Conference if they win Tuesday against St. Louis OR if they get one point vs. the Blues AND the Calgary Flames defeat the Dallas Stars in any fashion. OR if the Flames defeat the Stars in regulation. For more, check here.
The Avalanche should certainly be favoured to win the Stanley Cup as of right now, especially if they win against the Blues. They need to endure payback. Their recent loss to the Canucks made fans want to throw up, but it’s one game. If you’re playing any sport, you have a chance to win no matter the competition.
The playoffs have not technically started, but the Avs still need to treat every game like a playoff game.