DENVER — The Avalanche have passed each test that’s come their way in recent weeks with flying colors. They’ve ended long winning streaks, overcome injuries, dominated the Edmonton Oilers on the road, and even won a game in overtime.
This one is a little bit different. The Rangers aren’t riding a hot streak — in fact, they’ve lost two straight games. But at 9-2-1 on the road, they have the best record away from home. The Avs are still undefeated at home, riding a 7-0-2 record into this game. Only the New Jersey Devils (7-0-1) can also say they’ve not lost on home ice.
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Colorado is also riding a six-game winning streak, which includes three straight victories at Ball Arena during this four-game homestand. The Avs have surrendered just five goals in those three games, and have scored 14.
Meanwhile, the Rangers enter the matchup after falling in regulation to the Vegas Golden Knights. It was just their second loss on the road and ended a seven-game road winning streak.
New York has had trouble scoring goals this year, but it is also one of the best defensive teams in the league. It’s largely thanks to the excellent start for goalies Jonathan Quick and Igor Shesterkin. The latter gets the nod on Thursday night.
The Rangers have matching goals for and against. Their 2.48 goals per game is ranked 30th in the league, ahead of only the Nashville Predators and Calgary Flames. However, at 2.48 goals against per game, Mike Sullivan’s club trails the Avs, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Colorado leads both categories, scoring 4.11 per game and allowing 2.37. Head coach Jared Bednar is starting goalie Scott Wedgewood in this one. He’ll look to build off of his league-high 11 wins, and enters the game riding a personal six-game winning streak. Wedgewood has surrendered just 11 goals during that run.
