Sun, Jan 31st vs New York Rangers (6:00 MST)
Colorado Avalanche vs New York Rangers
Coming off of twin 2-3 road losses, both of these teams are in desperate need of a win this evening to keep their playoff aspirations alive.
For the Rangers, a loss last night in Phoenix knocked them from 8th to 12th in the East. New York scored two goals in the third, but couldn’t overcome the three-goals put up in the first by the Coyotes. The drop left the Rangers amongst a pile of four teams with 55 points, with Drury and the boys on the bottom having played more games.
For the Avalanche, a 2-3 loss in Dallas would have hurt less had they taken care of business in a 0-1 loss the night before versus the Minnesota Wild. Now the Avs need a win just to stay in the middle of the pack in the West, their consecutive losses having knocked them from 3rd to 6th. The Avalanche have the advantage of having a day’s rest to go with home ice.
I like the Avs to start seeing some generous bounces, as the last two games have featured a remarkable streak of bad luck. Colorado has been playing good defense, and their offense is getting to the net but failing to finish the deal. Look for Craig Anderson to have another stellar game, as he has looked like a top-five goaltender in the new year.
PREDICTION:Â AVALANCHE 4, RANGERS 2
