Jan 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) is defended by Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche (39-17-5, 83) points are coming off of an offensive performance from the defensemen on Sunday as theAvalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning, 6-3.Nick Holdenled the way scoring two goals for Colorado whileErik JohnsonandTyson Barrieboth chipped in goals of their own. In other notes,Nathan MacKinnonrecorded a pair of assists to stretch his consecutive point streak to 11 games (5 goals, 11 assists).
What: NHL Preview: vs.
When: Tuesday, March 4th
Where: United Center
Time: 8:00 PM ET, 6:00 PM MT
TV: Altitude Sports
This is the fourth of five meetings between the two Central Division rivals this season as the Colorado Avalanche currently have the upper hand, up 2-1. In their most recent meeting back on Jan. 14th, Tyson Barrie would score in the overtime period tolift the Avs over Chicago, 3-2. Avalanche goaltenderSemyon Varlamovwould earn a tough win as he would stop 44-of-46 shots, .958% save percentage. Chicago’sAndrew Shawwould lead the way for the Blackhawks in that meeting, recording a goal and an assist.
The Blackhawks will be withoutMarian Hossafor the next three weeks but played well in their last game that was apart of the Stadium Series Saturday night at Soldier Field (home of the Chicago Bears). They would defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins, 5-1 asJonathan Toewsrecorded two goals and one assist. TeammatePatrick Sharpwould record a goal and an assist as well.
Chicago Blackhawks head coachJoel Quennevilleunderstands the importance of the game as the Avalanche have snuck up on the Blackhawks in the Central Division standings – viaNHL.com
"“I think [this is] an important game,” Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. “I think it’s more than a normal game with Colorado. We’ve got them the following week, as well. Very critical four points and could sort some things out between now and the end of the year by what happens in these next two games.”"
Here is more from Joel Quenneville on the Avalanche’s success this season.
"“With the way they’ve come on this season, they’re as good as anybody in the League,” Quenneville said of the Avalanche. “They’ve got some weapons and they’ve got some skill and speed and they’ve had success against us, so let’s don’t underestimate the importance of [this] game.”"
Projected Starting Goaltenders:
Colorado Avalanche: Semyon Varlamov: 30-11-5, 2.48 GAA, .925% save percentage.
Chicago Blackhawks:Corey Crawford: 23-10-10, 2.31 GAA, .918% save percentage.
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