Game 55 Preview: Colorado Avalanche (35-14-5) vs. New Jersey Devils (23-21-12)
By Andrew Dill
Jan 16, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) attempts to score against New Jersey Devils defenseman Marek Zidicky (2) and goalie Cory Schneider (35) during the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Colorado Avalanche (35-14-5, 75 points) are coming off of a blowout win at home against the Buffalo Sabres by the final of 7-1. Rookie Nathan MacKinnon keeps making his case for the Calder Trophy as he collected his first three-point night with a goal and two assists. Captain Gabriel Landeskog had himself a game as well, scoring two goals while winger Jamie McGinn added two of his own.
What: Game 55: Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils
When: Monday, February 3rd
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Time: 6:30 PM ET, 4:30 PM MT
TV: Altitude Sports or NBC Sports
This is the second and final meeting between the two clubs this season as the Avalanche took the first game on January 16th by the score of 2-1 via shootout. Forward Ryan O’Reilly would score his 18th of the season in the first period as Patrick Bordeleau and Brad Malone picked up the helpers. Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly would each score in the shootout period as goaltender Semyon Varlamov blanked the Devils and made a fantastic save on Patrik Elias. Here is video of the save:
With the win over Buffalo, Colorado has scored 16 goals during their three-game win streak. Here is what Nathan MacKinnon had to say about his play now via ESPN:
"“I’ve been feeling more comfortable. I think I was a little snake-bit at the beginning and could’ve score more than I did,” MacKinnon said after the first three-point game of his career gave him seven during a four-game point streak. “Thankfully things are clicking, I’ve developed chemistry with guys on the team.”"
Projected Starting Goaltenders:
Colorado Avalanche: Semyon Varlamov: 28-9-5, 2.43 GAA.
New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider: 10-10-8, 1.91 GAA.
Team Leaders:
Points:
Colorado Avalanche: Matt Duchene, 47.
New Jersey Devils: Jaromir Jagr, 48.
Goals:
Colorado Avalanche: Nathan MacKinnon, 20.
New Jersey Devils: Jaromir Jagr, 17.
Assists:
Colorado Avalanche: Matt Duchene, 30.
New Jersey Devils: Jaromir Jagr, 31.
Plus/Minus:
Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog, +12.
New Jersey Devils: Jaromir Jagr, +21.
Goals Against Average:
Colorado Avalanche: Semyon Varlamov, 2.43.
New Jersey Devils: Cory Schneider, 1.91.