NHL Preview: Colorado Avalanche vs. Ottawa Senators

Mar 16, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9) and Ottawa Senators defenseman Eric Gryba (62) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

After picking up their first win of the season with just 0.5 seconds on the clock  against the Boston Bruins, the Colorado Avalanche had to play again the following day — which resulted in a loss. Colorado looked solid in the first period, but fatigue started to set in as Phil Kessel helped the Leafs with an early overtime goal, defeating Colorado 3-2.

Tonight, the Avs’ take on the Ottawa Senators, entering game three of their four-game road trip.

What: NHL Regular Season: Colorado Avalanche (1-2-1, 3 points) vs. Ottawa Senators (2-1-0, 4 points)
When: Thursday, October 16th
Where: Canadian Tire Centre (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
Time: 7:30 PM EST, 5:30 PM MST
TV: Altitude Sports

Colorado flat-out owns Ottawa it seems. According to an ESPN stat, the Avs’ haven’t lost to the Ottawa Senators in nearly nine years — that’s unheard of. More good news for the Avalanche is that Ryan O’Reilly and Matt Duchene finally got into the scoring column, with each recording a goal in the overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Like Colorado, Ottawa has seemed to struggle finding the back of the net. While Colorado ranks 29th in the NHL in goals per game at 1.0, the Sens’ rank 27th with 1.7 per contest.

One thing the Avs’ must improve on is their power-play unit. Through four games this season, Colorado is currently 0-for-13 with the man advantage after finishing fifth the prior season.

Also, what the heck is up with Gabriel Landeskog? The Avs’ captain hasn’t recorded a single point in four games, earning a plus/minus rating of -2 with eight penalty minutes. Keep an eye on Landy tonight as he has six points lifetime against Ottawa in three games.

Puck-drop between the Colorado Avalanche and Ottawa Senators is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST, 5:30 PM MST.