Road Music: 01/24 @ Colorado Avalanche

Our Boy(e)s in Blue seem to be too comfortable at home, having played half-heartedly for most of this homestand. Hopefully, a change of scenery will help them re-focus on winning hockey. It may be just me, but it seems like the Blues are at their best when they are first to every loose puck, and maintaining possession of the puck the majority of the time. If they can't accomplish that much, we're all in for a loooooong game.

Meanwhile, back in the Mile-High City, fans are sensing deja-vu all over again. Zombie Peter Forsberg is practicing with the Avalanche, with the hopes of mounting his second third sixtieth comeback to the NHL. It seems he's had a little of the Favre-flavored kool-aid, and thinks he can play in the NHL again. Most fans are probably thinking the same thing: " you mean he's still alive?"

Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead / Warren Zevon

The Enemy: It's hard to be optimistic when a team has had your number the way Colorado has had ours the past few years. Obviously, we're all going to be keeping an eye on #25, Chris Stewart. In his 8 games against STL in his career, he has 8 goals and 7 assists. Also, the two team leaders in goals and points are part of Colorado's youth movement: Matt Duchene (19G 25A) and Paul Stastny (17G 24A). Neither goaltender is standing out as he clear-cut starter this year: they have almost identical stats, even though Craig Anderson has started a few more times. Their GAA is 3.12, with a .900 save percentage. Like the Blues, they are coming off of two losses in a row. One of those streaks is going to die tonight in Denver. The Avs are currently without the services of Tomas Fleischmann, Peter Mueller, Kyle Quincey, and Ryan O'Reilly due to injury. This is partially what has led to Peter Forsberg being exhumed, dusted off, and re-animated.

Further Reading:

Mile High Hockey

Blues vs Avalanche coverage

The puck drops at 8:30 PM St Louis time. Broadcasts will be on the usual outlets, FSNMW and KMOX 1120AM. The GDT will be around shortly beforehand. Until then, this is your pregame pre-party. Gather here, take guesses about which team shows up, start your bets for the Super Bowl, and pass judgment on the Av's victory dance ....

Matt Duchene and Paul Stastny "Bang Bang" Celebration Dance 12/13/10 vs Chicago (via weasel1926)

LGB!

-CrossCheckRaise