Avalanche vs. Flames

                                                                                         

Colorado -130 vs. Calgary

The Colorado Avalanche and the Calgary Flames will meet up for the second time in three days Thursday night as they will shift from Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome to Denver's Pepsi Center to conclude their home-and-home series.

Colorado (8-9-0) had their four game winning streak snapped Tuesday night against Calgary, a rival that has consistently beat them recently. After the Avalanche claimed the season series from the Flames (10-8-1) a season ago, Calgary has won six of the last eight in the series, including the first three games played between the two rivals this season. Overall Colorado has lost six of their last nine affairs and find themselves in the Northwest Division cellar, four points behind fourth place Edmonton.

Calgary's win was much needed as they had dropped five of their last seven. The Flames bounced back nicely against the Avalanche Tuesday night by claiming victory 4-1. This was after they were humbled by the NHL's best team, San Jose last Thursday night. Calgary seemed to have all the answers for a toothless Colorado attack Tuesday night. The Avs' defense was apparently waiting for their luggage at the airport because the Flames peppered goalie Peter Budaj with 52 shots on only 23 for Colorado. Budaj had to stand on his head at times to only allow in 4 goals, saving 48 fired his way.

The lackluster effort even promoted a players only meeting following the conclusion of the game.

Aging veteran Joe Sakic did not return to the Avalanche lineup Tuesday night and his status is still uncertain for the return home on Thursday. Sakic has accounted for 12 this season for the Avalanche.

InSpin.com

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