Colorado Avalanche Need to Start Stong vs Winnipeg
The Colorado Avalanche are playing their first game since an October 22, loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. They host the Central Division rival Winnipeg Jets.
The Colorado Avalanche are hosting the first of five meetings against the Winnipeg Jets tonight at the Pepsi Center. The Jets are coming off a 4-1 win against fellow Central Division rivals, the Dallas Stars.
Colorado is talking the talk — they want to be strong at home after throwing a lot of stinkers in the Pepsi Center the last couple years. Tonight they’re going to have to come out fighting to win.
Fatigue Factor
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When the Colorado Avalanche face off against the rival Winnipeg Jets at Pepsi Center tonight, they’re coming off almost a week of no playing. Winnipeg, on the other hand, played last night.
Those facts can lead to one of two results. The Jets can show fatigue, especially playing here at a mile high. Or the Avalanche can show rust from not having played in several days.
Actually, both of those results can happen. Therefore the key is for the Colorado Avalanche to come out strong against the Jets. They need to set a fast pace early to wear down the Jets. Historically the games are low-scoring, so potting a couple in during the first period would be a boon.
Return of Ranty
One player who’s especially going to need to shake off the rust is Mikko Rantanen. He suffered an ankle injury during the Rookie Showcase that postponed his start with the team. Rantanen did skate in four games with the San Antonio Rampage.
Mikko Rantanen might get some pretty big minutes against the Jets. During practices this week, he skated on a line with Mikhail Grigorenko and Nathan MacKinnon. Obviously, that’s top-six time.
Rantanen said of his line:
“You play with guys like MacKinnon and Grigorenko, it’s a lot different. They want offense, and I’m ready for it. Now I just have to show it.”
Rantanen is a big kid with a good stride and a deadly shot. He could put a real boost in the offense, especially paired with the speedy MacKinnon and playmaker Grigorenko.
Mikko is looking for his first NHL goal. Wouldn’t it be a kick if he got it against Winnipeg?
The Colorado Avalanche vs Winnipeg Jets game starts at 7:00 pm. The game is also part of the Avs Student Rush, which is a mobile app that gives fans access to discounted tickets at the last minute.