[8:09 PM] Avalanche @ Wild

Who will WIN this matchup?

Colorado Avalanche (11-18-1)

@ Minnesota Wild (18-8-4)

 

Starting Goalies:

Semyon Varlamov(COL): Likely

Devan Dubnyk(MIN): Confirmed

 

• The Minnesota Wild are inching closer to the longest winning streak in franchise history and they go for their eighth consecutive victory with a home matchup against the spiraling Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday. Minnesota is two wins shy of matching its longest run of nine straight victories, which was established in March 2007.

• In desperate need of a spark to turn around its sagging fortunes, Colorado will be hoping for a boost from the return of starting netminder Semyon Varlamov, who will be back in goal following a three-game absence due to a groin injury. Although Varlamov has won only one-third of his decisions (6-12-0), his last start was a 51-save gem in a 3-1 win at Toronto on Dec. 11.

• Among the reasons for Minnesota’s offensive resurgence has been the play of center Eric Staal, who on Monday was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week. After netting only one tally in a span of 15 games, Staal pumped in four goals and added an assist over the last three contests to boost his team-high totals to 10 goals, 14 assists and 24 points. Center Erik Haula suffered a lower-body injury in Saturday’s victory, prompting the recall of forward Pat Cannone from Iowa of the American Hockey League.

• Wild G Devan Dubnyk, who hasn’t lost in regulation since Nov. 19, is 13-8-1 with a 2.07 goals-against average versus Colorado.

• Flames F Jarome Iginla needs one point to break a tie with Alex Delvecchio (1,281) for sole possession of 34th place on the all-time list.

• Cannone, who would be making his NHL debut, was the MVP of the 2016 AHL All-Star Game.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Minnesota Wild

Confidence: 7/10

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