john1981cr
Joined: 16 Aug 2006
Posts: 111
|
| Tell a Friend Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 12:40 am Post subject: Wednesday's NHL Spotlight Game |
|
|
By Rich Carlson
Inspin.com/WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
Game of the Day: Dallas Stars (23-14-0) at Colorado Avalanche (18-15-2), 9 p.m. ET
The Dallas Stars will travel to the Pepsi Center in Denver on Wednesday evening to face the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars have solid 23-14-0 record but are in third place in the Pacific Division behind the red-hot Anaheim Ducks. The Avalanche have posted a 18-15-2 record and are in first place in the Northwest Division, where the first-place team and last-place team are only separated by a point.
The Stars possess the leagueʼs third-ranked defensive unit (2.22 goals allowed per game), which is anchored by G Marty Turco. Turco ranks among the league leaders with 18 victories (3rd in NHL), a 2.12 goals against average (3rd in NHL) and four shutouts (3rd in NHL). With an offense that only averages 2.54 goals per game, the Stars want to jump out early on their opponents and let their defense carry them home. This season the Stars are 15-4 when scoring first, 13-1 when leading after one period and 16-2 when leading after two periods.
Led by C Joe Sakic (15 goals, 24 assists) and LW Andrew Brunette (11 goals, 19 assists) the Avalanche have won four straight home games and are 6-2 in their last 8 games. The Avalanche have utilized a goaltending tandem of Jose Theodore (9-9, 2.96 goals against average, .903 save percentage) and Peter Budaj (9-6, 2.53 goals against average, .908 save percentage). If the Avalanche are to make a run into the playoffs, they need to settle on a No. 1 goaltender and give him the majority of the playing time.
Dallas and Colorado have played twice this season (Oct. 4: Dallas 3-2, Nov. 20: Dallas 5-4).
Injury report
Dallas: C Mike Modano (hip flexor) is listed as doubtful for tonightʼs game; LW Steve Ott (ankle) is on injured reserve and will be out until late December.
Colorado: C Steve Moore (concussion) is on injured reserve and will be out indefinitely; D Jordan Leopold (groin) is on injured reserve and will be out until at least late January; RW Marek Svatos (groin) will be out until at least late December; LW Brad May (shoulder) is on injured reserve and will be out until at least late January.
News & notes
New York Islanders G Rick DiPietro recorded his third straight home shutout in the Islanders' 2-0 victory over the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. |
|
