Colorado Avalanche take on the struggling Edmonton Oilers – NHL Preview
Against the teams that are strong on offence, Colorado Avalanche often struggle. This habit might hurt them during the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs, but their primary goal at the moment is to ensure entry into the postseason rather than worrying
about how to excel after getting there.
Avalanche are not very far away from being among the top eight teams of the Western Conference and a game against the lowly Edmonton Oilers might be all what they need at the moment.
Oilers are regressing and might also not reach the postseason. However, it is yet to be seen if Avalanche can utilise this encounter to their advantage.
The matchup is scheduled on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado.
Here is a look at both teams.
Avalanche
They have played five games this month and could only win two.
Their recent defeat came on road against Nashville Predators.
Avalanche started the game against Predators well by grabbing an early lead in the first period, but Predators responded quickly by scoring twice in the same period.
Predators added another in the second and both teams scored apiece in the final as Predators won the game.
A victory against Predators could have earned Avalanche a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Disappointed coach, Joe Sacco, said after the game:
"In a game like this, that had such meaning, I didn't think we had enough guys giving a full 60 minutes, and that's not acceptable. We got off to a good start, but then they pushed back and we didn't have an answer for it. It's a game we're disappointed
with."
Avalanche are ranked at 11th spot in the conference with 74 points after 69 games and are just one point short of the eighth-ranked San Jose Sharks.
Oilers
The regressing Oilers have lost four out of their last five games with the recent defeat coming against Montreal Canadiens.
Montreal and Edmonton went neck and neck till the second period after which the score was tied, 2-2.
However, Canadiens got three goals in the final while giving away only one to beat the Oilers.
Oilers’ coach, Tom Renney, said after the game:
"We were a little undisciplined. We could have been a lot smarter. As tough as it was from a fatigue perspective, you have to play smart. Had we done that, certainly we had a shot at this game.”
Oilers are ranked at 14th spot in the Western Conference with 58 points after 67 games.
Predictions
Avalanche are favourites.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Oilers win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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