CALGARY, Alberta — The Avalanche’s current two-game trip against possible late-round Western Conference playoff opponents leads the team into Tuesday’s series rubber match against the Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome.
The Avs, based on how they played in Sunday’s 3-2 overtime loss at Minnesota, are confident they’ll again play well in the third and final regular-season game against Calgary. The Flames (88 points), who have an overtime win and regulation loss against the Avs, stand second in the Western Conference, trailing NHL-leading Colorado by 10 points. The Wild (84) are third in the conference.
“At this point of the year, obviously, there are big points on the line, and I think you also want to establish your game going into these last (16) games,” newly acquired forward Nico Sturm said after Sunday’s OT loss against his former team.