The Colorado Avalanche are halfway through their four-game, home stand, the longest of the season so far. As of right now, they’ve split the series, beating their Central Division rival Dallas Stars and falling to the New York Islanders.
That makes tonight’s game the tipping point. If they win tonight, they have a chance to finish the home stand with a 75% win percentage. If they lose tonight, the best they can hope for is 50% — and .500 hockey isn’t acceptable when you’re playing at home.
Especially for a team that expects to be dominant at home.