This matchup was seen as a very exciting affair for both parties, with both teams separated by just three points, yet the Avalanche stood in the second wild-card spot in the west, while the Panthers stood ten points back of Carolina.
Despite that, Bob Boughner insisted the game would be played with “playoff intensity,” with both teams seeking key points in their late-season pushes.
To throw another twist into the game, the Florida Panthers traded Derick Brassard to Colorado this same day after clearing for him to participate in the Panthers morning skate.