Avalanche at Flames
THE STORY: The Colorado Avalanche looked to have one of the most challenging season-opening schedules in the NHL. Few people counted on them to rattle off victories in their first six road games. They'll look to extend that franchise record Wednesday as they visit the Calgary Flames. It is the final game before Colorado enjoys a three-game homestand - and they could use a win in Denver, having lost their first two games there. Calgary represents a traditionally pesky opponent for the Avalanche, having beaten them five straight times while outscoring them 23-8 in that span. This year's Flames are having difficulty scoring goals, tallying 15 times over the first seven games this season. With only one win in four home games, Calgary needs a win Wednesday to keep fans and media at bay.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), Rogers Sportsnet (Calgary)
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (6-2-0): Of all the 2011 draftees expected to stick with their respective NHL clubs, Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog is at the top of the list. He has shown impressive two-way play through the first eight games, scoring four goals and looking like a seasoned veteran in his own end. Former coach Ken Hitchcock even went so far as to compare the 18-year-old to former Avalanche great Peter Forsberg.
ABOUT THE FLAMES (2-4-1): Calgary has completed the first half of its six-game homestand with a win, a loss and an overtime defeat. Of greater concern is the four goals the Flames have scored through those three games - two of which came in the final six minutes of a narrow victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Rene Bourque (three), Curtis Glencross (three) and Jarome Iginla (two) are the only players with more than one goal so far.
OVERTIME:
1. Miikka Kiprusoff, expected to get the start in goal for the Flames, is 22-14-1-4 with a 2.55 goals-against average and four shutouts in 43 career appearances against Colorado.
2. Avalanche forward Ryan O'Reilly is off to a sizzling start, recording seven assists over the first eight games as his role in the offense expands. He had only 13 helpers in 74 games last season.
3. Colorado winger David Jones has five goals in eight games this season, but has scored only once in 14 career encounters with Calgary.