Avalanche at Penguins
THE STORY: While the Pittsburgh Penguins are still waiting for their captain to return to the ice, their Tuesday opponent recently handed the "C" to someone who has been there all along. Milan Hejduk was officially named captain of the Colorado Avalanche, joining the recently retired Adam Foote and Joe Sakic as the only players to have the honor following the franchise's move from Quebec. "I'm honored to be named Avalanche captain," Hejduk said. "From my rookie season here in Colorado, I have always felt a great sense of pride wearing this sweater and being a part of this organization. I am looking forward to this added responsibility." Hejduk has certainly been leading by example - he has scored three goals in his last three games and leads the club with seven. Drafted by the Nordiques in 1994, the 35-year-old Czech native ranks third in games played (927) in franchise history. As for Atlantic Division-leading Pittsburgh, it will have to wait a bit longer for Sidney Crosby to return from a concussion - but it is doing quite nicely in the interim. Although the Penguins are only 2-2-1 in their last five, they have won their last four games at home this season. The Avalanche are 6-2-1 away from the Rocky Mountains - but 2-6-1 in their last nine overall.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, Versus, TSN2
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (8-8-1): Matt Duchene is already having a November to remember - and we're only halfway into the month. The third overall pick of the 2009 draft has collected four goals and three assists in six games. Semyon Varlamov, however, would like to turn the page on the calendar. The Russian has limped to an 0-4-1 mark this month after yielding 19 goals - including four quick ones in a 4-3 loss to the Calgary Flames on Saturday. Varlamov has won both career starts versus the Penguins.
ABOUT THE PENGUINS (10-4-3): Jordan Staal tallied twice, but brother Eric netted a pivotal goal as the Carolina Hurricanes skated to a 5-3 victory over the Penguins on Saturday. The Penguins' Staal has fared well versus the Avalanche, scoring three goals in four career meetings. While James Neal (team-leading 11 goals) is receiving his just due - and rightfully so - defenseman Kris Letang has also been hot. The blue-liner registered six of his team-leading 13 assists in his last six contests.
OVERTIME:
1. Colorado has been woeful while shorthanded this season (14 goals in 56 situations), but it did take a step in the right direction Saturday. The Avalanche killed off all three of the Flames' power plays.
2. After a night off, Marc-Andre Fleury will look to continue his winning ways. The top overall pick of the 2003 draft has posted a 6-0-1 record since losing his last game in regulation Oct. 17. This season, Fleury has yet to yield more than three goals in a contest.