Avalanche at Canucks
THE STORY: The Vancouver Canucks attempt to continue their dominance over the Colorado Avalanche when the Northwest Division rivals face off at Rogers Arena on Wednesday. Vancouver has earned at least one point in each of the last 14 meetings between the clubs (12-0-2) and has outscored Colorado 12-2 in winning the previous three matchups this season. The Canucks are 7-0-3 in their last 10 overall games and 4-0-2 in six at home. The Avalanche, who have lost three straight on the road, are 2-0-2 in their last four overall.
TV: 10 p.m. ET, Altitude (Colorado), Rogers Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver)
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (28-25-4): Milan Hejduk is slated to appear in his 968th game with the Avalanche on Wednesday, giving him sole possession of second place on the franchise list. The captain will pass Adam Foote for the spot behind Joe Sakic, who played in 1,378 contests with the organization. Matt Duchene practiced with the team Tuesday but will not return to the lineup until Friday or Sunday at the earliest. "There's still no timetable for his return just yet," coach Joe Sacco told the Denver Post. "We'll just see how he continues to progress." Duchene has missed 18 contests since injuring his right knee on Dec. 29 against Phoenix.
ABOUT THE CANUCKS (35-15-6): Mike Duco's second tour of duty with the team this season is over as the right wing was assigned to Chicago of the AHL on Tuesday. The 24-year old recorded an assist in three games with Vancouver in January and added another during a three-game stint that concluded with Monday's victory over Phoenix. David Booth has collected nine points over his last 10 contests, scoring five of his 10 goals on the season during that stretch.
OVERTIME:
1. Vancouver has won four in a row against Colorado both overall and at home.
2. The Canucks have gone beyond regulation in 10 of their last 13 contests.