Wild at Avalanche
THE STORY: The Colorado Avalanche have not fared well when hosting the Minnesota Wild of late. So while it defies conventional logic, the Avalanche will attempt to complete a home-and-home sweep in the more difficult of locales when the clubs meet at the Pepsi Center on Tuesday. Coach Joe Sacco's club accomplished the first part of the equation Sunday as Semyon Varlamov turned aside all 30 shots in a 2-0 triumph.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, NBCS, TSN2
ABOUT THE WILD (28-28-10): Minnesota has seen myriad injuries zap what little there is to its offense. The Wild, who are the lowest scoring team in the league, have been blanked in three of the team's last four contests. The lone outburst came in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Goaltender Josh Harding sat out Sunday's game after being torched for six goals in Friday's 6-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Harding has fared well versus the Avalanche, posting a 3-2-1 mark - including a 29-save shutout Jan. 28, 2010.
ABOUT THE AVALANCHE (34-29-4): Left wing Jamie McGinn introduced himself quite nicely to his new teammates by registering his first career two-goal game Sunday. Playing in his third contest since being acquired from the Sharks last Tuesday, McGinn admitted he finally felt comfortable in his new surroundings. Speaking of being comfortable, Varlamov has been living stress-free as of late. The 23-year-old Russian has yielded only four goals during a five-game stretch which includes two shutouts. Varlamov has won all three starts versus the Wild - yielding one goal in every contest.
OVERTIME:
1. Colorado is 1-6-1 in its last eight home games versus Minnesota.
2. The Wild may receive a boost as defenseman Clayton Stoner (lower body) and right wing Nick Palmieri (upper body) returned to practice. Both made the trip to the Rocky Mountains and will likely play Tuesday.
3. Avalanche right wing Steve Downie injured his shoulder during Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh. Downie is questionable to play Tuesday.