^{A battle between two of the top teams in the division}
12 days ago, Utah started the year off in Denver, opening the season for the Avalanche at Ball Arena. Despite the first power play goal of the year (before we knew a drought was coming), Utah could not solve Scott Wedgewood, falling to the Avs 2-1. Since then, the Avalanche have been a wagon: They have scored at least 3 goals in every game, and in all but one game held opponents to just one goal. The only game they lost was an OT thriller against Dallas, falling 5-4. They lead the Central Division with 11 of 12 points through their first 6 games.

Utah, to our credit, was the most defensively stout team the Avalanche have faced. The offensive juggernaut that is headed by Nathan MacKinnon managed just 27 shots, with Utah holding Colorado to only 13 of them after the first period. The Mammoth held the vaunted Avalanche power play at bay most of the night, going 3/4 on the penalty kill, but ultimately were sunk by that lone power play goal by MacKinnon in the third period.

Scott Wedgewood stopped 32 of 33 for Colorado, an amazing .970 save percentage. He’s followed that up with 3 consecutive games of just a 1.00 GAA and a .953 save percentage. He was near unbeatable 2 weeks ago, and aside from a “bad” game by his standards in Dallas, has been a clear Vezina frontrunner this early in the season.

In the opener, Utah struggled with their face-off percentage – a theme that has recurred every game since – with just a 30% success rate. They need to do better tonight to keep pressure up on Colorado. Possession will be key in limiting such a dangerous opponent, and it starts at the dot.

Tonight is Utah’s biggest test of the season. Can they beat the top team in the Central? Will they be able to contain Mac and company to fewer than 3 goals? Will they be able to score on the human brick wall that is Scott Wedgewood?

The good news: Scott Wedgewood has been in net for all the Colorado games so far. Eventually, he’ll get a little tired and look human again, like he did against Dallas. Will that be tonight?

Key points to secure a victory tonight:

Lock down Colorado’s offense early. Colorado is a dangerous team without a lead, but their defense and goaltending makes coming back from a deficit worse. It’s critical to keep their offense in check and not fall behind early.

Keep out of the box. Colorado’s 12% power play efficiency is misleading. They’re a dangerous unit, period, but giving Makar and MacKinnon space to create can be extremely deadly. Even with a good penalty kill unit over the first half dozen games, it’s best not to tempt fate.

Take advantage of every opportunity. Wedgewood has been a wall. He’s not going to give up a wrister from the point easily. He’s not going to be easily beaten from a one-timer from the dots, and he may be even difficult to beat on odd man rush chances. Utah has to get into the greasy and dirty areas. Deflections from in front, tips from in close, screens, and power play opportunities need to be utilized as effectively as possible.

Expected Lineup:
No information available from the NHL as of time of this writing, but the assumption tonight is no change in the lineup:

TUSKS UP!