Avalanche Vs. Rangers Final Score: Physical Colorado Team Outlasts New York, 3-1

The New York Rangers (45-19-8, 98 PTS) may have entered Saturday night's game the second best team in the NHL according to points percentage (No. 2 with .679), but the Colorado Avalanche (39-30-5, 83 PTS) played like the better team as they produced a 3-1 win.

Dominating the the Rangers physically (27 hits to 17), the Avalanche were able to pressure the Rangers into 10 giveaways and find just enough quality shots to score three goals on the night. Avalanche G Semyon Varlamov fended off a relentless Rangers' offense, saving 42 shots on goal for a .976 save percentage. Meanwhile, the New York goalie, Henrik Lundqvist (19 saves, .895 SV%), found himself unable to play to his season norms.

The Rangers broke onto the scoreboard first when LW Mats Zuccarello fired his first goal of the season ten minutes into the opening period. D Matt Hunwick responded less than five minutes later, notching his third goal of the season to put the game at 1-1.

Colorado grabbed the lead in the second period on LW Gabriel Landeskog's 21st goal of the season, and then added some security with a power play goal from C Paul Stastny in the waning seconds of the game.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter

Avalanche Vs. Rangers: Colorado Closes Out East Coast Trip In Big Apple

The Colorado Avalanche entered this week with a very difficult mission: play against three Eastern Conference playoff teams in three cities over the span of four nights -- and stay in the heart of the Western Conference playoff race.

So far, so good.

The Avalanche won a stunner in Buffalo earlier this week, then rode Jean-Sebastien Giguere's shutout for another point on the back to back against New Jersey. Entering Saturday's road trip finale against the New York Rangers, Colorado has earned three of a possible four points in the standings are currently sit in possession of that eighth and final seed with 81 points.

The bad news, of course, is that they have yet to gain any separation in the playoff chase despite their excellent play through the month of March. Phoenix also has 81 points, and three other teams sit just behind Colorado with 80 points. If Colorado wants to make the playoffs, they'll have to do so by continuing their hot streak.

Semyon Varlamov will return to the net on the best stretch of his young career. The young netminder has carried the Avalanche throughout this second half surge with a 1.87 GAA and .937 SV% since January. He has only allowed 26 goals in his past 14 starts and has carried the load for this young Avalanche team.

The Rangers will also see reinforcements in net, as Henrik Lundqvist will start for the Rangers after missing the last two games with a bout of the flu. Lundqvist is enjoying the best statistical season of his career (1.88 GAA, 935 SV%) and is likely a finalist for the Vezina Trophy this season.

Puck drops at 5:00p.m. MDT

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter

Avalanche Vs. Devils Final Score: New Jersey Tips Colorado In Shootout, 1-0

Sixty minutes was enough time to settle the score between the Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. And neither was a five minute extra frame, as the two teams battled through a scoreless affair before the Devils took home the 1-0 win in a shootout.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Martin Brodeur were sensational in net, with each veteran stopping that came his way. Giguere finished the evening with 33 saves, while Brodeur added 28 of his own.

In the shootout, Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise each scored on their attempts for the Devils, and the Avalanche - on the sticks of Milan Hejduk and Peter Mueller - was unable to solve Brodeur.

The Avalanche remains in the eighth seed in the Western Conference, and will next play on Saturday at the Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Devils blog In Lou We Trust. And for more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Avalanche Vs. Devils Score Update: After 2 Periods, It's Still 0-0

The goaltending duel continues in New Jersey, as the Avalanche and Devils remain scoreless after two periods of play.

Related: Avalanche Vs. Devils: Streaking Colorado Welcomes Matt Duchene Back Against New Jersey

Both teams had quality chances in the second period, but goaltenders Jean-sebastien Giguere and Martin Brodeur have been too tough to beat. The Devils had a slim 12-11 advantage in shots on goal in the second period, though the Colorado Avalanche still have the overall edge at 19-17.

There have only been two power play situations in the game thus far -- one for each team -- and the Devils have a 16-13 edge in the faceoff circle.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Devils blog In Lou We Trust. And for more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Avalanche Vs. Devils: Colorado And New Jersey Scoreless After 1st Period

The Colorado Avalanche are playing good hockey these days, and they're trying to win their fourth game in a row on Thursday night. But so far neither the Avalanche nor the New Jersey Devils have been able to find the back of the net, and the two teams are scoreless after 20 minutes of play.

Related: Avalanche Vs. Devils: Streaking Colorado Welcomes Matt Duchene Back Against New Jersey

Unofficially, Colorado had an 8-5 edge in shots on goal in the period. Both teams were 0-1 on the power play, and the faceoffs were split 7-7.

The Avs' current hot streak of play has helped them claim second place in their division and the No. 8 spot overall in the Western Conference.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Devils blog In Lou We Trust. And for more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.

Avalanche Vs. Devils: Streaking Colorado Welcomes Matt Duchene Back Against New Jersey

What will the Colorado Avalanche do next? After a dramatic overtime victory against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, the Avalanche topped themselves with a stunning shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres, topped by Jamie McGinn's tying goal with 1.7 seconds left in the game.

With every single point crucial, the Avalanche head down the Atlantic coast to take on the New Jersey Devils in a showdown of two of the top rookies in the league this year. Gabriel Landeskog is getting plenty of national press with his recent performances on national television, and some members of the press are calling the Calder Trophy race right now. But Devils rookie center Adam Henrique has a strong case for the award as well. The forward has excelled on the top line with Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk this season, and is tied for the rookie lead (along with Landeskog) with 46 points on the season.

The Devils have a firm grasp on a playoff berth right now, and are only four points behind Pittsburgh for that coveted fourth seed in the East -- and the home ice advantage that comes with that position.Their stars have shone brightly of late, as Patrick Elias, Parise, and Kovalchuk are all averaging at least a point per game over their last ten contests. Future Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur has been solid in net for the Devils, allowing only 15 goals in his past eight starts.

Colorado's offense is firing on all cylinders right now with the addition of McGinn and Steve Downie. They hope to continue their scoring ways with the return of Matt Duchene. The star forward was expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with an ankle injury, but was cleared for play against the Devils.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere will get the start in net, giving Semyon Varlamov some rest after his performance against the Sabres.

Puck drops at 5:00 p.m. MDT.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Devils blog In Lou We Trust.

Avalanche Vs. Sabres Final Score: Colorado Prevails in Shootout

The Colorado Avalanche have now won eight of their last 11 games after outlasting the Buffalo Sabres 5-4 in a shootout on Wednesday night. Though Colorado has been playing well lately, they entered in 11th place in the Western Conference. To have a shot at securing a top eight seed and a place in the postseason, Colorado can't afford losses. The win over red-hot Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller is certainly huge. The win gives the Avs 80 points and pushes them to 38-30-4 overall. Buffalo falls to 33-29-9.

The teams took turns scoring on each other all night. The first period ended 2-2, and the second and third periods were each 1-1.

Buffalo grabbed a 4-3 lead just two minutes into the third period when Alexander Sulzer scored his first goal of the season. Jamie McGinn would answer for Colorado with his second goal of the night and 19th of the season.

After a scoreless overtime session, Peter Mueller beat Ryan Miller on 20-foot wristshot to cement the win for the Avalanche.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Sabres blog Die By The Blade.

Avalanche Vs. Sabres Score Update: Colorado And Buffalo Head Into 3rd Tied 3-3

The Colorado Avalanche have peppered Sabres goalie Ryan Miller with shots all night long, but they still can't shake free from Buffalo. The Avs and Sabres head into the third period 3-3 at the First Niagara Center tonight after a wild first period carried over into solid action at each end in the second.

Buffalo and Colorado have taken turns scoring on each other all night. First it was Marcus Foligno, who put the Sabres up 1-0 when he beat Semyon Varlamov just 1:39 into the game. The Avalanche's Jamie McGinn would answer back with his 18th goal of the year halfway through the period to knot the score. Drew Stafford made it 2-1 Buffalo when he scored his 14th goal of the season short-handed. Colorado would answer again, this time with Shane O'Brien and Ryan Wilson setting up David Jones for his 17th score of the season.

The Avs grabbed their first lead of the night when Gabriel Landeskog scored on a power play five minutes into the second. Foloigno would would answer with his second goal of the night six minutes later, and that's where we stand: 3-3, one period left.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Sabres blog Die By The Blade.

Avalanche Vs. Sabres: Colorado Starts Crucial East Coast Trip In Buffalo

The Colorado Avalanche took care of business with overtime victories over Edmonton and Anaheim, yet still fell into 11th place in the Western Conference despite being idle. In fact, Colorado has won seven of their past 10 games and remains in the same exact position against the impossibly tight Western Conference. Since other teams in the standings are unlikely to fall out of the race, the only thing that Colorado can do is win.

This will be difficult for the Avalanche as they begin an incredibly tough road trip through the Eastern Conference with a game against the other "hottest team" in the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres. Once completely out of the playoff picture, the Sabres have regained some momentum behind the play of All-Star goalie Ryan Miller, who has been electric the past two months. In his last nine starts, Miller has a 1.84 GAA in his last nine games and a spectacular .943 SV%.

He has carried Buffalo into the postseason picture almost singlehandedly, since the rest of his offense has been below average -- ranking 24th in the league in goals scored. The Sabres will also be without the services of top defenseman Tyler Myers, who has been suspended for three games following an illegal boarding call.

The Avalanche likely face three Eastern Conference playoff teams over the span of four nights; a herculean task for a team attempting to keep pace in the Western Conference. Thankfully, they've received help from their deadline trade acquisitions. Jamie McGinn and Steve Downie have combined for 7 goals and 11 assists since joining Colorado. Gabriel Landeskog and David Jones have also been very productive lately, bringing the Avalanche offense up to 15th in the NHL in goals scored.

Semyon Varlamov will get another start in net, his sixth straight. The Russian netminder is the talk of the league, carrying a .953 SV% over his last eight starts.

Puck drops at 5:30 p.m. MDT

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Sabres blog Die By The Blade.

Avalanche Forward Matt Duchene Expected To Return To Lineup Against New Jersey Devils

Just barely a week ago,Colorado Avalanche start forward Matt Duchene gruesomely twisted his ankle during a nationally televised game against the Minnesota Wild. He was expected to miss the remaining three weeks of the regular season at the very least and would be questionable to play if Colorado made the playoffs.

There has been a dramatic update for the forward, as Adrian Dater of the Denver Post is reporting that Duchene not only skated this morning in Buffalo, but will likely be in the lineup on Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils.

Duchene has been struggling this season, but still ranks fifth on the team in goals scored despite only playing 48 games this season. He has suffered a major knee injury and ankle injury this season, but has proven himself to be a gamechanger when healthy.

With Colorado in the midst of one of the tightest playoff races in years, the addition of Matt Duchene back into the lineup could be a major boon for the team's postseason hopes.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey.

Avalanche Vs. Ducks Final Score: Colorado Secures Crucial Victory In Overtime

The Colorado Avalanche are fighting for their playoff lives in the Western Conference, and on Monday night the team scored a huge 3-2 overtime victory against the Anaheim Ducks. The win gives Colorado 78 points and lifts the team to 37-30-4 overall. The Ducks fall to 29-30-11 with the loss.

Gabriel Landeskog was the hero for Colorado. The forward scored beat Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller to win the game in overtime. Landeskog's 19th goal of the season was set-up by teammate Matt Hunwick.

The game was tied at 1-1 heading into the third period, before Kevin Porter's fourth goal of the season gave the Avalanche a one goal lead. The Ducks would answer with just four minutes left in the game when veteran forward Teemu Selanne scored his 22nd goal of the season on a power play.

Anaheim out-shot Colorado 40-33 on the night.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Ducks blog Anaheim Calling.

Avalanche Vs. Ducks Score Update: Colorado, Anaheim Head Into 3rd Period Tied 1-1

The Colorado Avalanche held a 1-0 lead after one period tonight against the Anaheim Ducks, but the two teams will head into the final frame at the Pepsi Center tied 1-1 thanks to a late goal by Anaheim. With just two seconds remaining in the second, Francois Beauchemin beat Colorado goalie Semyon Varlamov to knot up the score. Beauchemin's seventh goal of the season was set-up by teammates Cam Fowler and Bobby Ryan.

There's been plenty of action at each end of the ice through two periods, with the Avalanche clearly knowing was important points are with the team in a dogfight for one of the final two spots in the Western Conference playoffs. Anaheim holds a 27-22 edge in shots and a 17-16 edge in hits, while Colorado has a 22-13 in faceoff wins.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Ducks blog Anaheim Calling.

Avalanche Vs. Ducks Score Update: Colorado Leads 1-0 After 1st Period

With the regular season schedule winding down and the playoff race in the NHL's Western Conference as tight as ever, each game will have big implications for the Colorado Avalanche. Through a period against the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado looks like a team that is well aware of the stakes. The Avalanche lead 1-0 over the Ducks at the Pepsi Center.

Jamie McGinn scored the lone goal of the first period when he beat Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller to give the Avalanche a 1-0 lead halfway through the period. McGinn's 17th goal of the season was set-up by teammates Ryan O'Byrne and David Jones.

The first period featured solid action at each end. Anaheim out-shot Colorado 12-11. The Avs hold in advantage in faceoff wins (10-5); the Ducks are leading in hits (10-7).

There were no penalties in the first period.

For more coverage, visit our Avalanche blog Mile High Hockey and our Ducks blog Anaheim Calling.

Avalanche Vs. Ducks: Varlamov Makes 5th Consecutive Start In Must-Win For Colorado

The Colorado Avalanche are currently in a three-way tie for the eighth and final seed in the Western Conference.