The Colorado Avalanche return to Pepsi Center to face the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time since Opening Night. Colorado just returned from an eventually successful road trip, scoring seven points in their past six games. They finished off the trip in impressive fashion, beating a hot Atlanta Thrashers team and defeating a wounded (and desperate) Washington Capitals team on their own ice.
Colorado hasn't played a home game yet this month, with their last game at Pepsi Center taking place at November 30 against the Vancouver Canucks. Colorado may have survived their five game Southeast swing in the standings, but several players were unlucky. Milan Hejduk suffered a groin injury and is day-to-day, though will not play Monday against Chicago. Defenseman Kyle Quincy's troubled season continues, as he suffered a shoulder injury hitting the boards during the win against Washington.
Chicago comes to Denver wounded as well, with star forwards Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane suffering from lower body injuries and will be unavailable for tonight's game. Chicago will miss their offensive talents, as they are 2-10-1 this season when scoring two or less goals. The Blackhawks lean heavily on scoring goals to win games, and losing two of their top three forwards will make a serious impact on their chances the next couple of weeks.
Craig Anderson and Marty Turco will be starting in net.
Puck drops at 7pm MST.