Sports can be filled with remarkable coincidences sometimes.
Tonight's game between the Colorado Avalanche and the St. Louis Blues was originally scheduled for February 2, just another game between two teams on the periphery of the Western Conference playoff picture.
Fortunately for us fans, Mother Nature stepped in and postponed the game until February 22. With the blockbuster trade between these two clubs over the weekend, this game has new meaning. Newly minted Blues Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk get to suit up against their former Avalanche club less than four days after suddenly being traded from a franchise they expected to play with for many years.
New Colorado Avalanche players Erik Johnson and Jay McClement get to wear their new sweaters and play as visitors in the Scottrade Center, a place they called home for many years.
It's a fascinating matchup between these two clubs that goes beyond the playoff standings or draft status; it's a chance for these four players to prove to their former club what they'll be missing in the future. Add the return of Avalanche star Matt Duchene to the lineup after missing two games with a hand injury, and there's plenty of buildup around this previously meaningless game.
Peter Budaj will start in net for Colorado, and he will be backed up by John Grahame. Newly acquired goalie Brian Elliott is still unavailable for Colorado due to visa issues. Ty Conklin will get the start in net for St. Louis.
The puck drops at 6:00 p.m. MST. Don't miss it!