The two teams lowest in the Western Conference this season face off against each other at Pepsi Center, as the Colorado Avalanche face the last place Edmonton Oilers.
Edmonton comes into today's matchup on a two game winning streak, defeating two straight playoff hopefuls in Nashville and Columbus, and look to extend their winning streak. Their job became much more difficult, as rookie star forward Taylor Hall did not travel with the team and will miss the remainder of the season with a high ankle sprain. The 19-year-old Hall has scored 22 goals this season and will get serious consideration for the Calder Trophy. His loss is a blow to Edmonton, but may have cemented their right to a Top 2 selection in this year's NHL Entry Draft.
Colorado is also playing the remainder of the season with an eye on the standings, but not how they imagined back in December. Instead of focusing on a playoff race, the Avalanche are instead looking at Top 5 selection in the upcoming draft for the first time since 2009, when they drafted young forward Matt Duchene third overall. Even though they have not won with any regularity in 2011, Colorado has been playing competitive hockey of late, and against some quality opponents. Their 2-1 shootout loss on March 2 to the San Jose Sharks was the latest in a long string of quality efforts that didn't have the desired result.
Brian Elliott will get another start in net for Colorado. Devan Dubnyk will start for Edmonton.
Puck drops at 8:00 p.m. MST.