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Avalanche Vs. Wild: Colorado Closes Out Season Series With Minnesota

Colorado looks to sweep their home-and-home against Minnesota and even up their season series versus the Wild.

By Muzia
MAR 4, 2012; St. Paul, MN, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) covers up the puck in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-US PRESSWIRE
MAR 4, 2012; St. Paul, MN, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) covers up the puck in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-US PRESSWIRE

On Sunday, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Minnesota Wild, 2-0, on the strength of two goals by newly acquired forward Jamie McGinn and a shutout by suddenly hot goalie Semyon Varlamov. This loss placed Minnesota's bizarre season on the ropes, and they are likely to miss the playoffs completely after leading the entire NHL in points as late as November. Now? The Wild are looking forward to a lottery draft pick.

The Avalanche have other plans. Sunday's victory resuscitated their playoff hopes after two disastrous home games against Columbus and Pittsburgh. With a victory on Tuesday night -- their last game of the season against Minnesota -- Colorado can not only even the season series with the Wild, but can retain their position on the fringes of the playoff race.

Colorado will likely be without the services of new forward Steve Downie, who has been listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. Downie has missed the past three games for the Avalanche after scoring seven points in his first six games in an Avalanche jersey.

Semyon Varlamov will get the start in net for Colorado.

Puck drops at 7:00 p.m. MDT

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

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