Edmonton, Alberta – For Ryan Smyth’s homecoming game at Edmonton tonight, the Avalanche is hoping to get its first victory on the road this season.
The Avs are 0-4 on the road and have made it a habit of falling behind in games.
“We want to make teams play defense and play in their own end, and that’s what we’re going to try and emphasize going into the game,” Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said at the morning skate-around at Rexall Place.
Milan Hejduk (back stiffness) and Karlis Skrastins (separated shoulder) will not play. Rookie Kyle Cumiskey will play tonight on defense, after being recalled from Lake Erie of the AHL.
Cumiskey is excited at getting another chance to prove himself in the NHL.
“I just have to keep working hard and doing what it takes to stay here,” Kumiskey said.
Smyth, who played 12 years with the Oilers, will receive a video tribute from the team before the game.
