The Avalanche hopes to go into the Christmas break with a win tonight against the Minnesota Wild, a team that historically has given the Avs a lot of problems.
“Usually, games are 1-0, 2-1 with these guys, because they play a trapping style,” Avalanche winger TJ Galiardi said. “We’re going to have to fight through it and put some pressure on their goalie.”
The Avs scored seven goals on the Wild in a victory at home last month, a game that saw them lose top-scorer Chris Stewart to a broken bone in his left hand.
Avs coach Joe Sacco said Stewart should resume on-ice activities when the team returns from a two-day break, Friday and Saturday.
Sacco said he hadn’t decided yet whether to use seven defensemen for the game, as he did in Tuesday’s 5-0 loss to Los Angeles.
The Avs will again be without forwards Milan Hejduk and Cody McLeod; both have groin injuries.
