In what will be a final game before the NHL all-star break, the Avalanche will try to go out with a positive vibe tonight against divisional opponent and potential playoff bubble contender Minnesota at the Pepsi Center.
After tonight’s game, Avalanche players will scatter to various locales for the rest of the week, with several relaxing in Aspen to take in the X-Games. But gaining what could be an important two points against the Wild will be uppermost in the Avs’ minds tonight.
“They’re all big games for us, but obviously we want to go into the break with a nice feeling, kind of how we did in the Christmas break a few weeks ago,” said Avs goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere, who will start in net tonight for the fourth straight game.
The Avs will get defenseman Ryan Wilson back in the lineup tonight after he missed two games with a groin injury. He will replace rookie Stefan Elliott, who will be a healthy scratch for the first time since being promoted to the Avs from Lake Erie.
The Avs are coming off a tough 3-2 loss at Anaheim Sunday, despite outshooting the Ducks 45-18. Colorado has had a lot of trouble with the Wild in recent years, especially in Denver; the Wild is 8-1-2 against Colorado in the last 11 games at the Pepsi Center.
“They’re a tough team,” Avs forward and Minnesota native Peter Mueller said. “We’ve got to be ready right from the start tonight. It’ s a four-point game against a division team. It’s a huge game.”
The Wild, however, has lost 11 straight games on the road entering tonight.
Adrian Dater: 303-954-1360 or adater@denverpost.com
