The Colorado Avalanche (50-16-10) are looking to bounce back against the St. Louis Blues (33-31-12). Puck drop is scheduled for 6:08 p.m. MT.<\/p>\n
Key Stories to Watch<\/p>\n
The Avalanche lost to the Blues at Ball Arena on Sunday, giving up the game-winner late in the third period of a game that was tied for most of the night. <\/p>\n
Colorado has struggled at home lately. But on the road, the Avalanche have won five in a row and are 11-1 in their last 12 games away from Ball Arena. They have the league\u2019s best road record (26-7-5).<\/p>\n
The Blues are fighting for their playoff lives, and getting two more points against the Avs could significantly increase their chances of securing the second wildcard spot. If they do, they\u2019d play the Avalanche in the first round. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Colorado could clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a win. If the Avs win in regulation and the Bruins beat Carolina in regulation, the Avalanche would also clinch the Presidents\u2019 Trophy with five games remaining.<\/p>\n
The Avalanche are getting Valeri Nichushkin and Nic Roy back in the lineup. Joel Kiviranta and Zakhar Bardakov are slated to be healthy scratches. This is the first time that all the forwards are healthy since the trade deadline. Cale Makar remains the only remaining injury. Scott Wedgewood gets the nod in goal.<\/p>\n
Season Series<\/p>\n
Dec. 31 vs St. Louis Blues (W, 6-1)<\/p>\n
April 5 vs St. Louis Blues (L, 3-2)<\/p>\n
April 7 at St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n
Avalanche Injuries<\/p>\n
Val Nichushkin and Nic Roy are playing tonight for the #Avs<\/a>. Kiviranta and Bardakov are out. Wedgewood in net. <\/p>\n Jared Bednar said Cale Makar will likely miss \u201ca few more games\u201d but still expects him to play before the end of the regular season.<\/p>\n