Avalanche Weekly Update - Jan. 31
Colorado returns to action following All-Star break
by Danielle Bernstein / ColoradoAvalanche.com
Avalanche News
NIETO CONTRIBUTING: Matt Nieto tied a career high with seven shots (Oct. 26, 2013 at Montreal) in Colorado's game against the Vancouver Canucks last Wednesday night. He now has two goals and an assist in eight games since being claimed off waivers by the Avalanche on Jan. 5.
IGINLA VS. CANUCKS: Jarome Iginla skated in his 100th career game against Vancouver, the most of any active player. His 33 goals and 84 points against the Canucks are the most of any active player against Vancouver in each category.
Upcoming Games
Tuesday, January 31 at Anaheim Ducks
Honda Center, 8 p.m. MT, TV: Altitude, Radio: 950 AM
The Avalanche returns from the All-Star break, taking on the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night in California. It's the third and final meeting between the two teams this season and the second road game of the series for Colorado. The Avs are 0-2-0 against the Ducks this season, falling 4-1 in the first matchup at home and 2-1 in Anaheim on Jan. 19.
Wednesday, February 1 at Los Angeles Kings
Staples Center, 8:30 p.m. MT, TV: NBCSN, Radio: 92.5 The Wolf
The Avs and the Kings meet for the second of three matchups this season and the first since Nov. 15, a 4-1 Avalanche win at Pepsi Center. Patrick Wiercioch tallied a goal and an assist, and Blake Comeau, Rene Bourque and Gabriel Landeskog also scored for the Avs in that first game. Wednesday's tilt will be the only trip to Los Angeles for Colorado, as the Kings return to Denver for the final meeting of the season on Feb. 21.
Saturday, February 4 vs. Winnipeg Jets
Pepsi Center, 1 p.m. MT, TV: Altitude, Radio: 950 AM
The last matinee game at Pepsi Center this season will feature the Avs and Jets in the fourth of five contests between the Central Division opponents. It's also the last of three matchups at Pepsi Center.
Community Highlights
Last week, Avalanche forward Carl Soderberg and defenseman Patrick Wiercioch played games, took photos and signed autographs with children who are undergoing treatment at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC). The BDC is one of the largest diabetes institutes in the world and specializes in Type 1 Diabetes research and care for children and adults.
Prospect Spotlight
The San Antonio Rampage defeated the Ontario Reign 5-4 in overtime on Friday night for the 500th win in franchise history. San Antonio has won four of its last five contests, including victories over the Manitoba Moose, two over the Rockford IceHogs and the Reign. JT Compher is on a four-game point streak with one goal and five assists in that span. Rocco Grimaldi has tallied four goals and one helper in San Antonio's last four contests and defenseman Sergei Boikov has contributed two goals and an assist in that time frame.
Quotable
"A great accomplishment it's been for me, something to be proud of. I spent the first five professional years in the American League and the minors. For me just to step up and play 800 games, I'm proud of it." - Avalanche defenseman Francois Beauchemin on playing in his 800th career NHL game on Wednesday, Jan. 25 vs. Vancouver