Avs Prepare to Host Devils

After falling to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, the Colorado Avalanche got back to work on its practice ice on Saturday to prepare for its next contest.
The majority of the session at Family Sports Center had the team split into two groups, forwards and defensemen. Left wing Matt Calvert and rear guard Erik Johnson were the only skaters who did not participate as each was given a maintenance day.

The offensive unit worked with assistant coach Ray Bennett while the defense followed the directive of head coach Jared Bednar and assistant coach Nolan Pratt.
The Avalanche hosts the New Jersey Devils at Pepsi Center on Sunday afternoon to conclude a four-game homestand. It is the second and final time the Avalanche and Devils will meet this campaign, as Colorado won the first matchup 5-3 on Oct. 18 at Prudential Center.
The outing will also be Colorado's final game against an Eastern Conference opponent this season. So far this year, the Avs are 15-10-6 versus teams from the East and sport a 8-5-2 record at home in those games.
Sunday's contest is the first time that the Avs will play on St. Patrick's Day since the 2011-12 season when Colorado defeated the New York Rangers 3-1 at Madison Square Garden. The Avalanche is 5-3-1 all time on March 17, with a 2-1-0 mark at home.