Flames Head to Denver Chasing a Rare Road Win

On paper over the last ten games, these two teams look closer than the standings suggest. Calgary and Colorado have both been giving up about as much as they create, and the gap between them in chance quality is thin.

The evidence: the Avalanche have averaged 3.45 expected goals for (how many goals their chances were worth) against 3.40 allowed per game over their last ten. The Flames sit at 3.28 for and 3.31 against. Colorado has had the edge in shot attempts, averaging 62.9 per game to 57.5 allowed, while Calgary has been slightly on the wrong side, 57.7 to 59.7.

The venue split is the bigger story. Colorado is 5-1-1 at home; Calgary is just 1-4-0 on the road. The Flames have won 6 of their last ten, the Avalanche 5.

Standings stakes are real for both. Colorado (7-5-1, 15 points) sits third in the Central and sixth in the West. Calgary (6-7-0, 12 points) is fifth in the Pacific and 11th in the conference. Colorado has won the last four meetings, but plays without Josh Manson, out with an ankle injury.