Deen’s Daily: Next Avalanche Trade Target; Crazy Stanley Cup Final Rematch

The Avalanche felt lifeless on the power play on Monday, failing to score on four man-advantage opportunities in a 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. The Avs are mired in a tough 6-for-54 stretch on the man advantage.

Notebook: General manager Chris MacFarland doesn’t usually meet with media in early December. But he did this year after making two goalies trades to revamp Colorado’s goaltending duo. He also made it pretty clear that more is coming. The trade deadline is on March 7 and the Avs, who are 18-14-0, still have other pressing needs to secure a playoff spot and hopefully make a run. With Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood in the fold, what’s the next move for the Avalanche? 

Around the NHL

Florida Hockey Now: The Stanley Cup deciding game last June was an exciting, low-scoring matchup between the Oilers and Panthers. Florida came out on top, winning 2-1 to secure its first championship. In a rematch of the seven-game series, the two teams exchanged goals in what ended up being a wild third period.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils have two key free-agent defensemen who are up for contract this summer. One of them is unrestricted and the other is restricted. Both are top of mind for GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Detroit Hockey Now: Amid a season of disappointment, the Red Wings have actually had pretty solid goaltending. At least that’s what the numbers say.

Speaking of Detroit, one of their former first-round draft picks is finally starting to find his way.

NY Islanders Hockey Now: The Islanders finished a home-and-home with the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. In the second matchup, the Islanders fell by a goal. Three takeaways from the weekend.