Avs Face Stars In Preseason Home Opener

DENVER, Colo.-The Colorado Avalanche opened preseason heading in the right direction with a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild in its first exhibition matchup.
"I really liked our effort," head coach Jared Bednar said after the victory. "I thought, as the game went on, we kind of found our groove a little bit, and I thought the guys worked extremely hard."

The Avs are looking to repeat that success at home as they host the Dallas Stars in their second exhibition contest in as many days.
"Preseason or not, we're going to compete to win every night," Bednar said. "That's our goal."

With five preseason games remaining, every contest is a critical opportunity for players to make a lasting impression with the new coaching staff ahead of the roster being finalized on Oct. 11.
"It will be a different group," Bednar said of Wednesday's lineup. "Obviously, we have another group back at home, but there will be some guys here that play again. Hopefully they can continue with the energy."
Wednesday's match also provides coaches and players a chance to scout the Stars before the two teams meet in the Avalanche's season opener at the Pepsi Center on Oct. 15.
The Avalanche is 39-27-8-8 all-time against Dallas in the regular season. On home ice, Colorado is 21-10-5-5 in the series.
The puck drops at 7 p.m. at the Pepsi Center as Colorado's prospects, rookies and vets showcase their talents in front of their home crowd.
Tickets are still available
online and fans can listen to the radio broadcast at Altitude Sports Radio AM 950 and ColoradoAvalanche.com.