Eurolanche

Blues look to end losing streak vs Avs

Season series: The Colorado Avalanche and St.Louis Blues will meet for the third time in 17 days in December and split the previous two games. Goalie Semyon Varlamov made 25 saves in Colorado's 5-0 shutout victory at Pepsi Center on Dec. 23.

Avalanche team scope: Colorado went six games without a regulation loss (4-0-2) before a 5-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday. Nathan MacKinnon and Erik Johnson scored goals for the Avalanche, who were beaten because of a difference in special teams. Chicago scored twice on four power-play opportunities, while Colorado was 0-for-3. "I cannot say we didn't play well tonight," Avalanche coach Patrick Roy said after the game. "Their power play and our power play were the difference. Obviously we need to be better in that area. We had our chances to get back in the game." Rookie Calvin Pickard started in goal against the Blackhawks and was assigned to the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League on Sunday along with forward Dennis Everberg. Varlamov is expected to start Monday.

Blues team scope: St. Louis will look to snap a season-long four-game losing streak (0-3-1) following a 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday. The Blues have been outscored 18-9 in that span and are committing defensive gaffes that are uncommon for this team. The Blues’ penalty kill has dropped to 25th in the League and 12th in the Western Conference at 77.5 percent. "If you look at the penalties we're taking, they're stick fouls, so that's a little bit frustrating for everybody," Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said. St. Louis has allowed 10 power play goals in its past six games on 32 opportunities. Vladimir Tarasenko did not participate in practice after blocking a shot Saturday but is expected to play. Goalie Martin Brodeur will start. Goalie Brian Elliott (knee) practiced Sunday and is nearing a return. Jaden Schwartz (foot) and Carl Gunnarsson (concussion) remain out.

by Louie Korac for nhl.com