Eurolanche

Hurricanes resume trip against Varlamov

Season series: The Colorado Avalanche were 1-0-1 against the Carolina Hurricanes last season, including a 4-3 win at Pepsi Center on Nov. 22 that kept them unbeaten (10 wins, two ties) at home against the Hartford/Carolina franchise since moving from Quebec in 1995. Right wing Jarome Iginla had a goal and three points for Colorado; forwards Riley Nash and Jeff Skinner each had two assists for Carolina.

Hurricanes team scope: Carolina begins the second leg of a seven-game trip after splitting two games on the road last weekend, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 5-3 on Friday before losing 4-1 at the Washington Capitals on Saturday. The Hurricanes play their next two games on the West Coast and visit the Red Wings and New York Islanders before returning to PNC Arena on Oct. 30 to play Colorado. "It's a big road trip for us," center Jordan Staal told the Hurricanes website Tuesday. "We play some really good teams and we've got to find a way to match up and play solid against each one of them. It's going to be a good and exciting challenge for our group, and it should be a lot of fun." Carolina recalled defenseman Rasmus Rissanen from Charlotte of the American Hockey League on Monday to have a seventh defenseman available. Nash (shoulder) went through a full-contact practice Tuesday; he hasn't played since Oct. 10.

Avalanche team scope: Starter Semyon Varlamov will be back in goal after back-to-back strong performances by backup Reto Berra against the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings last weekend. "Reto played really well both games, but [Varlamov] is our No. 1 goalie and it's time for him," coach Patrick Roy told the Avalanche website after practice Tuesday. "He's been practicing really well. I think he's ready to play [Wednesday]." The Avalanche won 3-0 at Anaheim on Friday and lost 2-1 at Los Angeles on Sunday, with Berra making 73 saves on 75 shots. Defenseman Erik Johnson said the Avalanche have to play better in their zone. "We're a team that's obviously based on offense, but we're really trying to tighten up our D-zone and be better in there," he said. Defenseman Tyson Barrie will sit out the second of a three-game suspension for a high hit against Anaheim defenseman Simon Despres on Friday; Barrie is eligible to return Oct. 27 against the Florida Panthers.

-- by NHL.com --