Eurolanche

Boedker faces former team for first time

Season series: The Arizona Coyotes defeated the Colorado Avalanche twice. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman had two goals in a 4-2 win at Gila River Arena on Nov. 5. Mikkel Boedker, who has since been traded to the Avalanche, scored in overtime in a 2-1 Coyotes' win on Dec. 28.

Coyotes (28-31-6) team scope: Arizona did not practice Sunday and begins a four-game road trip. Forward Alex Tanguay, who had two goals and an assist Saturday in a 5-1 win against the Florida Panthers, will play Colorado for the first time since being traded to Arizona for Boedker on Feb. 29. "I'm extremely happy with where we are at, and for me, I am just trying to get my legs underneath me and play better and better," Tanguay told the Coyotes website after the win Saturday. "I know I am not going to score every game but I want to contribute and help this team win some games until the end of the year." Louis Domingue, who made 32 saves Saturday, likely will start for the second straight game. Forward Max Domi returns after serving a one-game suspension.

Avalanche (33-30-4) team scope: Colorado was off Sunday following a 5-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on Saturday. The Avalanche continue a four-game homestand (1-1-0) and have lost three of their past four games. "We need to remain even keel and make sure we remain focused for the next game," coach Patrick Roy told the Avalanche website after the game. "I've seen many funny things happen in the season and obviously we need to win the next two games at home. They are going to be important games for us." Backup goalie Calvin Pickard has started the past two games, but could sit in favor of Semyon Varlamov, who last played Tuesday and was pulled after allowing three goals on 12 shots in one period. Boedker will play the Coyotes for the first time since the trade. He had spent his entire eight-year NHL career with Arizona.

-- by David Satriano for NHL.com --