It may not seem like it, but the Colorado Avalanche face a crucial road game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
The game is the first leg of a back-to-back set this week, opening up a bit of a busy schedule to kick off November.
The Avs are coming off consecutive 5-2 wins, beating the Calgary Flames and the New Jersey Devils. And while the Blackhawks are currently last in the Central Division, this game is far from a walk in the park.
But more than the evident need to extend the winning streak, there’s something else at play here.