The Avalanche will attempt to stretch their losing streak to six games Friday when they face Carolina to end what has been another disastrous road trip.

Shouldn't be a problem. They've scored the grand total of six goals -- six! -- while losing five in a row after amassing nine in wins against Winnipeg and Montreal.

Here are the GAME NOTES.

The Avalanche (15-38-2) have lost 11 consecutive road games (0-10-1) since their 2-1 overtime win in Chicago on Dec. 23.

Yes, they need to upgrade the defense, and the Hurricanes could be a trading partner if general manager Joe Sakic decides to pull the trigger on a deal before March 1, though he told the Denver Post this week that he isn't "looking to do something big."

But what about this awful offense? Sure, the Avalanche spend too much time in their end, but c'mon. A team with forwards Matt Duchene, Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, along with defenseman Tyson Barrie, should be able to average more than a paltry two goals per game.

It hasn't even been that good lately.

Thursday's 2-0 loss in Buffalo marked the ninth time the Avalanche have been shut out this season. They've scored one goal in 12 games, two goals in 16 games.

Barrie has gone 10 games without a goal (he missed eight of the past 18 with injuries); Duchene 12 games without a goal; MacKinnon six games without a goal, with one goal in the past 15; Landeskog three games without a goal, with two goals in the past 12; Rantanen five games without a goal, with five goals in the past 18 (he had a hat trick Feb. 7 against Montreal).

Jeremy Smith could get the call in goal based on the back-to-back situation, plus he made 37 saves Tuesday in New Jersey.

Possible Avalanche lineup (based on late juggling Thursday, who knows?):

FORWARDS
Gabriel Landeskog -- Nathan MacKinnon -- Matt Nieto
Blake Comeau -- Matt Duchene -- Mikko Rantanen
Mikhail Grigorenko -- John Mitchell -- Jarome Iginla
Andreas Martinsen -- Carl Soderberg -- Joe Colborne

DEFENSE
Francois Beauchemin -- Tyson Barrie
Mark Barberio -- Nikita Zadorov
Fedor Tyutin -- Cody Goloubef

GOALIES
Jeremy Smith
Calvin Pickard



Follow @RickS7

Join the Discussion: » 38 Comments » Post New Comment

» One-year deal for Johansson

» One more postseason disappointment

» Bednar cleared to coach tonight; MacKinnon Hart finalist

» Cale Makar a Norris Trophy finalist

» Jost: Do or die Game 5 tonight; Kadri suspension upheld