Eurolanche

Senators open home schedule vs Avs

Season series: The Colorado Avalanche swept the season series 2013-2014 against the Ottawa Senators. Semyon Varlamov's 38 saves led the Avalanche to a win 3-1 in the most recent game March 16 at Canadian Tire Centre.

Avalanche team scope: Offense continues to be an issue for the Avalanche. Following a 3-2 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, Colorado is averaging one goal per game. That figure is significantly lower than the 2.99 goals per game the Avalanche averaged last season, the fourth-highest figure in the League. A potential spark for the struggling offense could come from forward Matt Duchene, who scored his first goal of the season Tuesday after leading Colorado in scoring last season. The Avalanche's visit to Ottawa will be their third stop on a four-game road trip and third game in four nights.

Senators team scope: The Senators' offense has not had the same difficulty scoring as the Avalanche's, but Ottawa is averaging two goals per game after scoring at a 2.79 clip a season ago. Forward Bobby Ryan, who signed a seven-year contract extension worth $50.75 million on Oct. 2, has yet to score. Despite the lack of goals, Ottawa has won two straight games, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers to finish its season-opening three-game road trip. The Senators' game against the Avalanche on Thursday will be their home opener.

-- by David Kalan for NHL.com --

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