Series: Colorado leads 32-29-10-3
SCOUTING THE AVALANCHE
Trend: Colorado finished the preseason 2-5-0 but beat the Stars, 4-1, a week ago at American Airlines Center. The Avalanche, who lost in seven games to Detroit in the Western Conference finals last spring, will be seeking their record ninth consecutive division title.
Who's hot: C Joe Sakic recorded a goal and five assists in the final two preseason games.
Who's not: C Peter Forsberg had just one goal in the preseason, which may be more an indication of how veterans view exhibition games.
Notable: Recently acquired D Derek Morris probably will begin the game paired with Adam Foote.
Injuries: C Riku Hahl (ribs), C Dean McAmmond (back), LW Dan Hinote (broken leg).
SCOUTING THE STARS
Trend: The Stars finished the preseason 4-4-0 but are 5-1-3 in season openers since moving to Dallas.
Who's hot: C Niko Kapanen earned a spot on the third line with two goals and seven points in seven preseason games. He led the Stars in scoring.
Who's not: Veterans Ulf Dahlen and Kirk Muller each failed to a register a point in five preseason games.
Notable: Newly acquired D Stephane Robidas arrived Tuesday in Dallas after clearing customs. He was paired with veteran Richard Matvichuk and is expected to make his debut against Colorado. ... The Stars signed goaltending prospect Mike Smith to a three-year contract Wednesday. Smith has been assigned to the Stars' minor-league affiliate in Utah. ... The Stars' franchise is 12-14-9 in openers overall.
SCOUTING THE AVALANCHE
Trend: Colorado finished the preseason 2-5-0 but beat the Stars, 4-1, a week ago at American Airlines Center. The Avalanche, who lost in seven games to Detroit in the Western Conference finals last spring, will be seeking their record ninth consecutive division title.
Who's hot: C Joe Sakic recorded a goal and five assists in the final two preseason games.
Who's not: C Peter Forsberg had just one goal in the preseason, which may be more an indication of how veterans view exhibition games.
Notable: Recently acquired D Derek Morris probably will begin the game paired with Adam Foote.
Injuries: C Riku Hahl (ribs), C Dean McAmmond (back), LW Dan Hinote (broken leg).
SCOUTING THE STARS
Trend: The Stars finished the preseason 4-4-0 but are 5-1-3 in season openers since moving to Dallas.
Who's hot: C Niko Kapanen earned a spot on the third line with two goals and seven points in seven preseason games. He led the Stars in scoring.
Who's not: Veterans Ulf Dahlen and Kirk Muller each failed to a register a point in five preseason games.
Notable: Newly acquired D Stephane Robidas arrived Tuesday in Dallas after clearing customs. He was paired with veteran Richard Matvichuk and is expected to make his debut against Colorado. ... The Stars signed goaltending prospect Mike Smith to a three-year contract Wednesday. Smith has been assigned to the Stars' minor-league affiliate in Utah. ... The Stars' franchise is 12-14-9 in openers overall.
