When the Colorado Avalanche sent a fourth round pick to the Phoenix Coyotes for forward Daniel Winnik, few expected the 25-year-old winger to be anything more than a fourth line gap stop.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, fans of the Colorado Avalanche should have a lot to be thankful for.
After all, despite being the youngest team in the NHL and battling through long term injuries to their starting goaltender and four of their top six defenseman, Colorado sits third in the Western Conference, leading the Northwest Division with 25 points.
A seemingly harmless body check, during a meaningless game against the Los Angeles Kings, was enough to change the culture of the Avalanche's lineup for the foreseeable future.
The concussion left wing Peter Mueller—known Mark Messier helmet advocate—sustained in the Avalanche's second pre-season game, has negatively impacted the team, through it's first four games.
If the Phoenix Coyotes want to consider themselves a serious threat in the Pacific Division, then this is the week to prove it.
The Coyotes will face division leader the San Jose Sharks twice this week. While the Sharks might be the division leader, the Coyotes haven’t lost to the Sharks all season.
In 38 games this season, the Sharks have scored 127 goals, which is tied for second place in the NHL. However, against the Coyotes the Sharks have only scored once.
