Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled and offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups.

The Colorado Avalanche (28-19-2) open a three-game road trip against the Boston Bruins (24-20-6). Puck drop is scheduled for 11:08 a.m. MT. READ MORE: Avalanche Trade Mikko Rantanen to Carolina in 3-Way Deal for Martin Necas and Jack Drury This post-Mikko Rantanen era starts now.

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As the Colorado Avalanche embark on their first east coast road trip of the calendar year, they will encounter an unusual quirk in the schedule of back-to-back matinee games. First up is a meeting with the Boston Bruins before heading to New York.