SoCal NHL Preview

Los Angeles (12-24-2) at Colorado (21-14-2), 3:00 pm, FSN
DENVER (Ticker) - After suffering their first home loss in nearly a month, the Colorado Avalanche will look to conclude their four-game homestand on a positive note when they host the struggling Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. After winning their previous five contests at the Pepsi Center, the Avalanche suffered a 4-2 setback to the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. If losing to the rival Red Wings wasn't bad enough, Colorado also found out that it would be without its captain for 12 weeks. The club announced Thursday that Joe Sakic would undergo hernia surgery and miss up to three months, possibly longer. The Avalanche, however, have put together a pretty impressive month without the 13-time All-Star, going 8-4-1 during December. Their 15-4-0 home mark is one of the best in the NHL. The Kings, on the other hand, have had little to celebrate lately. The club has lost eight consecutive games and registered just five points this month en route to posting the worst record in the league. Los Angeles has yielded an NHL-worst 128 goals and owns the Western Conference worst penalty kill at just 77.9 percent.

Anaheim (19-15-5) at Calgary (17-14-7), 7:00 pm, FSNPT
CALGARY, Alberta (Ticker) - Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle must really love seeing Scott Niedermayer patrolling the blue line. The 34-year-old defenseman will attempt to lead the Ducks to their fifth consecutive victory when they visit the Calgary Flames on Saturday. After Niedermayer contemplated retirement for the first 2 1/2 months of the season, his return has been a huge lift to the defending Stanley Cup champions. The reigning Conn Smythe winner has managed just two assists, but Anaheim has posted a 4-0-1 record since his return. The Ducks also have won four straight contests on the road dating back to December 8. The Flames have lost three consecutive games after completing a perfect six-game road trip. Miikka Kiprusoff continued his disappointing season Thursday, allowing five goals on 20 shots and getting replaced midway through the third period. After registering 17 shutouts over the past two campaigns, the 31-year-old netminder has none this season. Offensively, Calgary is led by Jarome Iginla, who has 25 goals and 50 points.