The Avalanche were perfect on their road trip, and the Dallas Stars lost again. Colorado sent a forward down to the AHL after getting Artturi Lehkonen back. Also, the Flyers won’t go away and are well within the race for a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 27.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche defeated the Winnipeg Jets and the Dallas Stars lost in regulation to the New York Islanders. That means that, since the Stars won the shootout at Ball Arena nine days ago, they’ve gone 0-3-1 and collected one point, while the Avs went 4-0-0 and gained all eight points they could get.

What was a two-point difference is now a nine-point cushion, and the Avalanche still have a game in hand. It all changed so quickly.

For the third time in four games, head coach Jared Bednar went with Mackenzie Blackwood between the pipes. Here’s why it was a great idea, and what it means for the Avs’ crease moving forward.

We knew this would eventually happen, but the Avalanche sent Gavin Brindley down to the AHL following the return of Artturi Lehkonen. Brindley has played 56 games this season, compiling six goals and seven assists. When ever he finally dresses for the AHL Eagles, it’ll be his debut with Colorado’s farm team.

Around The NHL

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers are not going away. They gained another two points to remain well in the thick of things in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit Hockey Now: John Gibson has little room for error now, as Cam Talbot left practice with an injury.

San Jose Hockey Now: It went from bad to worse for the Sharks, who lost a key piece to injury and then lost in OT.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Terrible news for the Penguins, who lost Sidney Crosby to injury against the Ottawa Senators. But on the positive side, they won the shootout and got the all-important second point.