The Avalanche currently hold the third playoff spot in the division, being four points ahead of Utah HC. Utah has two games in hand, meaning they could potentially get to that spot by the time they play as many games as Colorado.

After claiming defenseman Nick DeSimone off waivers from the New Jersey Devils earlier today, the Utah Hockey Club had one too many players on their active roster.

Despite a 4-1 final score in favor of the Avalanche, the game was highly competitive between Utah and Colorado

The Utah Hockey Club and Dallas Stars have been familiar with each other this season and over the past month, as they played two games in Utah in December. However, the Stars can add to their 2-0 record against the NHL’s newest team when they host them for the first time.