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There are four games tonight in the NHL but many eyes will be focused on the Colorado/Florida match, mainly because of the status of Panthers goaltender Tomas Vokoun following the bizarre incident that took place on Monday night. If you haven't already heard, his teammate, frustrated at a poor defensive play that led to a goal, was looking to slam his stick across the goalpost when he accidentally hit his goalie Vokoun, who promptly fell to the ice and had to be carted off on a stretcher and ended up in hospital.

It was one of the most unusual incidents you'll ever see but fortunately Vokoun is alright after the incident. However, his status for this game is questionable, with coach Peter Deboer speculating on Tuesday that Vokoun might need a game off to rest. Nonetheless, if Vokoun was to return in this game, it would be a huge emotional lift for the Panthers. And this team certainly needs a lift as they are currently going through a 5 game losing streak.

If backup goaltender Scott Clemmenssen was to get the start for the Panthers, then it's advantage Avalanche as he's 3-3 on the season with a 3.69 Goals Against Average. I was surprised that the Panthers are favorites in this game considering that they are 2-10-1 against the Avalanche. Not to mention that the Avs are coming off a shutout victory against the Lightning on Monday so they are on a roll and will be well rested, having spent the last two days in South Florida leading up to this game.

Promising rookie Matt Duchene has found his scoring touch with 3 goals in his last 2 games, meaning the Avs offense is well balanced and certainly a threat to score on every shift. The Avs are also hoping to see the return of Milan Hejduk to their line-up. He has been out with a knee injury. That too would help balance the forward line and make them even tougher to defend against.

Despite the Panthers being favored in this game, I found it very hard to find any evidence backing them up. They are 6-21-1 in their last 28 games against the Northwest, they are 2-7 in their last 9 Wednesday contests and are 0-4 in their last 4 home games.

Conversely, Colorado are 6-0 in their last 6 against the Eastern Conference and are 9-4 in their last 13 versus the Southeast. I would be comfortable backing the Avs at 1.89 (-112) even if the Panthers do start Tomas Voukon in nets.