It looked like Colorado was turning a corner when it posted road victories against the Wild and these same Blue Jackets entering their current homestand.

However, the Avalanche has lost the first three games of their homestand and are in-the-circle-the-wagons mode here with just one home game left before going back on the road. I'm looking for a big game in goal from a rested Semyon Varlamov, who sat out the past two games.

Colorado coach Jared Bednar knows Columbus well. He led Lake Erie, which is an affiliate of the Blue Jackets, to the AHL championship last season. I expect a solid game plan to be in place along with a strong sense of urgency.

The Blue Jackets are playing well. But regression is due to hit. I find them to be overrated based on some of their lopsided victories that have padded their statistics.