Avalanche welcome Rangers in heavyweight matchup

(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
The Colorado Avalanche, after stumbling against one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, next will face the top team in the league when the New York Rangers visit Denver on Thursday.

Colorado is coming off a 2-1 loss on Tuesday to the Montreal Canadiens, who sit in last place in the Atlantic Division.

The Rangers, meanwhile, are set for their first game since be