Dallas at Colorado

This is not an ordinary night for the home dog. It's Colorado's first game of the season, so they are rested, and they welcome new coach Jared Bednar. Bednar brings championship experience from the minors, winning titles in the AHL and ECHL and a new style. Bednar's system emphasizes speed coupled with an aggressive, pressure game. Bednar has also stressed moving the puck out of the zone, with quick passes from the defensemen to the forwards to start the breakout. Colorado has spent too much time in its own end the past few seasons, which led to Avalanche goaltenders facing a lot of shots every game. The players are buying in already at 6-0-0 in preseason. Dallas played Thursday at home in a win over Anaheim, so this is its first road trip. Dallas is not a stellar defensive team and is 2-8 against Colorado, including losing seven of the last eight at the Pepsi Center. Take the Avalanche.