Two nights away from the rink has provided the Colorado Rockies with a chance to catch their breath and heal somewhat. The Norris Division leaders will be at full strength when the visiting Minnesota North Stars come to town tomorrow night.

This will be the first time the two teams have played since the mega deal last week that sent Mathieu Schneider and company to Minny. Since the trade, all of the former Rockies have produced and outplayed their counterparts of the deal. GM Smith said, “You can’t dwell on that. We knew the talent we had here. We understand that those pro athletes will try their best in the new city. I’m happy for those men. They were great teammates here. I felt the deal gave us the best assets for our organization and fit our makeup. It’s the long game here. That’s not to say that I don’t expect the new guys to perform. I’m looking forward to seeing how tomorrow’s game shakes out”.

The North Stars trail the Rockies by 11 points in the divisions and this is a must-win for them if they have any idea of taking the top seed away from Colorado. The two teams have battled each other through the season and nobody has seen much of an edge yet. Colorado does hold the season series lead at 2-1. Over those three games, the Rockies hold a sliver of goals advantage 15-14. Colorado can assure themselves a season series win with a victory and put a significant strangle hold on the Norris Division. Historically the Rockies have dominated the division having won 9 of their 11 seasons in it. Minnesota has been climbing and their roster has some depth to it now. Could this be the beginning of the tide changing?