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Panthers look to end home struggles against Avalanche

Jan 13, 2008 - 2:56 PM Colorado (23-18-3) at Florida (20-22-3) 5:00 pm EST

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- Even though they do not play each other often, the Florida Panthers have plenty of reasons to dislike the Colorado Avalanche.

The Panthers will try to end an eight-game home losing streak to the Avalanche and a current five-game skid at Bank Atlantic Center when the clubs meet Sunday.

Florida has not beaten the Colorado franchise at home since April 22, 1995 at Miami Arena, when they were the Quebec Nordiques. The Panthers also were swept by the Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996.

In their most recent meeting in the Sunshine State, Colorado skated to a 6-5 triumph on January 21, 2004.

Florida is also struggling at Bank Atlantic Center right now, losing its fifth consecutive home game to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.

Olli Jokinen snapped his six-game goalless drought with his team-leading 21st tally of the season, but the Panthers still suffered a 5-3 setback.

All-Star Paul Stastny also ended a goal drought Saturday, scoring for the first time in 10 games in the Avalanche's 5-4 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes.