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Avalanche seek to snap skid against lowly Blue Jackets

Nov 17, 2006 - 2:47 PM Colorado (7-9-2) at Columbus (5-10-1) 7:00 pm EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) - In desperate need of a win, the Colorado Avalanche aim to get back on track against one of the NHL's worst teams.

The Avalanche seek to end a four-game skid Friday when they visit the slumping Columbus Blue Jackets.

Despite owning a one-goal lead on three separate occasions Wednesday, Colorado dropped a 4-3 decision to the San Jose Sharks.

Captain Joe Sakic scored his team-leading eighth goal for the Avalanche, who have lost each of their last four games by one tally.

Colorado has not lost five in a row in a single season since March 30-April 11, 1998. In order to avoid matching the dubious mark, the Avalanche will have to continue their success against the Blue Jackets. Colorado has won six consecutive meetings between the Western Conference foes and owns a 19-1-1 all-time record in the series.

Columbus is reeling from Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Nashville Predators.

Rick Nash tallied twice and added an assist for the Blue Jackets, who have lost three straight and six of their last eight.