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Ducks look to end struggles against Avalanche

Jan 31, 2009 - 11:26 AM Anaheim (24-22-5) at Colorado (23-25-1), 3:00 p.m. EST

DENVER (Ticker) -- A tailspin has left the Anaheim Ducks in a tenuous spot in the Western Conference.

The Ducks, who have lost seven of their last 10 games, hope to end their struggles when they visit the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday.

Anaheim last won back-to-back games on December 7-11 and is caught in a four-way deadlock with Edmonton, Columbus and Phoenix for the eighth and final spot in the crowded Western Conference playoff picture.

It also seems a quiet goaltender controversy has polluted the club, which is coming off a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

Jonas Hiller has started four of the last five games in place of the ineffective Jean-Sebastien, who started the All-Star Game for the West.

Colorado is also stuck in a slide, losing six of seven. It has also dropped five of the last six meetings with Anaheim.

The Avalanche have surrendered 16 goals in their last three games - all setbacks - and their worst defensive performance came in Thursday's 7-4 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.