Since their move to Denver from Quebec City in 1995, the Colorado Avalanche have given their fans plenty of memories, but this season will be one they'd prefer to forget.
From 1995 to 2004 the Avalanche were among the NHL's elite, winning the Stanley Cup twice, advancing to the Western Conference Finals six times and winning eight division crowns.
Over the past four seasons however, the Avalanche have fallen on hard times. Currently they sit dead last in the Western Conference and are about to miss the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
The decline has been reflected at the gate. Having set the NHL record for the most consecutive home arena sellouts with 487 from 1995 to 2006, the Avalanche's attendance has tumbled from 11th overall in 2006 to 25th in 2009.
