Avalanche Look to Regain Form Before Olympic Break in Matchup vs. Sharks
The Colorado Avalanche wrap up their pre-Olympic slate tonight at Ball Arena, facing off against the San Jose Sharks in what could be a tone-setting game before the NHL pauses for international play. Puck drops at 7:12 p.m. MT, and while the Avs are still sitting comfortably near the top of the standings at 36-9-9, they’re looking to snap out of a recent funk that’s seen them drop five of their last seven.
Let’s break down the key storylines heading into this Western Conference clash.
Avs Searching for Rhythm
Colorado has hit a bit of turbulence lately. They’re 2-4-1 in their last seven, and that includes a winless stretch (0-2-1) in their last three games at home. That’s not exactly the kind of momentum you want heading into a break, especially for a team with Stanley Cup ambitions.
Part of the recent struggle can be chalked up to injuries. Martin Necas will miss his third straight game with a lower-body issue.
The forward was expected to join Team Czechia for the Olympics, but was a late scratch last weekend in Detroit and remains day-to-day. Captain Gabriel Landeskog remains sidelined as well with an upper-body injury, though he’ll be with Team Sweden during the Olympic break.
Logan O’Connor is also out with an undisclosed injury, leaving the Avs’ depth a bit thinner than usual.
Sharks Look to Snap Skid, Debut Sherwood
San Jose isn’t exactly rolling into Denver on a hot streak either. The Sharks have dropped two straight and are 4-5-1 over their last 10. They’ve split the season series with Colorado so far - winning in overtime at home back in November, then getting blanked 6-0 at Ball Arena later that month.
Tonight marks the Sharks debut for forward Kiefer Sherwood, who was acquired in January from the Canucks. He’ll slot into a top-line role alongside Macklin Celebrini and Ty Smith, giving San Jose a new look up front as they try to shake things up.
In Net: Blackwood vs. Askarov
Mackenzie Blackwood will get the start for Colorado, and this one might carry a little extra juice. The netminder started both previous games against San Jose this season - including a shutout performance at Ball Arena in November. He’ll look to replicate that success tonight.
Yaroslav Askarov gets the nod for the Sharks. The young goaltender has shown flashes of brilliance, and he’ll need to be sharp against a Colorado team that, even when banged up, can still roll out elite firepower led by Nathan MacKinnon.
Projected Avalanche Lines
Here’s how Colorado is expected to line up tonight (subject to change):
Forwards:
- Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Valeri Nichushkin
- Ross Colton - Brock Nelson - Victor Olofsson
- Parker Kelly - Jack Drury - Joel Kiviranta
- Taylor Makar - Zakhar Bardakov - Gavin Brindley
Defense:
- Devon Toews - Cale Makar
- Josh Manson - Brent Burns
- Samuel Girard - Sam Malinski
Goalies:
- Mackenzie Blackwood (starter)
- Scott Wedgewood
Sharks Practice Lines (Feb. 3)
Here’s how San Jose lined up at practice yesterday - expect some tweaks, but this gives us a strong preview:
- Sherwood - Celebrini - Smith
- Eklund - Misa - Toffoli
- Kurashev - Wennberg - Graf
- Goodrow - Ostapchuk - Gaudette
Defense:
- Orlov - Klingberg
- Ferraro - Liljegren
- Mukhamadullin - Desharnais
Chasing Milestones
There are a few personal marks to keep an eye on tonight:
- Nathan MacKinnon is just one assist away from 700 in his career.
- Samuel Girard needs two assists to hit 200.
- Gabriel Landeskog, though sidelined, is sitting seven points shy of 600.
- Martin Necas is seven games away from 500.
- Devon Toews is nine points away from reaching 300.
How to Watch
- TV: Altitude TV
- Radio: 92.5 FM
With the Olympics looming and the Avs still trying to find their footing, tonight’s game is more than just another regular-season matchup - it’s a chance to reset, refocus, and remind the rest of the league just how dangerous this team can be when it’s locked in.