Key Stories to Watch
The Colorado Avalanche have had a bit of a rollercoaster ride recently, going 3-4-1 in their last eight games. The good news?
Gabe Landeskog is back in action, alongside Martin Necas. Both missed chunks of those games, but they're ready to hit the ice again.
Devon Toews’ status is still up in the air, though.
Toews, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Brock Nelson all played in the gold medal game on Sunday. Head coach Jared Bednar is keeping his cards close to his chest about who might sit out against Utah for some extra rest. With 13 forwards and six defensemen available, the Avs have the luxury to rest a forward without needing a call-up.
Brett Kulak is set to make his debut for Colorado after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Samuel Girard and a draft pick.
In the goalie department, Scott Wedgewood hasn’t seen much action lately, starting just one of the last seven games for Colorado. He’s likely to get the nod in Utah, setting up Mackenzie Blackwood to face the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena on Thursday. Wedgewood’s last outing saw him give up seven goals on 28 shots against Montreal.
The Avalanche are 2-0-1 against the Utah Mammoth this season, with their only loss coming in overtime at the Delta Center.
Season Series
- Oct. 9 vs Utah Mammoth (W, 2-1)
- Oct. 21 at Utah Mammoth (L, 4-3 OT)
- Dec. 23 vs Utah Mammoth (W, 1-0)
- Feb. 25 at Utah Mammoth
Avalanche Injuries
- Logan O’Connor (undisclosed, TBD)
Projected Avalanche Lines (Subject to Change)
This lineup assumes all players from the gold medal game are available, though one might sit out.
- Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Necas
- Gabriel Landeskog - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin
- Ross Colton - Jack Drury - Victor Olofsson
- Joel Kiviranta - Parker Kelly - Gavin Brindley
- Devon Toews - Cale Makar
- Josh Manson - Brent Burns
- Brett Kulak - Sam Malinski
- Scott Wedgewood
- Mackenzie Blackwood
Projected Starters (Subject to Change)
- Expected for Colorado: Scott Wedgewood
- Expected for Utah: Karel Vejmelka
Upcoming Milestones
- Gabriel Landeskog is just 7 points shy of 600.
- Martin Necas needs 7 more games to reach 500.
- Devon Toews is 9 points away from hitting 300.
How to Watch
- TV: Altitude TV
- Radio: 950 AM
Keep an eye on these storylines as the Avalanche look to build momentum in the second half of the season. With key players returning and new additions to the roster, the stage is set for some exciting hockey.