RSS Avalanche Team Notes

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Brock Nelson hat trick lifts Avs over Leafs 4-1

Brock Nelson wasted no time showing why the Avalanche went out and paid him. The veteran center torched the Maple Leafs for a hat trick as Colorado kicked off its three-game road trip with a convincing 4–1 win Sunday afternoon at Scotiabank Arena.

Nelson scored twice early and added an empty-netter late to finish with his 26th and 27th goals of the season — and his first hat trick in an Avs sweater. Jack Drury also chipped in, while Mackenzie Blackwood bounced back in a big way, stopping 32 shots after a couple of rough outings.

With 30 games still to go, Nelson has already passed his goal total from last season, a pretty solid endorsement of the three-year, $22.5 million extension Colorado handed him in the offseason.

Max Domi scored Toronto’s lone goal on a late power play. Joseph Woll made 33 saves and had his moments, but Toronto never really found its footing.

First Period

Colorado nearly struck early when Gavin Brindley busted down the ice and tried to set up Taylor Makar at the crease for his first NHL goal, but the puck just slipped past him.

At the other end, Martin Nečas made a strong defensive play to break up a dangerous look for Auston Matthews, tying him up just enough to force a whiff in the slot.

Nelson opened the scoring 6:18 in by jumping a Toronto pass in the neutral zone, blowing into the offensive end, and ripping a wrist shot past Woll. The shot was so hard it actually damaged the net camera.

Just over a minute later, he was at it again. Artturi Lehkonen worked the puck from behind the net and found Nelson in the slot, where his shot deflected off Woll and in to make it 2–0.

Lehkonen later took a slashing penalty on John Tavares, but Colorado’s penalty kill handled it without much trouble. The Avs earned a power play of their own after Simon Benoit was called for tripping, but once again couldn’t cash in.

Fun fact, since Jared Bednar’s team meeting ahead of the Jan. 9 game against Ottawa, the Avalanche power play has gone just 4-for-26.

Second Period

With just under five minutes left in the period, Nathan MacKinnon and Nečas broke in on a 2-on-1. MacKinnon elected to shoot, then took a hack at the rebound, but Woll covered it up.

Moments later, Cale Makar nearly blew the game open before Brandon Carlo hauled him down from behind, earning a holding penalty.

Colorado finally added to the lead late in the period. Parker Kelly carried the puck through the neutral zone, didn’t dump it in, and instead hit Drury in stride. Drury snapped a shot from the left circle past Woll with 1:07 remaining to make it 3–0.

Third Period

The third opened with Makar shutting down a Toronto chance, then quickly springing the play the other way. Nečas nearly made it 4–0, but rang his shot off the post.

Josh Manson was called for high-sticking Matthew Knies at 8:03, giving Toronto another power play, but Colorado’s penalty kill came through again.

The Leafs had a few pushes, including another post from Carlo, but couldn’t beat Blackwood. By the midway point of the period, Colorado held a 34–24 shot advantage.

Matias Maccelli had Toronto’s best chance to get on the board when he found a loose puck in front of a wide-open net, but Blackwood flashed the splits and somehow kept it out.

Toronto pulled Woll with just under six minutes left, and things got tense in the Avs zone. Matthews barely missed wide on one scramble, while Nelson just missed finishing the hat trick on a couple of empty-net looks.

He finally sealed it with 3:46 remaining, burying the empty-net goal to complete the hat trick and take the air out of the building.

A late delay-of-game penalty on Zakhar Bardakov gave Toronto one last chance, and Domi scored on the power play to spoil Blackwood’s shutout, but that was about it.

Colorado walks out of Toronto with a solid 4–1 win and a red-hot Brock Nelson leading the way.

Upcoming

Two days of rest and then a game against the Ottawa Senators at 5:30 p.m. MT on Wednesday, January 28th.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...ock-nelson-hat-trick-lifts-avs-over-leafs-4-1

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche at Toronto Maple Leafs (11:30 a.m.)

Today the Colorado Avalanche depart the friendly confines of home and embark on a four-game Canadian road trip during the coldest part of the year — pack your mittens.

A change of scenery is welcome, however, as the Avalanche weren’t as successful as they’d hoped to be in a just concluded seven-game home stand where they went 3-2-2 ending with their ugliest loss dropping 7-3 to the Philadelphia Flyers. Colorado still leads the league by a wide margin, nine points to be exact, but the winning habits are starting to slip as boredom sets in along with some injury absences.

Enter the Toronto Maple Leafs who the Avalanche lost to 4-3 in overtime less than two weeks ago. This matinee matchup sets the perfect stage for revenge as the Avalanche hope to get back on track to close out the month and head into the Olympic break on a high note.

Colorado Avalanche (34-6-9)​

The Opponent: Toronto Maple Leafs (24-18-9)

Time: 11:30 a.m.

Watch: ALT, NHL Network

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

As several injuries have started to crop up, there’s been some lineup shuffling. Last game Colorado got back Joel Kiviranta but suddenly Ross Colton was day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Devon Toews might return on this road trip but he’s not likely for today, therefore Jack Ahcan is still on the roster. The extra forward merry-go-round still continues as Taylor Makar is still with the team and is expected to play in Toronto.

Projected Lineup​

Victor Olofsson — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas

Artturi Lehkonen — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin

Taylor Makar — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley

Zakhar Bardakov — Parker Kelly — Joel Kiviranta

Sam Malinski — Cale Makar

Josh Manson — Brent Burns

Jack Ahcan — Samuel Girard

Mackenzie Blackwood

Isak Posch

Toronto Maple Leafs​

Another team licking their wounds going into this matchup is Toronto as they had an embarrassing outing of their own at home on Friday night. The Mitch Marner homecoming didn’t go as planned in a 6-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. Toronto hopes to stay relevant in the Atlantic division playoff race but are slipping into the abyss. The return of goaltender Anthony Stolarz from injury was supposed to buoy the team, we’ll see if there’s any positive momentum in this contest. William Nylander could return soon as well, the team has kept quiet about their star’s rehab progress.

Projected Lineup​

Matias Maccelli — John Tavares — Matthew Knies

Bobby McMann — Auston Matthews — Max Domi

Easton Cowan — Nicolas Roy — Nicholas Robertson

Steven Lorentz — Scott Laughton — Calle Jarnkrok

Morgan Rielly — Brandon Carlo

Oliver Ekman-Larsson — Jake McCabe

Simon Benoit — Troy Stecher

Joseph Woll

Anthony Stolarz

Goaltenders​

Both Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood are back in action after they each suffered minor injuries earlier this month. However, Wedgewood has stayed back in Denver for the time being as his wife delivered a baby a few days ago and Isak Posch was recalled to serve as backup. Blackwood’s last two starts since his return haven’t gone well but he will get a chance at redemption along with the rest of the team in today’s contest. For the Maple Leafs, perhaps the same is true as Stolarz’s return didn’t go so well and it’s Joseph Woll’s turn in net. With no morning skate it will all become clear in warmup.

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...ado-avalanche-at-toronto-maple-leafs-1130-a-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Weekly Cupcakes: Rumor has Avalanche interested in Evander Kane

Colorado Avalanche News​

• Stars, Avalanche reportedly among teams after Canucks’ Evander Kane. [The Province]

• Penguins acquire Solovyov from Avalanche for Puustinen. [Sportsnet]

• Avalanche honor members of 2001 Stanley Cup champions. [NHL]

• Nelson, Blackwood pace Avalanche to 4-1 victory over struggling Maple Leafs. [Toronto Star]
• Avs’ Bednar on Landeskog’s recovery ahead of Olympics: ‘It’s going to be tight’. [TSN]
• Avalanche’s Nelson nets fifth-career hat trick vs. Maple Leafs. [Sportsnet]

News Around the League​

• Linus Ullmark discusses his absence for the Senators and the social media rumours that plagued him during said absence. [TSN]

• Artemi Panarin’s trade cost from Rangers revealed by NHL insider. [Sporting News]

• Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard joins elite company with a 6-point game. [CBC]

• Goyette remembered for clean living on and off ice. Late center who played 16 NHL seasons won Cup four times with Canadiens, Lady Byng with Blues. [NHL]

• Seth Jones injury update: USA defenseman out of 2026 Olympics. [USA Today]

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/dail...cupcakesnelson-earns-his-5th-career-hat-trick

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

5 Colorado Avalanche Trade Chips

It is the start of trade deadline season and discourse always centers around which players an organization can hope to buy but never about what they can give up. With the Colorado Avalanche looking for finishing pieces on their upcoming Stanley Cup run, they’ll certainly be adding players over the next month, but what can they realistically afford to part with?

The organization got the party started on January 20th by moving out one of our targeted trade chips in depth defenseman Ilya Solovyov. Can the Avalanche sneak one more transaction in before the February 4th trade freeze? If so, one of the following five assets may be involved.

Five Trade Chips​

Ross Colton

Upgrading the third line center position is something even Jared Bednar admitted is on his wish list. This isn’t going to be an easy task to accomplish with Colorado holding limited assets and cap space plus most of the NHL would love to add another center. That’s where Ross Colton comes into play as he is the likeliest candidate to move out if General Manager Chris MacFarland can find a dance partner. His $4 million Average Annual Value contract ends after the 2026-27 season with a 12 team no trade list, but those limitations should not be too prohibitive.

Colton is an experienced and versatile player with 20 points on the year but he just never found a great fit or consistency in the Avalanche lineup. Bednar does not like to keep him at center for any length of time and when he’s down the lineup Colton has a tough time producing. The 29-year-old went 11 games in December without a point and hasn’t scored a goal since November. Lately he was on the second line in Gabe Landeskog’s absence, before suffering a minor injury, which hints at a trade showcase. The Avalanche won’t just dump Colton without an impact return but adding anyone with significant salary or term beyond this year likely means he has to go the other way.

Ivan Ivan

Every organization has a plethora of prospects languishing in the AHL unable to graduate, however other GMs also find value in the validation that someone else’s prospect has seen a notable amount of time in the NHL. If the Avalanche have anyone that fits this description it’s Ivan Ivan with his 47 games of big league experience. The 23-year-old’s handful of random recalls in January isn’t a coincidence only supports the idea that he was called up for a trade showcase especially as he played for the Avalanche at center. The versatile forward is also a Restricted Free Agent this summer with arbitration rights and the circumstances are lining up to move Ivan before he’s due a raise.

Zakhar Bardakov

Similar to the Ivan Ivan situation, depth forward Zakhar Bardakov is also set to become a Restricted Free Agent with arbitration rights this summer. The 24-year-old has spent the vast majority of the season in the NHL with only one day and game spent in the AHL. Bardakov has been a useful depth piece for the Avalanche at fourth line center and wing but we’ve seen this movie before. Nikolai Kovalenko was moved to acquire Mackenzie Blackwood last season and without a likely commitment coming this summer, Bardakov is an easy player to move out for an upgrade even if the return isn’t substantial.

2027 Draft Picks

Surely the Avalanche see a real path toward the Stanley Cup this season and won’t be shy about utilizing the buy-now-pay-later plan. It depends on how far out into the future the Avalanche want to mortgage their assets and there’s little to offer from the 2026 draft other than a handful of 4th, 5th and 7th round picks. That’s where the 2027 draft comes into play for any impact move as the Avalanche still have their first round pick to go along with an extra 2nd and 5th rounder. If Chris MacFarland has to dip into the 2028 there’s the time value of money factor to keep in mind coiffure then the return on those picks will be deeply discounted, which is also why the 2027 picks are most likely in play.

Sam Malinski

This one is admittedly complicated. Malinski has taken a step forward as a valuable depth piece on the back end that has contributed meaningful production with three goals and 24 points from a third pair role. The issue is he is an Unrestricted Free Agent at the end of the season and the Avalanche missed the window to sign him to a reasonable extension instead choosing to execute just a one-year pact over the summer. The 27-year-old right handed defenseman wouldn’t get moved for a minimal futures in return, it would have to be a true upgrade and hopefully for someone with term beyond this season. It’s an unlikely deal to make happen, but it’s also not impossible.

Four Non-Trade Chips​

Never say never because there’s few untouchables in the league let alone on a single team but the following players don’t make much sense to move out without a substantial upgrade in return.

Samuel Girard

The internet traded him five years ago but yet Samuel Girard is still in Colorado as one of the longest tenured Avalanche at this point. Another Stanley Cup run doesn’t feel right without him but the true issue with his potential availability is that Colorado needs all the defensive depth it can muster. Right now they are one injury away from replacement level defense and Girard can play in any pairing down the stretch. The questions about the 27-year-old’s future are fair since the left shot defenseman’s affordable $5 million AAV contract ends after the 2026-27 season but moving on from him without a significant upgrade in return doesn’t make sense. Girard has enjoyed a fairly productive season since an early season injury return with 11 points in 35 games.

Ilya Nabokov

A popular idea is to leverage Nabokov for win-now assets as the situation in net is set with both Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood under contract to Colorado through at least the 2026-27 season. That’s probably not what Nabokov had in mind when he signed his Entry Level Contract last year and it’s unclear what really the Avalanche plan to do with their young netminder who isn’t going to leave Russia to hang out in Loveland for long. The premise of moving Nabokov for help now isn’t faulty but the value just isn’t there on a goalie with zero North American experience, let alone any in the NHL. At this point Nabokov is worth more in the Avalanche system so they can figure out what he can provide before selling him to another organization who surely already has one or more of their own goalies in a similar situation.

Gavin Brindley

Championship teams need contributions from young cost-effective players and with Gavin Brindley’s recently signed dirt cheap two-year extension, Colorado would be wise to hold on to him. It remains to be seen what role awaits him after the Avalanche make their deadline trade acquisitions, therefore the 21-year-old’s value might become more evident long-term, but he’s also shown he can play higher in the lineup if needed. Hopefully MacFarland resists temptation to cash in on a bit of early success Brindley has enjoyed especially because any potential return isn’t moving the needle anyway.

AHL Players

Just like Ivan Ivan, every organization has their own replacement level players and without notable NHL experience there just isn’t value in a trade that could entice another organization to give up NHL level assets. The laundry list of such Colorado Eagles players includes Jason Polin, Chase Bradley, Tye Felhaber, Tristen Nielsen, Matt Stienburg, Nikita Prishchepov, and even the likes of Sean Behrens and Trent Miner. Colorado would be looking more for an AHL for AHL swap in their cases and therefore should not be Avalanche trade deadline candidates.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/nhl-trade-deadline/60559/5-colorado-avalanche-trade-chips

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Breaking: Sam Malinski inks a four-year contract extension

Sam Malinski has developed gracefully and effectively during his time with the Colorado Avalanche, and with that, his success has reached new heights this season. All of that grace and determination has led to the inking of a brand-new and hard-earned contract extension.

The deal runs for 4 years at $4.75M, totaling $19M, and will extend Malinski’s services in Colorado through the 2029-30 NHL season.

We have signed Sam Malinski to a four-year extension. pic.twitter.com/IE3Me5H8Nf

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 27, 2026

Sam Malsinki was signed by the Avalanche as an undrafted free agent back in March of 2023 after being a standout performer for the Cornell Big Red Bears.

Sam has shown glimpses of Makar-like manarisms and abilities from time to time, but this season he’s taking his professional game to a whole other level, emphasizing being a shut-down defender who can activate offensively.

Having someone like Cale to look to has more than likely helped Malinski, but make no mistake, he’s earned this contract all on his own. For a team that really isn’t known for its ability to acquire and develop young talent.

As seen above, Sam has already smashed his career-high in points but needs two goals to break both his previous best-assist and goals markers. I’d bet on it happening sooner rather than later.

Implications​

Last summer was a good piece of business for the 2025-26 season to sign Malinski for $1.4M, and naturally signing him to a longer term would have increased the cost. However, analysts were projecting Malinski in the neighborhood of $1.8M over two or three years. Coming off of a 15 point season with 25 career NHL points as a RFA wasn’t giving Malinski much leverage, which is why buying an extra year or two of term should have been the goal.

It’s unclear if the Avalanche even offered the longer term deals as they were working on the Josh Manson two-year extension signed just a couple weeks later, or if as what’s commonly speculated as Malinski wanted the short deal to bet on himself and cash in later. This new contract locks Malinski up for four years but at a higher cost than it would have been which leads to the next item on the docket.

This deal comes with a couple of questions now that it’s set in stone. What will need to be done to make way for Cale Makar’s impending extension? Does this mean they will have to clear space via trade on the back end this season to sure up forward depth, or are they too close to the cap to really do anything?

Sam Malinski's 4-year deal is worth $4.750M AAV (4.6% of the cap)

Have to assume there's gonna be a deal made on the back end here to move money to make room for Cale's deal in the offseason, depth additions this year at the deadline#GoAvsGo

— Raj – Altitude Sports Radio (Alex Rajaniemi) (@RajOnRadio) January 27, 2026

Come chat with our panel on the Mile High Hockey Lab today at 3:45 p.m. MT to get our reaction to the deal and opinion on the implications of this extension!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...-malinski-inks-a-four-year-contract-extension

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Morning Flurries: Martin Nečas shows a taste of home

In advance of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the NHL decided to profile eight players each from different nations. Martin Nečas was the choice for Czechia and he opened his doors to show what life is like at home with girlfriend and adorable puppy, including thoughts on the trade and upcoming excitement in anticipation of representing his home country at the Olympics.

Speaking of Avalanche player features, don’t miss this Peak Access starring none other than the tremendous Colorado tandem of goaltenders: The Lumberyard. Wedgewood talks about signing his new contract extension and family time with his wife and daughter during the holiday season.

For more on Wedgewood and home life, he and his wife Brittany welcomed a new daughter into the world on Thursday. Three other Avalanche players are expecting a new addition in the near future with their partners as well. Best wishes to the Toews, Olofsson and Girard families!

Colorado Avalanche players have been prepping for baby boom: ‘It’s such an unbelievable miracle’ https://t.co/FDJqDrIiAS

— Denver Post – Avs (@avsnews) January 24, 2026

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/morn...g-flurries-martin-necas-shows-a-taste-of-home

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Avalanche and Senators are set for a physical rematch

Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche will take their talents west of Parliament Hill to the Canadian Tire Center in Kanata, Ontario, for a matchup with the Ottawa Senators.

The Sens made minced meat of the Las Vegas Golden Knights there last time, and they hope to build on that dominating 7-1 victory after struggling to match Carolina’s game and blowing a three-goal lead against the Nashville Predators.

The Avalanche are in their least successful stretch of the season, losing three of five (Nashville, Anaheim & Philly). Colorado got right in Toronto on the back of a hat-trick from Brock Nelson in their last contest. Will it be the Senators or the Avalanche that start a new winning streak?

Colorado Avalanche: 35-6-9​

The Opponent: Ottawa Senators 24-21-7

Time: 5:30 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Colorado took care of some future endeavors this week by extending Sam Malinski’s contract, but the back end is still a bit unsettled, with Keaton Middleton set to round out the group tonight. Brennan Vogt reports that Keaton has made strong efforts to alter his game this season with the Eagles, namely doing his best to stay out of the penalty box. I imagine the Avalanche does its best to limit his ice time, and his focus should remain on staying out of the sin bin, that is, unless it’s in the form of dues paid for fearless fistacuffs.

We have recalled Keaton Middleton from the Colorado Eagles. pic.twitter.com/cD9nc9CUFr

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 27, 2026

Ross Colton is listed as day-to-day now, so that means we will see another shuffling of the forward group with an AHLer or two sprinkled into the bottom six. I wonder if this is an actual injury or if the Avalanche is taking Colton off the ice ahead of a potential trade. Rumors have circulated regarding Evander Kane, Nazem Kadri (weird), but it’s hard to pinpoint which assets would work in a deal for a team that’s so close to the cap already. That’s pure speculation, though.

I think this bruised-and-battered group is more realistic, seeing as how, come playoff time, some guys are bound to miss time. I’d like to see this team show some professionalism and resolve against an Eastern Conference foe despite the missing pieces.

Projected Lineup:​

Victor Olofsson — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Artturi Lehkonen — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley
Taylor Makar — Zakhar Bardakov — Joel Kiviranta

Sam Malinski — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Keaton Middleton — Samuel Girard

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Ottawa Senators​

The Senators are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, inside a conference that is finally starting to show some separation. At one point, last in the Atlantic was still just three or four points out of the wild card. It’s pretty much make-or-break time for the Senators, but even their best efforts might land them at too-little too-late.

Tim Stutzle is the one to watch in terms of an offensive threat, as he leads the team with 53 points (23 goals – 30 assists) and has four points in his last four games. On the back end, take a look at Jake Sanderson, who has the third most points on the team (amongst forwards and defencemen).

Linus Ullmark is back in the net for the Senators after a slump and an uncomfortable time frame. It’s been made abundantly clear that this team goes where Ullmark goes. All that to say, James Reimer is the likely starter for tonight’s contest.

Linus Ullmark is BACK for the Senators and backing up today. pic.twitter.com/wmr3jgyIz8

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 25, 2026

I can tell you one thing for sure: it’s fair to expect a ton of goals tonight. Evan Liu hit us with a crazy stat on yesterday’s episode of the Mile High Hockey Lab: The Avalanche and Senators have combined for 85 goals in the last nine games between the two of them.

Projected Lineup:​

Drake Batherson — Tim Stützle — Claude Giroux
Brady Tkachuk — Dylan Cozens — Ridly Greig
Nick Cousins — Shane Pinto — Michael Amadio
Xavier Bourgault — Lars Eller — Fabian Zetterlund

Jake Sanderson — Artem Zub
Thomas Chabot — Nick Jensen
Tyler Kleven — Jordan Spence

James Reimer
Linus Ulmark

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...cal-rematch-is-set-for-avalanche-and-senators

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Colorado looks to get right against Montreal on a back-to-back

After a frustrating 5-2 loss against the Ottawa Senators last night, the Colorado Avalanche turn right around today and take on the Montreal Canadiens on the second leg of a back-to-back. This will be the second and final regular-season game between these two teams, with the Avs having won the first game at Ball Arena by a final score of 7-2.

Colorado Avalanche (35-7-9)​

The Opponent: Montreal Canadiens (29-17-7)

Time: 5:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

As previously mentioned, Colorado opened their back-to-back yesterday against the Ottawa Senators and lost by a final score of 5-2. Overall, there just was not a ton of effort in that game from the Avs, and you could tell that pretty early on, when they got outshot by 14-4 in the first period alone. Tonight, hopefully, they can find their legs early on in this game and get a win against the Canadiens here tonight as the Avs bust out their Quebec Nordiques heritage jerseys.

Projected Lineup​

Victor Olofsson – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Artturi Lehkonen – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Taylor Makar – Jack Drury – Gavin Brindley
Zakhar Bardakov – Parker Kelly – Joel Kiviranta

Sam Malinski – Cale Makar
Josh Manson – Brent Burns
Keaton Middleton – Samuel Girard

Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood

Montreal Canadiens​

The Canadiens currently sit at fourth overall in the Atlantic Division and occupy the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference as well. Despite that, like it’s been all year, there are a handful of teams that are right there with the Canadiens in the playoff race. Every point counts for this team, who are hoping to make it back to the playoffs again this year, and they’re looking to get another very important two points against the Avs here tonight. They have goal-scorers throughout their lineup, so Scott Wedgewood will have to be sharp tonight to give Colorado a chance to pull out a win.

Projected Lineup​

Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Alexandre Texier
Juraj Slafkovsky – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov
Zack Bolduc – Jake Evans – Kirby Dach
Josh Anderson – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson
Lane Hutson – Alexandre Carrier
Kaiden Guhle – Arber Xhekaj

Jakub Dobes
Sam Montembeault

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...-get-right-against-montreal-on-a-back-to-back

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Colorado can’t do anything right against Montreal in 7-3 loss

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 29: Ivan Demidov #93 of the Montréal Canadiens defends against Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period at the Bell Centre. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a disappointing showing last night against the Ottawa Senators, in which Colorado lost by a final score of 5-2, the Avs came out flat once again on the second leg of a back-to-back. A 7-3 loss against the Montreal Canadiens was tonight’s result. This was the third time in the month of January in which Colorado has lost by a final score of 7-3.

Let’s take a look at the action from tonight.

First Period​

The Canadiens would get on the board first not even a minute into the game, as the Avs had a miscommunication on defense off a face-off, and Noah Dobson was left all alone to rip it past Scott Wedgewood on a sharp angle.

Montreal goal!Scored by Noah Dobson with 19:04 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovský.Montreal: 1Colorado: 0#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T00:16:59.175185Z

Fortunately for Colorado, Brock Nelson would tie it up for Colorado after that, though, as he made a great move to stick-handle into the offensive zone, and put a great shot past Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobes.

Colorado goal!Scored by Brock Nelson with 15:51 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Josh Manson and Samuel Girard.Montreal: 1Colorado: 1#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T00:22:59.580846Z

Nick Suzuki would quickly give the Canadiens a 2-1 lead after that on the power play, as he wasn’t picked up in front of the Colorado net, and managed to bury a rebound past Wedgewood.

Power play goal for Montreal!Scored by Nick Suzuki with 14:09 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Ivan Demidov and Lane Hutson.Montreal: 2Colorado: 1#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T00:25:38.578635Z

Colorado would then allow a short-handed goal while on the power play, as Suzuki managed to get into the Avs’ zone all alone behind the defense, and made no mistake. The Avalanche now lead the NHL with nine shorthanded goals against. It really punctuates how futile this power play truly is for Colorado.

Short-handed goal for Montreal!Scored by Nick Suzuki with 12:27 remaining in the 1st period.Assisted by Oliver Kapanen and Mike Matheson.Montreal: 3Colorado: 1#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T00:31:09.419939Z

Second Period​

It was a fairly quiet second period until Jake Evans would make it 4-1 Montreal, as Wedgewood would misplay a puck behind his own net, resulting in essentially an empty net goal for Evans.

Montreal goal!Scored by Jake Evans with 03:24 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Kaiden Guhle and Zachary Bolduc.Montreal: 4Colorado: 1#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T01:51:46.204893Z

Kirby Dach would then get maybe a bit of a lucky one, as he tries to go for a wrap-around attempt, and the puck would bang off of Josh Manson’s skate, and into the back of the net. It really wasn’t Scott Wedgewood’s night.

Montreal goal!Scored by Kirby Dach with 02:44 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Zachary Bolduc.Montreal: 5Colorado: 1#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T01:52:23.305846Z

Joel Kiviranta would manage to stop the bleeding for a moment after that, as he managed to get one back and make it 5-2. Were there signs of live for Colorado at this point with a period left to go?

Colorado goal!Scored by Joel Kiviranta with 01:54 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by Sam Malinski and Jack Drury.Montreal: 5Colorado: 2#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T01:53:01.082351Z

Third Period​

Ross Colton would make things interesting early on in the third period, as Val Nichushkin was able to find him right in front of the Montreal net, and Colton was able to put the puck past Dobes. It was Colton’s first goal scored since November.

Colorado goal!Scored by Ross Colton with 15:22 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Valeri Nichushkin.Montreal: 5Colorado: 3#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T02:21:39.026029Z

Almost immediately after that, the Avs would give that goal right back, as Alexandre Carrier would finish a 2-on-1 play to make it 6-3 for Montreal. This goal was really the back breaker as it ended any sort of come back momentum Colorado had.

Montreal goal!Scored by Alexandre Carrier with 14:15 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Nick Suzuki and Kirby Dach.Montreal: 6Colorado: 3#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T02:22:17.603618Z

Another defensive breakdown would lead to Juraj Slafkovsky being left alone in front of the Avs’ net once again, and he deposited the puck into the back of an empty net, for your final score of 7-3.

Montreal goal!Scored by Juraj Slafkovský with 10:05 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov.Montreal: 7Colorado: 3#COLvsMTL #GoHabsGo #GoAvsGo

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-01-30T02:32:58.219444Z

Takeaways​

It’s very clear that this team is ready for the break and just trying not to get hurt leading up to the Olympics, but that doesn’t mean this brand of hockey is any fun to watch, still. Similar to last night, nothing went right for Colorado. Passes weren’t connecting, you had a handful of bad defensive breakdowns that resulted in goals, you lost the special teams battle, and you lost it badly at that by giving up a shorthanded goal. On top of that, when you got even the slightest bit of life in the third period, you almost immediately gave it back, as I said, not a fun brand of hockey to watch whatsoever, especially when you know how good this team is. Hopefully, they can find something against Detroit and San Jose in their last three games before the NHL Olympic break.

Upcoming​

Colorado wraps up their road trip against the Detroit Red Wings to begin a home-and-home on Saturday, January 31. Puck drop will be at 11 a.m. MT nationally televised on ABC.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...o-anything-right-against-montreal-in-7-3-loss

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Montreal Canadiens (5:00 p.m. MT)

After a frustrating 5-2 loss against the Ottawa Senators last night, the Colorado Avalanche turn right around today and take on the Montreal Canadiens on the second leg of a back-to-back. This will be the second and final regular-season game between these two teams, with the Avs having won the first game by a final score of 7-2.

Colorado Avalanche (35-7-9)​

As previously mentioned, Colorado opened their back-to-back yesterday against the Ottawa Senators and lost by a final score of 5-2. Overall, there just was not a ton of effort in that game from the Avs, and you could tell that pretty early on, when they got outshot by 14-4 in the first period alone. Tonight, hopefully, they can find their legs early on in this game and get a win against the Canadiens here tonight.

Projected Lineup​

Victor Olofsson – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Artturi Lehkonen – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Taylor Makar – Jack Drury – Gavin Brindley
Zakhar Bardakov – Parker Kelly – Joel Kiviranta

Sam Malinski – Cale Makar
Josh Manson – Brent Burns
Keaton Middleton – Samuel Girard

Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood

Montreal Canadiens (29-17-7)​

The Canadiens currently sit at fourth overall in the Atlantic Division and occupy the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference as well. Despite that, like it’s been all year, there are a handful of teams that are right there with the Canadiens in the playoff race. Every point counts for this team, who are hoping to make it back to the playoffs again this year, and they’re looking to get another very important two points against the Avs here tonight. They have goal-scorers throughout their lineup, so Scott Wedgewood will have to be sharp tonight to give Colorado a chance to pull out a win.

Projected Lineup​

Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Alexandre Texier
Juraj Slafkovsky – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov
Zack Bolduc – Jake Evans – Kirby Dach
Josh Anderson – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson
Lane Hutson – Alexandre Carrier
Kaiden Guhle – Arber Xhekaj

Jakub Dobes
Sam Montembeault

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...do-avalanche-vs-montreal-canadiens-500-p-m-mt

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Colorado falls completely flat in 5-2 loss against Ottawa

After winning against the Toronto Maple Leafs on the back of a Brock Nelson hat-trick on Sunday, the Colorado Avalanche continued their road trip today as they took on the Ottawa Senators, in which they lost by a final score of 5-2.

Let’s take a look back at the action from tonight.

First Period​

Neither team would end up scoring in this period. The Senators came out with a ton of momentum and sustained it throughout the entirety of this period, as it seemed like the Avs couldn’t spend any time in the offensive zone whatsoever. In fact, Colorado ended up being outshot by 14-4 during this period.

Second Period​

After a scoreless first period, the Senators would be the ones to get on the board first, as Nick Cousins would get into the Avalanhe zone behind the defnese, and managed to get a puck to trickle past Mackenzie Blackwood to make it 1-0 Ottawa.

8 a.m.: Nick Cousins 'Absolute Non-Sens' podcast episode drops8:43 p.m.: NICK COUSINS OPENS THE SCORING AGAINST THE AVS!#GoSensGo

— Ottawa Senators (@senators.bsky.social) 2026-01-29T01:46:38.820Z

Parker Kelly would answer back for the Avs as they hit 10 shots on goal, making the Sens pay for a bad turnover in their own zone, as he was able to jump on a free puck and beat James Reimer cleanly to tie this game at 1-1.

PARKER KELLY putting us on the board!

— Colorado Avalanche (@avalanche.bsky.social) 2026-01-29T02:09:04.361Z

Not even a minute after Colorado found the equalizer, they surrendered another goal to Ottawa, as Ridly Greig chased a puck into the Avs’ zone, and managed to take advantage of Blackwood’s misplaying the puck.

The Riddler saw a tie game and said "I think not!" #GoSensGo

— Ottawa Senators (@senators.bsky.social) 2026-01-29T02:08:56.021Z

Third Period​

In a period you wanted to see Colorado come out blazing to try and tie this game up again, they did the exact opposite and instead surrendered a goal to Claude Giroux into the early bit of the third, making it 3-1 Ottawa.

No. on the year for G#GoSensGo

— Ottawa Senators (@senators.bsky.social) 2026-01-29T02:43:46.839Z

Valeri Nichushkin would make things interesting shortly after the Giroux goal, as Artturi Lehkonen found him down low in front of the net, and Nichushkin put a backhand shot home against Reimer, making it 3-2 for his first goal of 2026.

BIG VAL with a BIG goal!

— Colorado Avalanche (@avalanche.bsky.social) 2026-01-29T02:49:42.358Z

Despite that hint of momentum, the Avs wouldn’t be able to tie the game with the goaltender pulled, and would give up two more garbage-time goals, one to Brady Tkachuk and one to Tim Stützle, both of which were empty-net goals, for a final score of 5-2.

Takeaways​

As we are getting ever closer to the NHL Olympic break, it makes sense that this team might be thinking ahead to the time off and tournament, but it’s not an excuse to not at least try and finish out this part of the season strong, in my opinion. To put it in a word, the effort in this game was frustrating to watch, to say the least. As written earlier, it seemed like every time you got possession of the puck in the first and a lot of the second period, for that matter, you immediately turned it over, and the puck was right back into your own zone. Obviously, it’s incredibly hard to win games if you can’t even possess it in the offensive zone, and even when you can possess it in the offensive zone, it’s really hard to win games if you’re not shooting the puck on net effectively. You have a quick turnaround tomorrow, so hopefully the Avs are able to forget about this game and get right against the Canadiens quickly.

Upcoiming​

The Avs have a quick turnaround, as they take on the Montreal Canadiens tomorrow on the second leg of a back-to-back. Puck drop is at 5:00 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...ls-completely-flat-in-5-2-loss-against-ottawa

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche @ Detroit Red Wings (11:00 A.M.)

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 25: Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates a goal against the Detroit Red Wings at Ball Arena on March 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Many have wondered how the Colorado Avalanche would handle adversity after such a prolonged run of unrivaled success to start this season.

Adversity came in spades throughout January, but the Avalanche have one more chance to finish the month on a positive note, but they’ll have to do it against their longtime (and much improved) rival, the Detroit Red Wings.

Colorado Avalanche (35-8-9)​

The Opponent: Detroit Red Wings (32-17-6)

Time: 11:00 A.M. MST/1:00 P.M. EST

Watch: ABC/ESPN (US National Broadcast), SN+/SNE/SNO/SNP (Canadian National Broadcast)

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Today’s game is the final game of a four game road trip, and the first of a home and home series with Detroit, who will fly out to Denver to wrap up the season series against the Avalanche on Monday night at Ball Arena. The Avalanche are coming off consecutive losses to the Ottawa Senators and Montréal Canadiens in consecutive nights, losing both games by a combined score of 12-5. The Avs looked limp and lifeless as Ottawa shelled Mackenzie Blackwood for five goals on Wednesday night, and Scott Wedgewood fared worse as Montréal pumped seven goals—including two from behind the goal line—behind him on Thursday.

Despite feeling his team put together a more competitive effort against Montréal than what they showed in Ottawa, head coach Jared Bednar noted the struggles that his team is having on both ends of the ice. “We’re having trouble putting the puck in the net; we’re having trouble keeping it out of our net right now, too […] It’s kind of tough sledding for us right now, but we’ve got to be a little better in some areas again than we were tonight.”

Brock Nelson has continued to shine bright for the Avs in the goal scoring department, scoring four goals in his last three games. His 28 goals rank second to League leader Nathan MacKinnon (38), and his 47 points are good for fourth place on the team. MacKinnon, however, has not scored a goal since January 19 against Washington. The goal scoring drought isn’t limited to just MacKinnon; Martin Nečas hasn’t scored since January 12 against Toronto.

When asked about the lack of production from both MacKinnon and Martin Nečas, Bednar said, “It’s not like they’re not doing some good things, because they did. They’re creating some chances; they’re not scoring on them like they normally would, right? Part of it is that, you’re going to finish off some of the chances, so I think they fall into that category.”

Currently, the Avs sport a 5-6-2 record for the month of January. Without a win today, the Avs will finish with a sub-500 record for a given calendar month since going 5-6-0 in October 2024. Despite their struggles this month, they still remain the undisputed leader across the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings. With three games remaining on their schedule before the Olympic break, they’re not in any danger of losing much ground to the third second place Minnesota Wild or the Dallas Stars prior to heading to Italy.

The Avs have won three of their last four regular season games against Detroit, including the most recent matchup on March 25, 2025, by a 5-2 decision.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas
Victor Olofsson – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Gavin Brindley
Zakhar Bardakov – Parker Kelly – Joel Kiviranta

Defense:
Sam Malinski – Cale Makar
Josh Manson – Brent Burns
Keaton Middleton – Sam Girard

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Detroit Red Wings​

Detroit currently sits in second place in the Atlantic Division standings, just two points shy of the first place Tampa Bay Lightning. Given the packed standings in the Eastern Conference, a playoff spot isn’t guaranteed at this point in the season, but Detroit’s chances of seeing their first playoff berth in nine seasons is looking more and more likely. With the franchise currently celebrating its centennial season, a return to the postseason would be a noteworthy accomplishment to commemorate the occasion.

Detroit has fared better than Colorado throughout the month of January overall, going 6-2-2 in their previous ten games. However, Detroit has lost two of their current three game home stand at Little Caesars Arena, losing 3-1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday evening, and a 4-3 shootout loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Despite the loss, right winger Patrick Kane recorded his 1,375 point of his career to become the highest scoring American-born player in the NHL, surpassing one-time former Red Wing Mike Modano.

Alex DeBrincat currently leads Detroit in goals (30), and is one point shy of the team lead in overall points behind Lucas Raymond (58). Raymond also leads the team in assists (40). Team captain Dylan Larkin ranks second on the team behind DeBrincat in goals (25) and third in points (48).

Goaltender John Gibson, who was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks during the offseason, is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in his first full season with Detroit. He currently has 21 wins on the season, the most he’s had since the 2018-2019 season (26), and setting a new career high in wins (Gibson won 31 games during the 2017-2018 season) isn’t out of the question, but if Detroit has its sights set on the postseason, Gibson’s career best will have to come this spring.

Detroit’s last victory over Colorado came on February 22, 2024, a 2-1 victory on an overtime goal from Kane.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Marco Kasper – Dylan Larkin – Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat – Andrew Copp – Patrick Kane
Emmitt Finnie – J.T. Compher – James van Riemsdyk
Elmer Söderblom – Michael Rasmussen – Mason Appleton

Defense:
Jacob Bernard-Docker – Moritz Seider
Axel Sandin-Pellikka – Ben Chiarot
Albert Johansson – Travis Hamonic

Between the Pipes:
John Gibson
Cam Talbot

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...colorado-avalanche-detroit-red-wings-1100-a-m

 

[JJ]

LOL oh man the Avs are really mailing it in before the Olympic break huh?? Look I get it, you got guys like MacKinnon and Makar who are gonna be playing for their countries in a couple weeks and nobody wants to get hurt, but NINE shorthanded goals against?? That's absolutely brutal. Your power play is literally hurting you at this point.

35-8-9 is still ridiculous though, let's be real here. Even with this garbage January they're running away with the West. But as a Sabres fan I gotta say - you guys don't know what REAL adversity looks like!! Try being a Buffalo fan for a decade and then come talk to me about tough stretches

That said, Wedgewood getting beat from BEHIND THE GOAL LINE twice is inexcusable. Dobes is a rookie and he's making your guys look silly. And MacKinnon with no goals since January 19th?? That's wild for a guy who was absolutely torching the league earlier this year.

The Detroit game should be interesting though - Wings are actually legit this year and fighting for that playoff spot. Gibson's been solid for them. Wouldn't shock me if the Avs drop this one too and limp into the break with a losing January record.

Honestly though? If I'm an Avs fan I'm not worried at all. This team is gonna flip the switch come playoff time. You've got too much talent not to. Just gotta survive these last few games without anyone getting banged up.

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Blackwood gets a shutout in 5-0 win over Detroit

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 31: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates his goal on John Gibson #36 of the Detroit Red Wings with teammates during the second period at Little Caesars Arena on January 31, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

After losing their last two losses against the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, the Colorado Avalanche got back in the win column against the Detroit Red Wings today, by a final score of 5-0. Mackenzie Blackwood earned a 28-save shutout and Nathan MacKinnon scored two goals to put him at 40 on the season.

Let’s take a look at the action from this afternoon!

First Period​

The Avs would score first, and they would be the only team to score in this game, for that matter. Brent Burns would be the one to get the scoring going, as Nathan MacKinnon would find him with a great pass as Burns went flying into the zone down the wing, and Burns picked his spot against John Gibson, making it 1-0.

BURNZIE gets us rolling!

— Colorado Avalanche (@avalanche.bsky.social) 2026-01-31T18:27:09.733Z

After that, Colorado wouldn’t slow down for the rest of the game, as MacKinnon would get his first goal of the afternoon, by putting a puck on net from the top of the zone, and Gibson was never able to pick it up through traffic.

The Dogg is BARKING

— Colorado Avalanche (@avalanche.bsky.social) 2026-01-31T18:33:16.246Z

Second Period​

Ross Colton would score his second goal in as many games next, as Brock Nelson was able to find him all alone in front of the Detroit net with a phenomal pass to set Colton up for a tap-in goal.

Colton on the net!

— Colorado Avalanche (@avalanche.bsky.social) 2026-01-31T19:14:26.094Z

MacKinnon would score his second of the afternoon next, as Detroit would turn the puck over in their own zone to Artturi Lehkonen, and Lehkonen found MacKinnon with a great pass, and MacKinnon put a one-timer past Gibson for his 40th on the season and to make it 4-0 Colorado after two periods.

The Dogg wasn't done!

— Colorado Avalanche (@avalanche.bsky.social) 2026-01-31T19:39:28.679Z

Third Period​

Parker Kelly would add another goal in the third period to make it 5-0, as he was able to walk down right in front of the Detroit net, and had the patience to outwait Gibson, and score his 12th goal of the year. The Avs only needed 21 shots on goal to earn a 5-0 win in Detroit.

KELLY keeping up the momentum!

— Colorado Avalanche (@avalanche.bsky.social) 2026-01-31T20:28:41.927Z

Takeaways​

Safe to say that looked more like Colorado Avalanche hockey, especially when compared to the last two games against the Senators and Canadiens. The Avs definitely had more jump today, and it certainly showed in the final score. It was really nice to see players from all over the lineup contribute, as both your top players and depth guys managed to get on the scoresheet this afternoon. It was also awesome to see Ross Colton score a goal for the second game in a row, especially with how much he’s struggled to score as of late. Colorado will get to see Detroit once again in a couple of days, and the Red Wings likely will want some revenge for being shut out in their home arena. Hopefully, the Avs can withstand that and sweep the regular-season series against Detroit on Monday.

Upcoming​

The Red Wings visit Denver on Monday for the conclusion of the home-and-home as well as the regular-season series between the Avs and Wings. Puck drop will be at 7:00 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...ckwood-gets-a-shutout-in-5-0-win-over-detroit

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Matinee in Motown

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 25: J.T. Compher #37 of the Detroit Red Wings and Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche fight for the puck during the second period of the game at Ball Arena on March 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ashley Potts/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Many have wondered how the Colorado Avalanche would handle adversity after such a prolonged run of unrivaled success to start this season.

Adversity came in spades throughout January, but the Avalanche have one more chance to finish the month on a positive note, but they’ll have to do it against their longtime (and much improved) rival, the Detroit Red Wings.

Colorado Avalanche (35-8-9)​

The Opponent: Detroit Red Wings (32-17-6)

Time: 11:00 A.M. MST/1:00 P.M. EST

Watch: ABC/ESPN (US National Broadcast), SN+/SNE/SNO/SNP (Canadian National Broadcast)

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Today’s game is the final game of a four game road trip, and the first of a home and home series with Detroit, who will fly out to Denver to wrap up the season series against the Avalanche on Monday night at Ball Arena. The Avalanche are coming off consecutive losses to the Ottawa Senators and Montréal Canadiens in consecutive nights, losing both games by a combined score of 12-5. The Avs looked limp and lifeless as Ottawa shelled Mackenzie Blackwood for five goals on Wednesday night, and Scott Wedgewood fared worse as Montréal pumped seven goals—including two from behind the goal line—behind him on Thursday.

Despite feeling his team put together a more competitive effort against Montréal than what they showed in Ottawa, head coach Jared Bednar noted the struggles that his team is having on both ends of the ice. “We’re having trouble putting the puck in the net; we’re having trouble keeping it out of our net right now, too […] It’s kind of tough sledding for us right now, but we’ve got to be a little better in some areas again than we were tonight.”

Brock Nelson has continued to shine bright for the Avs in the goal scoring department, scoring four goals in his last three games. His 28 goals rank second to League leader Nathan MacKinnon (38), and his 47 points are good for fourth place on the team. MacKinnon, however, has not scored a goal since January 19 against Washington. The goal scoring drought isn’t limited to just MacKinnon; Martin Nečas hasn’t scored since January 12 against Toronto.

When asked about the lack of production from both MacKinnon and Martin Nečas, Bednar said, “It’s not like they’re not doing some good things, because they did. They’re creating some chances; they’re not scoring on them like they normally would, right? Part of it is that, you’re going to finish off some of the chances, so I think they fall into that category.”

Currently, the Avs sport a 5-6-2 record for the month of January. Without a win today, the Avs will finish with a sub-500 record for a given calendar month since going 5-6-0 in October 2024. Despite their struggles this month, they still remain the undisputed leader across the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings. With three games remaining on their schedule before the Olympic break, they’re not in any danger of losing much ground to the third second place Minnesota Wild or the Dallas Stars prior to heading to Italy.

The Avs have won three of their last four regular season games against Detroit, including the most recent matchup on March 25, 2025, by a 5-2 decision.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas
Victor Olofsson – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Gavin Brindley
Zakhar Bardakov – Parker Kelly – Joel Kiviranta

Defense:
Sam Malinski – Cale Makar
Josh Manson – Brent Burns
Keaton Middleton – Sam Girard

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Detroit Red Wings​

Detroit currently sits in second place in the Atlantic Division standings, just two points shy of the first place Tampa Bay Lightning. Given the packed standings in the Eastern Conference, a playoff spot isn’t guaranteed at this point in the season, but Detroit’s chances of seeing their first playoff berth in nine seasons is looking more and more likely. With the franchise currently celebrating its centennial season, a return to the postseason would be a noteworthy accomplishment to commemorate the occasion.

Detroit has fared better than Colorado throughout the month of January overall, going 6-2-2 in their previous ten games. However, Detroit has lost two of their current three game home stand at Little Caesars Arena, losing 3-1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday evening, and a 4-3 shootout loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Despite the loss, right winger Patrick Kane recorded his 1,375 point of his career to become the highest scoring American-born player in the NHL, surpassing one-time former Red Wing Mike Modano.

Alex DeBrincat currently leads Detroit in goals (30), and is one point shy of the team lead in overall points behind Lucas Raymond (58). Raymond also leads the team in assists (40). Team captain Dylan Larkin ranks second on the team behind DeBrincat in goals (25) and third in points (48).

Goaltender John Gibson, who was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks during the offseason, is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in his first full season with Detroit. He currently has 21 wins on the season, the most he’s had since the 2018-2019 season (26), and setting a new career high in wins (Gibson won 31 games during the 2017-2018 season) isn’t out of the question, but if Detroit has its sights set on the postseason, Gibson’s career best will have to come this spring.

Detroit’s last victory over Colorado came on February 22, 2024, a 2-1 victory on an overtime goal from Kane.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Marco Kasper – Dylan Larkin – Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat – Andrew Copp – Patrick Kane
Emmitt Finnie – J.T. Compher – James van Riemsdyk
Elmer Söderblom – Michael Rasmussen – Mason Appleton

Defense:
Jacob Bernard-Docker – Moritz Seider
Axel Sandin-Pellikka – Ben Chiarot
Albert Johansson – Travis Hamonic

Between the Pipes:
John Gibson
Cam Talbot

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colorado-avalanche-game-coverage/61422/preview-matinee-in-motown

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Ottawa Senators (5:30 p.m.)

Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche will take their talents west of Parliament Hill to the Canadian Tire Center in Kanata, Ontario, for a matchup with the Ottawa Senators.

The Sens made minced meat of the Las Vegas Golden Knights there last time, and they hope to build on that dominating 7-1 victory after struggling to match Carolina’s game and blowing a three-goal lead against the Nashville Predators.

The Avalanche are in their least successful stretch of the season, losing three of five (Nashville, Anaheim & Philly). Colorado got right in Toronto on the back of a hat-trick from Brock Nelson in their last contest. Will it be the Senators or the Avalanche that start a new winning streak?

Colorado Avalanche: 35-6-9​

The Opponent: Ottawa Senators 24-21-7

Time: 5:30 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Colorado took care of some future endeavors this week by extending Sam Malinski’s contract, but the back end is still a bit unsettled, with Keaton Middleton set to round out the group tonight. Brennan Vogt reports that Keaton has made strong efforts to alter his game this season with the Eagles, namely doing his best to stay out of the penalty box. I imagine the Avalanche does its best to limit his ice time, and his focus should remain on staying out of the sin bin, that is, unless it’s in the form of dues paid for fearless fistacuffs.

We have recalled Keaton Middleton from the Colorado Eagles. pic.twitter.com/cD9nc9CUFr

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 27, 2026

Ross Colton is listed as day-to-day now, so that means we will see another shuffling of the forward group with an AHLer or two sprinkled into the bottom six. I wonder if this is an actual injury or if the Avalanche is taking Colton off the ice ahead of a potential trade. Rumors have circulated regarding Evander Kane, Nazem Kadri (weird), but it’s hard to pinpoint which assets would work in a deal for a team that’s so close to the cap already. That’s pure speculation, though.

I think this bruised-and-battered group is more realistic, seeing as how, come playoff time, some guys are bound to miss time. I’d like to see this team show some professionalism and resolve against an Eastern Conference foe despite the missing pieces.

Projected Lineup:​

Victor Olofsson — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Artturi Lehkonen — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley
Taylor Makar — Zakhar Bardakov — Joel Kiviranta

Sam Malinski — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Keaton Middleton — Samuel Girard

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Ottawa Senators​

The Senators are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, inside a conference that is finally starting to show some separation. At one point, last in the Atlantic was still just three or four points out of the wild card. It’s pretty much make-or-break time for the Senators, but even their best efforts might land them at too-little too-late.

Tim Stutzle is the one to watch in terms of an offensive threat, as he leads the team with 53 points (23 goals – 30 assists) and has four points in his last four games. On the back end, take a look at Jake Sanderson, who has the third most points on the team (amongst forwards and defencemen).

Linus Ullmark is back in the net for the Senators after a slump and an uncomfortable time frame. It’s been made abundantly clear that this team goes where Ullmark goes. All that to say, James Reimer is the likely starter for tonight’s contest.

Linus Ullmark is BACK for the Senators and backing up today. pic.twitter.com/wmr3jgyIz8

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 25, 2026

I can tell you one thing for sure: it’s fair to expect a ton of goals tonight. Evan Liu hit us with a crazy stat on yesterday’s episode of the Mile High Hockey Lab: The Avalanche and Senators have combined for 85 goals in the last nine games between the two of them.

Projected Lineup:​

Drake Batherson — Tim Stützle — Claude Giroux
Brady Tkachuk — Dylan Cozens — Ridly Greig
Nick Cousins — Shane Pinto — Michael Amadio
Xavier Bourgault — Lars Eller — Fabian Zetterlund

Jake Sanderson — Artem Zub
Thomas Chabot — Nick Jensen
Tyler Kleven — Jordan Spence

James Reimer
Linus Ulmark

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...colorado-avalanche-vs-ottawa-senators-530-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Red Wings visit Avalanche in a quick rematch

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 25: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche faces off against Dylan Larkin #71 of the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the game at Ball Arena on March 25, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Ashley Potts/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

The Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings are set to meet for the second time in just three days, this time at Ball Arena in downtown Denver, CO. This quick turnaround and second game of a home-and-home should make for some unsettled tension after the first installment featured extracurriculars and a stellar performance from MacKenzie Blackwood, who logged the shutout. Will the Avalanche beat their old rival yet again? Or will the Wings steal one at a mile high?

It’s Pride Night! pic.twitter.com/R4h5HUBXan

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 2, 2026

Colorado Avalanche: 36-8-9​

The Opponent: Detroit Red Wings (32-18-7)

Time: 7:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche is an interesting group right now with a litany of injuries and what feels like waning interest at times, all resulting in the first real dip in success.

They looked plenty interested last time out, and leading the way in that regard was Nathan MacKinnon, who is undoubtedly getting all tuned up and ready for his appearance at this year’s Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

A 5-0 shutout is just about as ideal as a scoreline can be, but make no mistake, even MacKinnon told Erik Johnson on the ABC broadcast that, “It was more competitive than the score said it was…”

Nate absolutely COOKED EJ pic.twitter.com/UHl7JZWqkh

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 31, 2026

Speaking of MacKinnon, he is just one assist shy of logging his 700th career apple so keep an eye on that this evening. EJ has clarified that he did not get a spray tan but leaned toward being too tan rather than too pale when giving the makeup artist instructions ahead of the broadcast. I don’t buy it.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — [URL='https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/players/news/valeri-nichushkin/2142']Valeri Nichushkin[/URL]
Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley
Taylor Makar — Zakhar Bardakov — Joel Kiviranta

Sam Malinski — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Keaton Middleton — Samuel Girard

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Detroit Red Wings​

The Wings are a solid club and feel like a playoff team this season, despite not showing much of that in Saturday’s game. Getting to the playoffs would end a nine-year drought in Detroit and would do a lot to validate the work being done by management and coaches alike. Todd MacLellan’s mid-season hire (last year) still looks like a solid move from Steve Yzerman and company, and the group as a whole is starting to form an identity with Patrick Kane still logging points and young, establishing talents.

Etched in history.

Patrick Kane on the mic for point 1375. pic.twitter.com/KON0c2aQUI

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 30, 2026

Detroit’s captain Dylan Larkin called Saturday’s loss a “bump in the road,” and spoke about the Avalanche being beatable and having lots to play for in tonight’s rematch. We shall see how that turns out!

Projected Lineup:​

Marco Kasper — Dylan Larkin — Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat — Andrew Copp — Patrick Kane
Emmitt Finnie — J.T. Compher — Mason Appleton
Elmer Soderblom — Michael Rasmussen — James van Riemsdyk

Albert Johansson — Moritz Seider
Ben Chiarot — Jacob Bernard-Docker
Erik Gustafsson — Jacob Bernard-Docker

John Gibson
Cam Talbot

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...-red-wings-visit-avalanche-in-a-quick-rematch

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings (7:00 p.m.)

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 25: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against J.T. Compher #37 of the Detroit Red Wings. (Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

The Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings are set to meet for the second time in just three days, this time at Ball Arena in downtown Denver, CO. This quick turnaround and second game of a home-and-home should make for some unsettled tension after the first installment featured extracurriculars and a stellar performance from MacKenzie Blackwood, who logged the shutout. Will the Avalanche beat their old rival yet again? Or will the Wings steal one at a mile high?

Colorado Avalanche: (36-8-9)​

The Opponent: Detroit Red Wings (24-21-7)

Time: 7:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche is an interesting group right now with a litany of injuries and what feels like waning interest at times, all resulting in the first real dip in success.

They looked plenty interested last time out, and leading the way in that regard was Nathan MacKinnon, who is undoubtedly getting all tuned up and ready for his appearance at this year’s Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

A 5-0 shutout is just about as ideal as a scoreline can be, but make no mistake, even MacKinnon told Erik Johnson on the ABC broadcast that, “It was more competitive than the scoreline showed.”

Nate absolutely COOKED EJ pic.twitter.com/UHl7JZWqkh

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 31, 2026

Speaking of MacKinnon, he is just one assist shy of logging his 700th career apple so keep an eye on that this evening. EJ has clarified that he did not get a spray tan but leaned toward being too tan rather than too pale when giving the makeup artist instructions ahead of the broadcast. I don’t buy it.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — [URL='https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/players/news/valeri-nichushkin/2142']Valeri Nichushkin[/URL]
Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley
Taylor Makar — Zakhar Bardakov — Joel Kiviranta

Sam Malinski — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Keaton Middleton — Samuel Girard

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Detroit Red Wings​

The Wings are a solid club and feel like a playoff team this season, despite not showing much of that in Saturday’s game. Getting to the playoffs would mean ending a nine-year drought in Detroit and would do a lot to validate the work being done by management and coaches alike. Todd MacLellan’s mid-season hire (last year) still looks like a solid move from Steve Yzerman and company.

Etched in history.

Patrick Kane on the mic for point 1375. pic.twitter.com/KON0c2aQUI

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 30, 2026

Detroit’s captain Dylan Larkin called Saturday’s loss a “bump in the road,” and spoke about the Avalanche being beatable and having lots to play for in tonight’s rematch. We shall see how that turns out!

Projected Lineup:​

Marco Kasper — Dylan Larkin — Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat — Andrew Copp — Patrick Kane
Emmitt Finnie — J.T. Compher — Mason Appleton
Elmer Soderblom — Michael Rasmussen — James van Riemsdyk

Albert Johansson — Moritz Seider
Ben Chiarot — Jacob Bernard-Docker
Erik Gustafsson — Jacob Bernard-Docker

John Gibson
Cam Talbot

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...lorado-avalanche-vs-detroit-red-wings-700-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Weekly Cupcakes: MacKinnon first to hit 40 goals this season

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 31: Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche skates up ice against the Detroit Red Wings. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images

Colorado Avalanche News​

• Colorado Avalanche teams up with “Dungeon Crawler Carl” author Matt Dinniman to support cat rescue. [CBS News]

• MacKinnon scores twice to become first 40-goal scorer of season, Avalanche blank Red Wings. [TSN]

• There’s still something special about Canadiens-Avalanche games. While broadcasters love to babble about NHL “rivalry” games these days, the Habs-Nordiques clashes provided unmatched drama. [Montreal Gazette]

• Ottawa Senators topple first-overall Colorado Avalanche with a 5-2 victory. [Ottawa Citizen]

News Around the League​

• Will Canada regret not taking Evan Bouchard? [Sportsnet]
• Lightning owner to miss outdoor game with ‘major leg fracture’. [USA Today]

• Ullmark overcomes emotions, Devils in winning return for Senators. [CBC]

• Ice hockey venue will not be ready for start of Olympics. [BBC]
• 2026 U.S. Winter Olympics Hockey Roster: Why The NHL’s Top American Scorers Missed The Cut. [Forbes]

• Lightning’s Hagel scores 11 seconds into outdoor game, a record. [ESPN]
• Every NHL player participating in 2026 Winter Olympics. [Sports Illustrated]
• Olympics to help satisfy international appetite for hockey best-on-best. [NHLPA]
• Olympic ice hockey vs. NHL rules: How are they different? [NBC LA]
• Lack of Quebec-born NHL stars, Olympians mystifies Marc-André Fleury”It’s a little sad,” retired goaltending star and two-time Stanley Cup champion says of his province’s hockey pipeline running dry. [Montreal Gazette]

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/dail...s-mackinnon-first-to-hit-40-goals-this-season

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Detroit returns the favor and blanks Colorado 2-0

Feb 2, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Marco Kasper (92) scores behind Colorado Avalanche goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood (39) in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

In the second portion of a home-and-home with the Detroit Red Wings, the Colorado Avalanche returned to Ball Arena for two games before the Olympic break. Hoping to repeat their victorious 5-0 performance from two days ago instead it was the Red Wings who crafted a shutout on the Avalanche on home ice — the first time Colorado has been held off the scoreboard all season. John Gibson made 21 saves to earn his fourth shutout of the year.

The Game

It was evident the game would unfold in a very different manner less than one minute into the game as Detroit got on the board quickly taking advantage of a 2-on-1 and a rusty Devon Toews in the process. Marco Kasper scored his sixth goal of the year for the 1-0 lead. Prior to the end of the period the Avalanche put their 31st ranked power play to the test but came up empty. Colorado held a slight advantage in shots 8-6 to go along with the one-goal deficit.

The second period wasn’t any more successful for the Avalanche. Neither team scored in the frame but Colorado only put up four shots to Detroit’s 12, though Colorado was the only team penalized — twice.

There was a little more purpose in Colorado’s game in the third period and got the shot deficit closer at 24-21 but they still couldn’t find the back of the net. Mackenzie Blackwood kept them in it until he was pulled for the extra attacker with three minutes left. Detroit won all the battles in the dying minutes of the game and finally Lucas Raymond secured the win for Detroit with an empty net tally. A 2-0 final score gave the Red Wings the victory.

Takeaways

Nathan MacKinnon played 26 minutes but it didn’t do the Avalanche much good. He was at least a bit more engaged and fired five shots on net. The team is starting to look exhausted especially when the top players are overworked.

There aren’t words to describe the black hole that is the power play and tonight there weren’t any signs of life. A goal on the man advantage could have certainly made a difference in this contest.

Upcoming

One final game before the three week Olympic break, the San Jose Sharks come to town for a 7 p.m. MT puck drop on Wednesday, February 4th.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...oit-returns-the-favor-and-blanks-colorado-2-0