RSS Avalanche Team Notes

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Brindley scores, Avs finally win in overtime

Unlike the Halloween movies, the Colorado Avalanche actually ended the curse.

Gavin Brindley ended Colorado’s five-game overtime losing streak with a clutch goal, giving the Avalanche a 5-4 win over Vancouver on Sunday at Rogers Arena.

Nathan MacKinnon was unstoppable, scoring twice—including a power-play marker—and adding three assists for a five-point night. After a massive weekend where he racked up nine points, including two goals and two assists in Saturday’s 9-1 thrashing of Edmonton, he now sits atop the NHL in goals (14) and points (29). And he wasn’t the only one lighting it up.

Artturi Lehkonen had a two-goal night, including one on the power play, while Cale Makar and Valeri Nichushkin each added a pair of assists. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 29 shots.

For Vancouver, Linus Karlsson, Kiefer Sherwood, Jake DeBrusk, and Drew O’Connor found the net, while Kevin Lankinen made 27 saves.

First Period

The Avs struck first at 6:41. Makar carried the puck through the neutral zone, slipped it to Nichushkin, who sold a fake, and then MacKinnon buried a one-timer into a wide-open net. Just minutes later, after Colton drew a slashing penalty, MacKinnon scored again on the power play, taking a slightly sloppy drop pass from Olofsson and firing it past Lankinen anyway.

Vancouver finally got on the board at 11:47 when Karlsson poked in a rebound after Hronek’s shot off Blackwood’s pads ricocheted to the side of the net. Devon Toews was unable to get Karlsson off the puck and the latter scored off the backhand.

Makar got whistled late in the period after Garland took an extra jab at Blackwood. The Avs star wasn’t having it—he grabbed Garland from behind and drove him to the ice, earning a roughing penalty. Colorado killed it off, and Drury nearly added another on a breakaway, but Lankinen made the save. Despite trailing 16-9 in shots Colorado held a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play.

Second Period

It didn’t take long for Vancouver to tie the game as at 1:55 Sherwood slipped a backhand past Blackwood after Toews mishandled a clearing attempt and Marty Necas’ attempt to keep it in their possession didn’t add much help to the situation.

At 10:08, Nichushkin got a holding call on DeBrusk, though replays made it look like just a collision. The Avs killed it off again. Later, Toews had a sharp one-timer from the point that was turned away by Lankinen. Olofsson’s late holding penalty didn’t help the Canucks either, as Colorado’s penalty kill continued to dominate to keep it a 2-2 tie going into the final frame.

Third Period

Just 30 seconds in, Lehkonen gave the Avs a 3-2 lead by redirecting Burns’ slap-pass past Hughes’ check. Colorado came out strong after a rough second period without their best game.

A power play at 6:45 didn’t go as planned. Nichushkin turned the puck over twice, and O’Connor raced in for a breakaway, tying the game at three as the Canucks scored shorthanded.

The back and forth action continued as Brindley drew a holding penalty on Willander with 10:50 left, and 37 seconds later, Lehkonen scored again on a rebound from Necas to put Colorado back in front, 4-3.

And yet that score didn’t hold as Vancouver pushed late, and Blackwood made two huge stops on Hughes and Pettersson. But a late cross-check by Landeskog gave the Canucks a late power play. Boeser found DeBrusk, who redirected it past Blackwood, tying the game at 4-4 with just over three minutes left.

Makar fired several shots in the dying seconds, but Lankinen held strong. And alas, overtime awaited the Avs.

Overtime

Finally, the Avalanche came through in the extra period. On a pass from Makar, Brindley carried the puck up the ice and fired from the left circle. Lankinen kicked it aside, but Brindley pounced on the rebound and poked it home for the 5-4 win.

Takeaways

Two dragons were slayed in this contest despite the Avalanche not having their A game. Not one but two power play goals were scored and they finally won in overtime. Maybe it finally had to do with mixing up personnel putting Lehkonen on the power play and Brindley on ice in overtime and Colorado was rewarded.

Upcoming

The Avalanche (10-1-5) head back home on Tuesday, November 11th to face the new look Anaheim Ducks (11-3-1) at Ball Arena for a puck drop at 7 p.m. local time.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...p-brindley-scores-avs-finally-win-in-overtime

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Anaheim Ducks (7:30 p.m.)

I don’t think many people had the Anaheim Ducks leading the Pacific Division on their 2025-26 NHL season bingo card. Still, here we are, and here they go, testing the Colorado Avalanche and their one regulation loss tonight at Ball Arena in Denver, CO. Colorado secured at least a point in all six home games this season, and the Ducks have won nine of their last ten and seven in a row. The Avs are on a three-game winning streak of their own; still, someone has to lose tonight. Who’s it gonna be?

Colorado Avalanche: 10-1-5​

The Opponent: Anaheim Ducks 11-3-1

Time: 7:30 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

To put it plainly, the Colorado Avalanche have looked every bit of the Stanley Cup contender they set out to be. Sure, it’s early, but the boys in burgundy and blue are already 1/4 of the way to a fifth consecutive 100+ point season. It’s been good early because the Avalanche have seen elite performances from the likes of MacKinnon, Makar, and Necas, while emphasizing the defensive end and capitalizing on depth contributions. I don’t want to get too ahead of myself, but that last sentence could be used to describe the 2022 Stanley Cup Champion Avalanche team. I swear that’s not the only card in my deck!

One of the key factors in being a Stanley Cup contender is getting contributions from young players and from those on highly affordable contracts. So far, that’s been Gavin Brindley who tallied the game-winning overtime goal against Vancouver last time out. Another standout in that regard has been Victor Olofsson, who has indeed emerged as Mr. Goalofsson in Colorado. Hopefully, they continue to surpass expectations.

Wouldn’t you know it, this just hit the news wire:

Gavin Brindley is staying in Colorado pic.twitter.com/59mR3QWoVR

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 11, 2025

Hard to tell who will get the start in net for the Avalanche tonight, with intended back-up Scott Wedgewood still looking good and securing wins. It might be a good night to slot Wedgwood back in the crease with Blackwood securing the victory, but seemingly still shaking off some cobwebs against the Canucks.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Gabe Landeskog — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson
Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov — Gavin Brindley

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Jack Ahcan — Sam Malinski

Scott Wedgewood
MacKenzie Blackwood

Anaheim Ducks​

The Ducks have come out downright mighty with 11 wins in 15 contests and a goal differential of +17 so far. It may come as a surprise to some, but on paper, this Ducks roster does look like a playoff team, and perhaps one that can steal the Pacific Division from the Vegas Golden Knights.

When you look up and realize your Ducks have the second-best record in the NHL#FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/RE3oCuChGb

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) November 10, 2025

Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier lead the way in terms of point-getting, posting 25 and 20 points, respectively. Troy Terry might not be the best player on the team anymore, and when that’s true, you probably have a darn good group.

Lukas Dostal has been great in net for the Ducks as well, posting a .908 SV%, but there are a couple of things the Avalanche should look to cash in on. The Ducks have been penalized a lot in this short season and have been involved in some high-scoring games. The Avalanche can slow the Ducks down while having the firepower to keep up if those efforts aren’t successful. Translation: Tonight’s game is gonna be fun to watch!

Projected Lineup:​

Chris Kreider — Leo Carlsson — Troy Terry
Cutter Gauthier — Mason McTavish — Beckett Sennecke
Nikita Nesterenko — Ryan Poehling — Alex Killorn
Ross Johnston — Jansen Harkins — Frank Vatrano

Jackson Lacombe — Drew Helleson
Olen Zellweger — Jacob Trouba
Pavel Mintyukov — Ian Moore

Lukas Dostal
Petr Mrazek

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...d-colorado-avalanche-vs-anaheim-ducks-730-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Morning Flurries: MacKinnon named first star of the week

After a very successful weekend western Canada road trip where the Colorado Avalanche picked up four points in the standings, Nathan MacKinnon was recognized for his efforts by the NHL. Scoring 10 points of his own and four goals in just three games played, no other player was more worthy of the honor than MacKinnon. The Avalanche super star currently leads the league with 32 points after picking up three assists in the win over Anaheim.

Are you surprised? pic.twitter.com/sl5i89GP04

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 10, 2025

They had so much fun in the first PWHL takeover at Ball Arena that the ladies are doing it again. Two games are on the docket, one in January and another in March. Tickets go on sale this Friday, grab yours to show your support for the PWHL!

JUST ANNOUNCED! PWHL Takeover Tour hits Ball Arena for TWO incredible games Don’t miss your chance to see the best in women’s hockey hit the ice!

Vancouver vs. Seattle – January 25, 2026
New York vs. Minnesota – March 15, 2026

General tickets go on sale this Friday,… pic.twitter.com/rL8bJBBSyn

— Ball Arena (@ballarenadenver) November 10, 2025

Don’t forget that tomorrow night against the Buffalo Sabres is the first ever Fourth Wing theme night for fans of the very popular Rebecca Yarros penned series. She is a Colorado resident and Avalanche fan, too.

Rebecca Yarros, ‘Fourth Wing’ author and Avalanche fan, hockey mom at heart: ‘I don’t think there’s anything quite like it’ https://t.co/vSuhH8pbMK

— Denver Post Sports (@DPostSports) November 9, 2025

Tyson Barrie has been busy early in his retirement developing beverage brand Chilly Ones. The former Av got Nathan MacKinnon to pose for photos and named him Brand Ambassador.

https://t.co/okzSXKgyEd

— Tyson Barrie (@tysonbarrie) November 6, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/morn...urries-mackinnon-named-first-star-of-the-week

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Lost in the Avalanche: Mason Geertsen

Though he never played a game for the Colorado Avalanche, the story of former organizational prospect Mason Geertsen is worth spotlighting, especially as a drafted prospect still in the NHL at age 30. As a player currently on the Buffalo Sabres roster, Geertsen may finally play in a NHL game on Ball Arena ice in tomorrow’s matchup between the two clubs.

Selected in the fourth round out of the WHL in the 2013 NHL draft at 93rd overall, the six-foot-four 231 lbs. left shot defenseman signed his three-year Entry Level Contract with the Avalanche on March 24, 2015 following the conclusion of his junior career. He immediately reported to the Colorado Eagles to finish out the season in the AHL and played nine games for the Lake Erie Monsters.

Geertsen would spend four full seasons with the Colorado Avalanche’s AHL affiliates spanning the San Antonio Rampage and Colorado Eagles despite never getting called up to the big club. His best season was in 2018-19 where the Alberta native would score 16 points to go along with 134 penalty minutes in 58 games.

At the conclusion of that season Colorado decided not to qualify Geertsen and as a free agent he signed an AHL deal with the New York Rangers’ affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack. Near the end of his second season with that club, the Rangers opted to upgrade his contract and signed Geertsen to a two-year two-way NHL contract on March 3rd, 2021 worth $725K per year at the NHL level. Despite this commitment from the organization, he never played a game with the Blueshirts as the New Jersey Devils picked up Geertsen on waivers on October 3rd of that year in advance of the 2021-22 campaign.

As a needed physical presence, Geertsen spent that entire season on New Jersey’s roster and engaged in five memorable tilts with the likes of Zach MacEwan, Zdeno Chara and Zach Kassian. He dressed in 25 games, many at forward in the enforcer role, and accumulated 77 penalty minutes. For the 2022-23 season Geertsen signed a one-year two-way $750K contract extension with New Jersey in the summer of 2022 but the left-hander cleared waivers and spent the year in the AHL with the Utica Comets.

Following his stint with the Devils organization, Geertsen moved on to the Vegas Golden Knights organization on another two-way two-year NHL contract worth $775K per year at the NHL level signed in the offseason in 2023.

At the beginning of the 2023-24 season is where this story takes a turn to delve into what Geertsen went through during his time in Vegas. In an exceptionally detailed report shared by the Sabres, Geertsen discussed a very personal recent battle with cancer.

After feeling pain in his leg in November of 2023, Geertsen received a diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Geertsen went through a series of tests with a range of results including doctors telling him he likely would never play again to news of a possible misdiagnosis as he went back to Henderson to keep playing. The defenseman remarkably then played a total of 58 games that season after only missing a month of play as he scored six goals and accumulated 108 penalty minutes.

That summer more extensive tests were performed and the initial diagnosis of lymphoma was confirmed. Geertsen endured immunotherapy treatment during the offseason so he could be ready to begin training camp on time with the Golden Knights in the fall of 2024. Those treatments proved successful as Geertsen announced he is in remission last November and then completed his contract with Vegas that season finishing with 31 games played in Henderson.

Thank you to Mason Geertsen for sharing the story of his own cancer battle with the sabrehood.

Read more → https://t.co/O6dgciTHSQ pic.twitter.com/Xqd52X7ywd

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) October 31, 2025

This summer Geertsen reunited with his former coach Lindy Ruff when the Buffalo Sabres signed him to a two-year two-way contract for $775K at the NHL level. He began the season on the NHL roster and has dressed for five Sabres games where he’s accumulated 12 penalty minutes. Geertsen again is playing a hybrid position, mostly at forward or on defense as needed and providing the physical presence Ruff values.

“I had Mason in New Jersey, so I know what Mason’s about, I know how hard he works, I know how good a guy he is,” Ruff said. “Just (needs to) continue to put the work in.”

As this is Hockey Fights Cancer month in the NHL, we at Mile High Hockey want to show our support for all friend or foe including former players and prospects who have fought or are still fighting the battle. It is remarkable that Mason has been able to return to the ice and we hope to see him out there against the Avalanche.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/lost-in-the-avalanche/59244/lost-in-the-avalanche-mason-geertsen

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Dragons, Riders & Sabres at Ball Arena

Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Buffalo Sabres and fans to Fourth Wing Night at Ball Arena. The Avalanche come into this showdown as the NHL’s best squad and hope to take care of business with a struggling Sabres group. Can the Avalanche continue on this torrid pace of securing a point in every home game so far? Or will the Sabres go full-on plot-twist and upset Colorado?

Colorado Avalanche: 11-1-5​

The Opponent: Buffalo Sabres 5-7-4

Time: 7:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

This is the kind of game that the Avalanche should cruise through. I’m not saying they can win effortlessly, but it shouldn’t take long for the Avalanche to get a firm hold on this one (on the scoreboard) early, with Buffalo currently touting the league’s FOURTH-worst goal differential (-11). This is especially true if the Avalanche continue to play the way they did while beating the Pacific-leading Ducks for their FOURTH straight victory.

https://t.co/IcbTd6HkB3 pic.twitter.com/K2N2IdP968

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) November 13, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon has scored three or more points in a single game five times already this year, and I’m keying on him doing that yet again tonight. MacKinnon is starting an early and effective Hart Trophy campaign alongside a Norris Bid from his good buddy Cale Makar.

Nathan MacKinnon has been otherworldly this season… pic.twitter.com/uuWDQJSpbD

— NHL (@NHL) November 12, 2025

Unfortunately, it does appear that Val Nichushkin will miss some time after sustaining an injury during Colorado’s impressive victory over the Ducks. Bednar mentioned today that Val will miss some time but that he’s not yet sure just how much.

It’s a good thing the Avalanche have received plenty of depth contributions as of late, and are benefiting from the budding career of Gavin Brindley. I’d expect either Gabe Landeskog or Victor Olofsson to slot into the top six in the absence of Nichushkin.

This is the perfect night for MacKenzie Blackwood to get back between the pipes and a great night to offer a performance that spurs on his resurgence. He is the confirmed starter tonight for the Avalanche.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Victor Olofsson (Valeri Nichushkin)
Gabe Landeskog — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley
Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov — Tristen Nielsen

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Jack Ahcan — Sam Malinski

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Buffalo Sabres​

Despite their efforts, I’m afraid this Sabres team presents like one that will miss the playoffs for a 15th consecutive season. Their chances have been significantly impacted by a litany of injuries and other factors, resulting in a roster that is heavily depleted.

The lack of depth and name recognition at the center position is glaring, which leads me to my prediction for Nathan MacKinnon. When you consider that the Sabres played just last night against the Utah Mammoth and had you read my article about the advantages at altitude, you should view this as a scheduled loss for Buffalo.

The final from Utah. pic.twitter.com/1A7UlhSnin

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 13, 2025

Projected Lineup:​

Alex Tuch — Ryan McLeod — Tage Thompson
Isak Rosen — Noah Ostlund — Jack Quinn
Jordan Greenway — Tyson Kozak — Josh Doan
Josh Dunne — Peyton Krebs — Beck Malenstyn

Mattias Samuelsson — Owen Power
Bowen Byram — Conor Timmins
Jacob Bryson — Michael Kesselring

Alex Lyon
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Ride or die, Avalanche fans!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...1/preview-dragons-riders-sabres-at-ball-arena

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Buffalo Sabres (7:00 p.m.)

Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Buffalo Sabres and fans to Fourth Wing Night at Ball Arena. The Avalanche come into this showdown as the NHL’s best squad and hope to take care of business with a struggling Sabres group. Can the Avalanche continue on this torrid pace of securing a point in every home game so far? Or will the Sabres go full-on plot-twist and upset Colorado?

Colorado Avalanche: 11-1-5​

The Opponent: Buffalo Sabres 5-7-4

Time: 7:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

This is the kind of game that the Avalanche should cruise through. I’m not saying they can win effortlessly, but it shouldn’t take long for the Avalanche to get a firm hold on this one (on the scoreboard) early, with Buffalo currently touting the league’s FOURTH-worst goal differential (-11). This is especially true if the Avalanche continue to play the way they did while beating the Pacific-leading Ducks for their FOURTH straight victory.

https://t.co/IcbTd6HkB3 pic.twitter.com/K2N2IdP968

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) November 13, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon has scored three or more points in a single game five times already this year, and I’m keying on him doing that yet again tonight. MacKinnon is starting an early and effective Hart Trophy campaign alongside a Norris Bid from his good buddy Cale Makar.

Nathan MacKinnon has been otherworldly this season… pic.twitter.com/uuWDQJSpbD

— NHL (@NHL) November 12, 2025

Unfortunately, it does appear that Val Nichushkin will miss some time after sustaining an injury during Colorado’s impressive victory over the Ducks. Bednar mentioned today that Val will miss some time but that he’s not yet sure just how much.

It’s a good thing the Avalanche have received plenty of depth contributions as of late, and are benefiting from the budding career of Gavin Brindley. I’d expect either Gabe Landeskog or Victor Olofsson to slot into the top six in the absence of Nichushkin.

This is the perfect night for MacKenzie Blackwood to get back between the pipes and a great night to offer a performance that spurs on his resurgence. He is the confirmed starter tonight for the Avalanche.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Victor Olofsson (Valeri Nichushkin)
Gabe Landeskog — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley
Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov — Tristen Nielsen

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Jack Ahcan — Sam Malinski

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Buffalo Sabres​

Despite their efforts, I’m afraid this Sabres team presents like one that will miss the playoffs for a 15th consecutive season. Their chances have been significantly impacted by a litany of injuries and other factors, resulting in a roster that is heavily depleted.

The lack of depth and name recognition at the center position is glaring, which leads me to my prediction for Nathan MacKinnon. When you consider that the Sabres played just last night against the Utah Mammoth and had you read my article about the advantages at altitude, you should view this as a scheduled loss for Buffalo.

The final from Utah. pic.twitter.com/1A7UlhSnin

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) November 13, 2025

Projected Lineup:​

Alex Tuch — Ryan McLeod — Tage Thompson
Isak Rosen — Noah Ostlund — Jack Quinn
Jordan Greenway — Tyson Kozak — Josh Doan
Josh Dunne — Peyton Krebs — Beck Malenstyn

Bowen Byram — Conor Timmins
Mattias Samuelsson — Owen Power
Jacob Bryson — Michael Kesselring

Alex Lyon
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Ride or die, Avalanche fans!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...-colorado-avalanche-vs-buffalo-sabres-700-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Colorado keeps win streak alive with 6-3 win over Buffalo

The game may have been closer than the 6-3 final score indicated but the Colorado Avalanche walked away with their fifth win in a row in a defeat of the Buffalo Sabres at Ball Arena on Fourth Wing night.

The Game

Marty got the party started with a goal in the first minute of the game. It was the fourth time this season the Avalanche opened the score in such manner and the third time the score was from Martin Nečas.

It was a busy rest of the period despite each team registering only six shots on goal a piece. Artturi Lehkonen added another goal for Colorado on a net front play which chased Buffalo goaltender Alex Lyon in favor of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Buffalo got on the board when Bowen Byram answered back on a goal of his own taking advantage of a Mackenzie Blackwood rebound. Brock Nelson restored the two goal lead quickly but then Jordan Greenway converted on a slap shot. There was even a disallowed Gabe Landeskog goal due to goaltender interference which Jared Bednar unsuccessfully challenged. After counting all the tallies, Colorado held a 3-2 lead after 20 minutes of play.

The second period saw Tage Thompson score on a power play for Buffalo but Gavin Brindley answered with what would be the game winning goal on a nice individual effort as he was moved up to the second line in the absence of Val Nichushkin. And Colorado was up again 4-3 after the second frame.

In the third period the home team pulled away and secured their with with another Martin Nečas score. Gabe Landeskog got his goal back on an empty net tally. Nečas had a chance to go for the hat trick but passed the puck to his captain and settled for a two goal, two assist night instead. Final score 6-3 in Colorado’s favor.

Takeaways

The game was more contested than the final score indicated as Buffalo put up a fight disrupting the Avalanche for most of the night but couldn’t find that fourth goal to equalize the score and the unstoppable Avalanche train just kept moving for their fifth win in a row.

Taylor Makar was called up for his first NHL game at Ball Arena and had a couple looks finishing with three shots on goal in his seven minutes of ice time. He was promptly reassigned after the game so it is unclear what the team’s plan is for an extra forward in the duration of Nichushkin’s absence.

Upcoming

A couple days of rest and then the homestand continues as the Avalanche host the New York Islanders at 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 16th.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...ps-win-streak-alive-with-6-3-win-over-buffalo

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Wedgewood extends for another year

The contracts just keep coming for the Colorado Avalanche as they have elected to take care of business with key pieces who were set to enter free agency following the 2025-26 season. Backup goaltender Scott Wedgewood is the latest beneficiary as he just inked a one-year contract extension for $2.5 million through the 2026-27 season.

Details https://t.co/FEe7MUf207

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 13, 2025

Wedgewood has been invaluable to the Avalanche this season as he has taken the reins as starter while Mackenzie Blackwood recovered from an offseason injury and works himself back to a full workload. Wedgewood has a sparkling record of 10-1-2 with a .913 save percentage and 2.26 goals against average. This contract extension gives Wedgewood a million dollar raise over his cap hit in 2025-26.

The #GoAvsGo signed 33 y/o G Scott Wedgewood to a 1 year $2.5M Cap Hit extension

$1.9M Salary
$600K Signing Bonus

Rep'd by Neumann and Bazos @EdgeSportsMngmt https://t.co/tuJU3YjtHM

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) November 13, 2025

There is now a little more stability and certainty in net going into the future as Jared Bednar seems to really trust Wedgewood. Clearly Blackwood and Wedgewood are a great tandem now and having that foundation set for next year allows more options on what to do with top goalie prospect Ilya Nabokov, who is playing in the KHL this season. It seemed unlikely he would jump straight to the NHL next season and bringing Wedgewood back another year ensures that. It’s interesting that Wedgewood himself characterizes his tandem with Blackwood as a 1A, 1B situation moving forward as he gave up the opportunity to search for a starting role as an upcoming free agent.

Sometimes you write stuff this is relevant for about 90 minutes. The way it goes.

But Wedgewood said the thought of being a starter crossed his mind, “but I’m a realist,” he said.

“It’s probably the best spot in the league to be a 1A, 1B with Blackie,” he said. https://t.co/JMGnMcOnvJ

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) November 13, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...ions/59549/wedgewood-extends-for-another-year

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Is Scott Wedgewood Colorado’s starting goaltender?

After Colorado Avalanche swept their weekend back-to-back in western Canada, the Mile High Hockey Lab crew of Ezra Parter, Brennan Vogt, Jackie Kay and host Adrian Hernandez gathered to break down the continued dominance of the hockey club.

Topics include Gavin Brindley’s new contract extension and what that may or may not mean moving forward, Gabe Landeskog’s second called back goal and the upcoming match versus Anaheim which proved victorious. The player of the week segment was brought back as well, was it anyone other than NHL first star of the week Nathan MacKinnon?

Who’s the #MHHPlayerOfTheWeek?!#GoAvsGo | @MHH_LAB

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) November 11, 2025

We broached a controversial thought as well, is Scott Wedgewood Colorado’s starting goalie right now? Of course the organization made a substantial investment in Mackenzie Blackwood so the net will be his eventually but is it really Wedgewood’s crease for the time being and not just about rest and rehab? After our musings the Avalanche signed Wedgewood to a one-year contract extension and Bednar shared some thoughts consistent with our theory.

Jackie Kay (@tigervixxxen) asks if Scott Wedgewood is the starter, and Ado (@AdoHernandez27) and Ezra Parter think that *right now* the answer is YES!#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/JMnjwsiQ4f

— Mile High Hockey Lab (@MHH_LAB) November 12, 2025

We had a special Bold Predictions segment where the absent Evan Liu earned his first DING of the season, a listener DING was awarded as well and the panel double dipped on their predictions for the upcoming week.

Mile High Hockey Lab is available on your preferred Podcast platform! Don’t forget to download our new episode and give us a follow!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/mile...scott-wedgewood-colorados-starting-goaltender

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Avalanche squash Ducks 4-1

Who would have thought even a month ago that the first meeting of the year between the Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks would be considered a big matchup, and on national television no less? This game didn’t disappoint but the Avalanche exerted their dominance on home ice to take home the 4-1 win and remain at the top of the league standings with 27 points.

Spoiler Alert: Gabe Landeskog scored the game winning goal and it counted for his first score of the year!

The Game

It took all of 28 seconds for the home team to make a statement by scoring the game’s opening goal. The top line started with a strong shift in the offensive zone with Artturi Lehkonen finishing the play for an early 1-0 lead.

Colorado held the early momentum but after killing an Avalanche power play, Anaheim slowly started to turn the tide in their direction. It paid off for the Ducks when they were able to convert near the end of the period when Leo Carlsson continued his hot start with a goal at the net front on a 4-on-4. After a spirited first period the game was tied 1-1.

In the second frame Colorado took control back and were finally rewarded with an actual goal from Gabe Landeskog that counted! A play which started with a Sam Malinski shot and a Val Nichushkin rebound and Landeskog cleaning up the loose change. The period ended 2-1 in favor of Colorado.

To put the icing on the cake, Colorado finally crafted a power play goal from Martin Nečas in the third period and with a two-goal lead they weren’t going to look back.

The Ducks decided to vacate the net with over three minutes left in the contest so of course the Avalanche were happy to be beneficiaries of a free goal as Nathan MacKinnon set up Parker Kelly in the empty net for their fourth and final goal to arrive at the 4-1 victory.

Takeaways

It was fun while the game was competitive and the two teams ended up with 36 shots a piece but the Avalanche were never losing this game on home ice. They set the tone with an early goal right out of the gate and had the game in control most of the night.

Maybe the floodgates will open for Gabe Landeskog now that he got on the board officially. As the game winner maybe the hockey gods were saving his first regular season goal since 2022 for one that would make a difference and that was the case tonight.

Upcoming

A day of rest and then back at Ball Arena at 7 p.m. MT on Thursday, November 13th to face the Buffalo Sabres on what is also Fourth Wing theme night.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...verage/59436/recap-avalanche-squash-ducks-4-1

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Gavin Brindley signs two-year extension

Some interesting news broke this morning as the Colorado Avalanche shared they signed Gavin Brindley to a two-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season. After a weekend in which he scored three points with two goals including the overtime winner in Vancouver, the young right wing certainly is gaining momentum just 15 games into his NHL career.

Gavin Brindley is staying in Colorado pic.twitter.com/59mR3QWoVR

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 11, 2025

A two-year extension this early into the final year of his Entry Level Contract is a nice gesture from the organization even if it’s not quite a commitment. The devil is always in the details and when those were revealed showing that the first year is two-way with only a $300K guarantee and the yearly $875K cap hit is fully buriable it really comes out to this is more of a minor league extension similar to the one current Colorado Eagles defenseman Keaton Middleton signed last spring.

The #GoAvsGo signed 21 y/o F Gavin Brindley to a 2 year $875K Cap Hit contact extension

Yr 1: $850K salary, $200K minors, $300k guaranteed
Yr 2: $900K salary

5P in 14GP with #GoAvsGo

Rep'd by Pat Brisson @CAAHockey https://t.co/ufNaYNcG28

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) November 11, 2025

This contract should age well if Brindley establishes himself as a NHL regular and certainly if he provides more than a fourth liner in role and production. As a fully buriable contract it’s no risk to the organization but a little bit of real dollars in the second year. If the Avalanche were ready to make a true commitment they need a bit more skin in the game. This contract is not anything close to what Logan O’Connor received as RFA ($1.05 x 3) with 43 NHL games under his belt and isn’t much more than Brindley would have got as a minimum offer as a Restricted Free Agent this summer, therefore he must be a little uncertain about his future as well to take this now. But it’s a step in the right direction on hopefully a path to becoming a NHL regular.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...59468/gavin-brindley-signs-two-year-extension

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: New York Islanders @ Colorado Avalanche (7:00 P.M.)

The homestand for the Colorado Avalanche rolls on tonight against the visiting New York Islanders, featuring the return of some old faces and more than a few mixed feelings.

Colorado Avalanche (12-1-5)​

The Opponent: New York Islanders (10-6-2)

Time: 7:00 P.M. MST/9:00 P.M. EST

Watch: ALT, ALT+ (Avalanche Broadcast Area), MSGSN, ESPN+, NHL Center Ice (Outside Avalanche Broadcast Area – US), SN+, TVAS+ (Canadian Broadcast Areas)

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Since losing in overtime to the San Jose Sharks on November 1st, the Avalanche have been on a remarkable run throughout the first half of November, compiling a five-game winning streak throughout that span and outscoring their opponents by a 26-11 margin. There hasn’t been a team in the NHL that has had as much success on home ice as Colorado: they have yet to lose in regulation on Ball Arena ice this season. Only the Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes have eked out victories in the Mile High City, and those came by way of the shootout. A victory on Ball Arena ice will not come easy, and their 6-0-2 record is ample warning to opponents as they make their way to Denver.

That message is even louder for teams coming in from the Eastern Conference. The Avalanche currently are 6-1-2 in games against Eastern Conference opponents this season. The Avs most recent victory against the East came this past Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, a 6-3 decision that extended the Avs winning streak to five games, their longest of the season to date. Gavin Brindley, in his first appearance as a top-six forward in the wake of the injury to Valeri Nichuskin, scored his fourth goal of the season, which served as the game-winner. Martin Nečas scored twice, and Gabe Landeskog, who had another goal wiped out earlier in the contest, recorded an empty net tally to secure the victory.

Nathan MacKinnon had a relatively quiet night, recording one assist on the evening, but he remains the NHL’s leader in points (33) and goals (14) coming into tonight’s contest.

The Avs remain the Central Division leaders with 29 points, which is still tops in the Central Division not to mention the best mark in the Western Conference and the entire League standings. The Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils are two points back of Colorado, but Dallas has played one extra game to this point in the season. Both Dallas and New Jersey are idle coming into today’s scheduled games, so a win against New York gives the Avs an opportunity to widen their lead in the standings race.

Brock Nelson will face his former club for the first time tonight. Nelson spent thirteen seasons with New York prior to being acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline last season.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas
Ross Colton – Brock Nelson – Gavin Brindley
Gabe Landeskog – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson
Zakhar Bardakov – Parker Kelly – Taylor Makar*

Defense:
Cale Makar – Devon Toews
Josh Manson – Brent Burns
Sam Girard – Sam Malinski

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

*Taylor Makar was sent down to Loveland after the victory against Buffalo on Thursday. With Brindley’s promotion to the second line, it’s possible to see Makar return to the Avalanche lineup for tonight’s game, but as of this writing, this has not been announced.

New York Islanders​

The New York Islanders come into Denver riding a four game winning streak in the midst of their first of two seven game road trips scheduled this season. Three of their last four victories came in overtime, including a pair of victories against the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth, both of which came within 24 hours.

Their reward? Going into the League’s toughest building against the League’s best team which has only one regulation loss against the Eastern Conference. No pressure.

Tonight’s game will also be New York’s third game in four nights. Pressure? What pressure?

Certainly, New York will draw upon its success it’s found during this road swing for motivation against Colorado, and their 3-2 overtime victory against the Metropolitan Division leading New Jersey Devils this past Monday can give them a lift. Will it be enough?

If they need further inspiration, how about this: Colorado’s last victory over New York came on January 02, 2024, a 5-4 overtime decision. Lane Lambert served as head coach for New York in that contest. Current head coach Patrick Roy (who is held in rather peculiar esteem in Colorado due to his conflicting legacies as a player and its one-time head coach and assistant general manager) is undefeated against his former club, as New York swept the season series last year, outscoring Colorado 11-4 across both games.

Some familiar faces will be staring down Colorado wearing New York blue and orange. Jonathan Drouin, who spent the past two seasons with the Avalanche, signed a two-year, eight million dollar contract as a free agent this past summer. In seventeen games with the Islanders, Drouin is fourth on the team in points (14), as he’s posted three goals and eleven assists thus far this season. Cal Ritchie, who was acquired by New York in the Brock Nelson trade, made his debut for the Islanders on October 31 against Washington, and will undoubtedly want to have a big game against the team that drafted him.

Matthew Schaefer, the first overall selection by New York this past June, has had an impressive start to the season. The rookie defenseman is third on the team in goals scored (7), and ranks first in points by a defenseman (15), tying him for second place among team scoring with Mathew Barzal. What’s more, Schaefer’s point total is also the best mark among all rookie scoring across the League.

Bo Horvat leads New York in goals (12), assists (11), and points (23), and has eight points (3G/5A) in his past five games.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Jonathan Drouin – Mathew Barzal – Simon Holmstrom
Emil Heineman – Bo Horvat – Kyle Palmieri
Anders Lee – Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Anthony Duclair
Casey Cizikas – Cal Ritchie – Maxim Tsyplakov

Defense:
Matthew Schaefer – Ryan Pulock
Adam Pelech – Tony DeAngelo
Alexander Romanov – Adam Boqvist

Between the Pipes:
Ilya Sorokin
David Rittich

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...and-the-new-york-islanders-square-off-tonight

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Weekly Cupcakes – Wedgewood signs for one more year

Colorado Avalanche News​

• The Avalanche remain on top of the league and are beating very good teams to remain there. [The Hockey News]

• ICYMI: The Avalanche have extended Wedgewood for a year. [The Colorado Avalanche]

• Manson being named Hockey Fights Cancer Champion ‘hit close to home’. [NHL]
• Avs sign F Brindley to two-year contract extension. [TSN]
• Drouin loved his time in a Colorado Avalanche jersey, indicating he would have loved to retire an Avs. [Colorado Hockey Now]
• Brock Nelson hosted former NY Islanders teammates for dinner. [Eyes on Isles]
  

Around the NHL News​

• NHL fans owe Jack Hughes an apology – after announcing a serious injury that occurred during a team dinner fans mocked him. Hughes experienced a hand injury due to some glass, and is expected to be out for at least 6-8 weeks. [Sports Illustrated]

• OHL suspends Brampton’s Dragusica indefinitely for a vicious chop to the head. [Scouting the Refs]

• PWHA mourns the death of Larry Brooks. [The PHWA]
• A look at some past trades that happened early in the NHL season. [Hockey Buzz]

• Newhook expected to miss 4 months for Canadiens with broken ankle. [NHL]

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/daily-cupcakes-sandie/59607/weekly-cupcakes

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Avs dig deep, defeat Islanders 4-1

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche remain atop the NHL with yet another victory over a hot team.

Ross Colton and Victor Olofsson scored 79 seconds apart in the second period to give Colorado a lead it never let go of in a 4–1 win over the New York Islanders on Sunday at Ball Arena. The game grew rough and physical at times, but the Avalanche responded with poise. Martin Nečas and Brock Nelson added insurance goals, and Scott Wedgewood stopped 28 of 29 shots in another steady outing.

Emil Heineman opened the scoring for New York with a deflection, but that was all the Islanders managed. Ilya Sorokin delivered several sharp saves but took the loss with 24 stops.

First Period​

The Islanders grabbed an early lead just 2:05 in. Heineman redirected a shot past Wedgewood with his right skate. It initially looked like a kicking motion, but after review, officials confirmed it as a good goal.

Tensions climbed when Jack Drury returned to the bench shaking his hand after an uncalled slash. New York’s momentum didn’t last long. At 4:56, Scott Mayfield clipped Nelson in the face with a high stick, drawing Colorado’s first power play. The Avalanche generated a couple of clean looks but couldn’t convert.

Midway through the period, Gavin Brindley nearly broke free for a chance, but Matthew Barzal disrupted the play with a poke check and turned it into a rush the other way — a shot Wedgewood turned aside.

For most of the frame, Colorado struggled to control play as the Islanders dictated the tempo. After 20 minutes, New York led 1–0 with shots tied at seven apiece.

Second Period​

Early in the period, Samuel Girard attempted to clear the puck from the front of the net, but his pass was intercepted, leading to multiple dangerous chances. Wedgewood bailed out the Avalanche with key stops, including a sharp one on Bo Horvat.

Moments later, Cale Makar hit Colton in stride off the rush. Colton powered down the left wing with Adam Pelech chasing and snapped a shot past Sorokin to tie the game. Just 1:29 later, Olofsson redirected a point shot from Sam Malinski, quickly flipping the game in Colorado’s favor.

Parker Kelly was called for interference shortly after the eight-minute mark for bumping Alexander Romanov — seconds after Romanov had knocked Kelly down with no whistle. Kelly slammed his stick against the glass in frustration, and both Makar and Devon Toews voiced their displeasure toward the officials. The penalty kill, however, stood tall.

A few minutes later, the Avalanche got a power play after Ryan Pulock clipped Kelly with a high stick, but again, the unit couldn’t cash in.

With under three minutes left, the Islanders held an 18–15 shot advantage. Moments later, Mayfield punched Nečas in the mouth after the whistle — a blatant shot officials let go, much to the Avalanche bench’s irritation.

Late in the period, Makar saved a sure goal by hooking Matthew Schaefer from behind as Schaefer closed in on a wide-open net. And then the home team took the 2-1 lead into the second intermission.

---

Third Period​

Colorado opened the period needing to finish 1:07 on Makar’s penalty. Horvat fired from the left circle, but Wedgewood flashed the glove to keep it out. After the kill, Kyle Palmieri worked his way into the zone for another dangerous look, and Wedgewood shut the door again.

The final period quickly became heated. Mayfield tried to push around Brindley, who answered by catching him in the face with a cross-check, earning a high-sticking call. Then Brent Burns threw Heineman to the ice, which sent Anders Lee tumbling as well. Lee proceeded to drop the gloves with Josh Manson — and Manson ended the fight almost instantly with a clean right hand. Both received majors, and Lee took an extra roughing penalty.

With 8:30 remaining, shots were even at 23 each, and the tension made it feel like either team could change the game with a single play. After back-and-forth shifts, Makar jumped into the rush and fired a shot that Sorokin turned aside.

Colorado had to grind through the closing minutes. Nečas was called for delay of game for sending the puck over the glass, and with roughly 1:40 left, New York pulled Sorokin for a 6-on-4 advantage. Horvat unloaded a one-timer from the right circle, but Wedgewood came through yet again.

The Avalanche survived the extended kill, and from there, they finished the job. Nečas buried an empty-netter, and Burns set up Nelson for another to lock down the 4–1 win.

Once again, the Avalanche were not to be beaten yet again. The Islanders arrived on a four-game winning streak, but left with nothing.

Next Game​

After several more days off the Avalanche (13-1-5) take on the visiting New York Rangers (10-8-2) on Thursday at Ball Arena. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. local time.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...erage/59626/avs-dig-deep-defeat-islanders-4-1

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Colorado Eagles are best in the West

The Colorado Eagles are the best team in the Western Conference right now. After 16 games played this season, the Eagles have only three regulation losses, and an overall record of 12–3–0–1. Several players think they possess the talent to proceed past the Division Finals this season. They even believe that they have the talent to win the Calder Cup. And they very well could be if they continue the way they are doing things.

“Coming into this year, we got a lot of returning guys,” said captain Jayson Megna. “And I think the expectation remains the same, which is that we want to win a championship here, and feel like we have the team to do it. We have the pieces.”

Tristen Nielsen nails his 9th of the season from the backdoor to make it 4-2! Alex Barré-Boulet (9), T.J. Tynan (17) on the assists #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @HockeyMtnHighCO pic.twitter.com/5qdgt9AkBF

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) November 15, 2025

The Players​

The Eagles feature top AHL players this season. Forward TJ Tynan is third in the league in points, and he has done it all with assists. Nine of those points have come on the power play for the alternate captain. His veteran experience allows him to perceive the ice uniquely on the team. Tristen Nielsen is third in the AHL with nine goals At the end of October the Colorado Avalanche signed Nielsen to a two-way contract after an impressive start to the year. Nielsen’s 14 points in 16 games have been vital to waking up the Eagles’ offense, especially against his former team, the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN). He scored three goals in two games against the Calder Cup Champions. Rookie goaltender Isak Posch has been the biggest surprise this season. In our “Top 25 Under 25” series, Posch only received an honorable mention. So far this season, Posch has a 7–2–2–2 record (first among rookies) and has the second-best goals-allowed average at 1.90 goals per game.

Jayson Megna SCORES and Posch seals the deal !#Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @HockeyMtnHighCO pic.twitter.com/iSdVKFOCBY

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) November 9, 2025

The Team​

The Eagles have the opposite problem of the Colorado Avalanche right now. They have the second-best power play at 29.2 percent and have converted 14 of their 48 chances. The Milwaukee Admirals (NSH) sit at a whopping 34.9 percent in first place in the AHL. Colorado’s penalty kill also ranks second in the league. They have killed 88.5 of their penalties and are not far behind the Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) at 89.2 percent.

Felhaber x2!!!!!! Felhabersecures the PP goal and basically locks the win in! Jayson Megna (4), Sean Behrens (4) on the assists #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @HockeyMtnHighCO pic.twitter.com/wi93bnl1Xy

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) November 15, 2025

Almost a quarter of the way through the AHL season (72 games) and the Eagles already hold a sizable lead over their opposition. In the Western Conference, Colorado has a four-point lead over the Griffins. Grand Rapids has five games in hand over the Eagles, though. In the Pacific Division, Colorado has a seven-point lead over the Calgary Wranglers (CGY). Acquiring more points now benefits Colorado later. If they continue at this pace, they will cruise to their second division title in as many years.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/ahl-...ge/59644/colorado-eagles-are-best-in-the-west

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: A Reunion Among Friends (and Frenemies) as Colorado and the New York Islanders Square Off Tonight

The homestand for the Colorado Avalanche rolls on tonight against the visiting New York Islanders, featuring the return of some old faces and more than a few mixed feelings.

Colorado Avalanche (12-1-5)​

The Opponent: New York Islanders (10-6-2)

Time: 7:00 P.M. MST/9:00 P.M. EST

Watch: ALT, ALT+ (Avalanche Broadcast Area), MSGSN, ESPN+, NHL Center Ice (Outside Avalanche Broadcast Area – US), SN+, TVAS+ (Canadian Broadcast Areas)

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Since losing in overtime to the San Jose Sharks on November 1st, the Avalanche have been on a remarkable run throughout the first half of November, compiling a five-game winning streak throughout that span and outscoring their opponents by a 26-11 margin. There hasn’t been a team in the NHL that has had as much success on home ice as Colorado: they have yet to lose in regulation on Ball Arena ice this season. Only the Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes have eked out victories in the Mile High City, and those came by way of the shootout. A victory on Ball Arena ice will not come easy, and their 6-0-2 record is ample warning to opponents as they make their way to Denver.

That message is even louder for teams coming in from the Eastern Conference. The Avalanche currently are 6-1-2 in games against Eastern Conference opponents this season. The Avs most recent victory against the East came this past Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, a 6-3 decision that extended the Avs winning streak to five games, their longest of the season to date. Gavin Brindley, in his first appearance as a top-six forward in the wake of the injury to Valeri Nichuskin, scored his fourth goal of the season, which served as the game-winner. Martin Nečas scored twice, and Gabe Landeskog, who had another goal wiped out earlier in the contest, recorded an empty net tally to secure the victory.

Nathan MacKinnon had a relatively quiet night, recording one assist on the evening, but he remains the NHL’s leader in points (33) and goals (14) coming into tonight’s contest.

The Avs remain the Central Division leaders with 29 points, which is still tops in the Central Division not to mention the best mark in the Western Conference and the entire League standings. The Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils are two points back of Colorado, but Dallas has played one extra game to this point in the season. Both Dallas and New Jersey are idle coming into today’s scheduled games, so a win against New York gives the Avs an opportunity to widen their lead in the standings race.

Brock Nelson will face his former club for the first time tonight. Nelson spent thirteen seasons with New York prior to being acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline last season.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas
Ross Colton – Brock Nelson – Gavin Brindley
Gabe Landeskog – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson
Zakhar Bardakov – Parker Kelly – Taylor Makar*

Defense:
Cale Makar – Devon Toews
Josh Manson – Brent Burns
Sam Girard – Sam Malinski

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

*Taylor Makar was sent down to Loveland after the victory against Buffalo on Sunday. With Brindley’s promotion to the second line, it’s possible to see Makar return to the Avalanche lineup for tonight’s game, but as of this writing, this has not been announced.

New York Islanders​

The New York Islanders come into Denver riding a four game winning streak in the midst of their first of two seven game road trips scheduled this season. Three of their last four victories came in overtime, including a pair of victories against the Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth, both of which came within 24 hours.

Their reward? Going into the League’s toughest building against the League’s best team which has only one regulation loss against the Eastern Conference. No pressure.

Tonight’s game will also be New York’s third game in four nights. Pressure? What pressure?

Certainly, New York will draw upon its success it’s found during this road swing for motivation against Colorado, and their 3-2 overtime victory against the Metropolitan Division leading New Jersey Devils this past Monday can give them a lift. Will it be enough?

If they need further inspiration, how about this: Colorado’s last victory over New York came on January 02, 2024, a 5-4 overtime decision. Lane Lambert served as head coach for New York in that contest. Current head coach Patrick Roy (who is held in rather peculiar esteem in Colorado due to his conflicting legacies as a player and its one-time head coach and assistant general manager) is undefeated against his former club, as New York swept the season series last year, outscoring Colorado 11-4 across both games.

Some familiar faces will be staring down Colorado wearing New York blue and orange. Jonathan Drouin, who spent the past two seasons with the Avalanche, signed a two-year, eight million dollar contract as a free agent this past summer. In seventeen games with the Islanders, Drouin is fourth on the team in points (14), as he’s posted three goals and eleven assists thus far this season. Cal Ritchie, who was acquired by New York in the Brock Nelson trade, made his debut for the Islanders this past Friday against Utah, and will undoubtedly want to have a big game against the team that drafted him.

Matthew Schaefer, the first overall selection by New York this past June, has had an impressive start to the season. The rookie defenseman is third on the team in goals scored (7), and ranks first in points by a defenseman (15), tying him for second place among team scoring with Mathew Barzal. What’s more, Schaefer’s point total is also the best mark among all rookie scoring across the League.

Bo Horvat leads New York in goals (12), assists (11), and points (23), and has eight points (3G/5A) in his past five games.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Jonathan Drouin – Mathew Barzal – Simon Holmstrom
Emil Heineman – Bo Horvat – Kyle Palmieri
Anders Lee – Jean-Gabriel Pageau – Anthony Duclair
Casey Cizikas – Cal Ritchie – Maxim Tsyplakov

Defense:
Matthew Schaefer – Ryan Pulock
Adam Pelech – Tony DeAngelo
Alexander Romanov – Adam Boqvist

Between the Pipes:
Ilya Sorokin
David Rittich

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...and-the-new-york-islanders-square-off-tonight

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Mile High Pollster: Avalanche fans foresee 55-59 wins this season

It’s another installment of Mile High Pollster! How many wins can the Avalanche amass this season after a hot start? Who’s the next call-up? Who will make the lineup when Logan O’Connor, Val Nichuskin, and Joel Kiviranta return? Let’s see what the fans think!

Just how good can it get?​

This year’s Avalanche squad is off to its best start in years. In fact, Jared Bednar says this is their best start since 2022, and he is specifically excited about Colorado’s emphasis on the defensive side of things.

All of this winning and point gathering has us googling how many wins the Bruins had in 2022-23 (65).

Getting 55-59 wins, as 46% of fans have chosen, that will be at minimum a five-win improvement on last season’s total and still very impressive.

Winning streaks are the key to absurd win totals, and the Avalanche are on a six-game heater as I write this article. Pushing a streak like this into double digits is the real catalyst for winning 60+ if you ask me.

Couple poll questions. First, how many wins will the Avalanche earn this season?

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) November 14, 2025

Called the call-up!​

Over the weekend, Val Nichuskin left the lineup due to injury, prompting a call-up from the Colorado Eagles. We posed the question to the Avalanche community, and they hit the nail right on the head as Taylor Makar was the call-up ahead of the Islanders contest. If only he saw more than 3 minutes of ice time. Avs got the win, so it’s cool.

Which forward will get called up next?

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) November 14, 2025

Who’s on the healthiest lineup?​

Jared Bednar was on for his weekly interview with the Altitude Sports Radio crew, and he mentioned that Joel Kiviranta should skate with the team this week; Logan O’Connor has been slated for a return for quite some time now and feels really close; and Val Nichushkin is day-to-day with no timeline for a return.

In an ideal world, they should all be back before the year’s end. That health and the surprising contributions from Gavin Brindley have the Avalanche in an interesting situation.

I think it’s safe to say Bardakov will be the first odd-man out, but what to do with the Kiviranta or Brindley decision? Here’s a lineup for a fully healthy Avs club:

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas

Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin

Gabe Landeskog — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson

Joel Kiviranta — Parker Kelly — Logan O’Connor

Zakhar Bardakov — Gavin Brindley

Two things about this forward group:

1) Holy smokes, that’s a lot of depth and flexibility.

2) I think I’d rather let Brindley give it a go and flip some of this depth into another veteran middle-pair defensman.

Who's the odd man out when LOC & Nichushkin return? #GoAvsGo

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) November 18, 2025

Most impressive start​

We have seen some excellent starts and improvements from multiple players early on in the 2025-26 season, but who’s really caught your eye the most? Is it Nathan MacKinnon who is somehow on pace for yet another career year despite already proving himself as the game’s most successful prolific talent? Or Sam Malinski, who has seemingly graduated into a full-on professional hockey player? Perhaps the name on the Norris has you most excited.

I, for one, think that Scott Wedgewood’s surge to bona fide starter has impressed me the most. Wedgewood has done everything that has been asked of him and more in the time that MacKenzie Blackwood has been healing and getting back up to speed. It won’t be long til the Avalanche have the best goalie tandem in the league.

Who's had a more impressive start to the 2025-26 season? #GoAvsGo

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) November 18, 2025

Olympic buzz is building​

There’s not much in sports that compares to international competition, and of course, no competition has meant more to human civilization than the Olympics. The 2026 Winter Olympics are set for Milan, Italy, and more than a few Avalanche players will take the trip and represent their homeland in a best-on-best hockey tournament for the ages.

Brock Nelson is likely to make Team USA, MacKinnon, Makar, and Toews will be on Team Canada’s roster. Arturri Lehkonen will link back up with Mikko Rantanen to represent the Finns, and Martin Necas will represent Team Czechia. Lastly, Gabe Landeskog will captain the Swedish club.

So that means Colorado’s top defensive pair, top forward line, second-line center, and captain will all be participating in extra high-stakes hockey.

We all know there is risk involved, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise that these guys want to participate in this tournament. It’s the mecca of sport, and the pros haven’t been a part of the Olympics since Sochi in 2019. I would say that I’m anxious, a.k.a. nervous, excited.

How do you feel about NHL participation upcoming at the Olympics?

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) November 19, 2025

Let us know what your answers are in the comments, and be sure to follow us on X for future polls!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/mhh-polls/59671/mile-high-pollster-avs-fans-foresee-55-59-wins

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Starting today, comments and Feed posts on Mile High Hockey will have activity notifications

When you post on SB Nation, we don’t want you to miss all the conversations and responses that follow.

So starting today, whenever a user replies to your comment or to your post on the Feed, you’ll see a notification at the top right corner of the page.

And of course, this means that when you engage with other community members, they’ll get an alert too.

Our goal is to create more and better conversations on Mile High Hockey and elsewhere across the SB Nation network. Anytime someone engages with your comments or Feed posts on another SB Nation community, you’ll see it in your notifications.

For instance, here’s what your notifications might look like on sbnation.com if you were getting replies across Mile High Report, MMA Fighting, and sbnation.com. You will see the same expandable stack of notifications on any site in the network where you were logged in.

If you want to dig into more of how this will work across the network and what’s next, head over to this post on sbnation.com from SB Nation’s Head of Product Ed Clinton.

You can log in or sign up here. Logged in users get fewer ads along with the ability to join the conversation.

Jump into the comment section below or post on The Feed to see notifications in action.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/gene...-high-hockey-will-have-activity-notifications

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Colorado keeps rolling with their seventh straight win

Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche took on the New York Rangers for the first of two regular-season matchups between these two teams. Ultimately, it would be the Colorado Avalanche who would win this matchup by a final score of 6-3 with two goals each from Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Let’s take a look back on all the action from tonight!

First Period​

The Rangers would be the ones to get on the board first, as they scored about three minutes into the game on the power play. JT Miller would ultimately be credited with the goal, as Mika Zibanejad banked the puck into the net off of his skate right in front of the Avalanche net, in what was a set play of sorts.

THE CAPTAIN FROM THE DOORSTEP. pic.twitter.com/Z2qC53fVof

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 21, 2025

The Avalanche would respond before the end of the period, however, as Nathan MacKinnon would score his first goal of the night. Martin Necas initially put the puck on net from the top of the circles on this play and the Rangers goalie gave up a pretty big rebound, which MacKinnon put into the net to tie the game at 1-1.

You had to see it coming. pic.twitter.com/AvZjH6kftW

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 21, 2025

Second Period​

Adam Edstrom would give New York a 2-1 lead coming into this period, as he used his size to redirect the puck into the back of the Avalanche net. You can absolutely make the argument that Colorado should’ve played this goal better, but when you’re as big as Edstrom is, you have an immediate advantage in situations like that, and this time it resulted in a goal.

CARRICK WITH THE FEED + EDDY BURIES IT pic.twitter.com/QigAQecRPS

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 21, 2025

Once again, though, Colorado wouldn’t be denied, and once again tied this game before the period ended, sending the Avs into intermission tied at 2-2. Necas would pick up his second assist of the night on this play, as he found Cale Makar with a sweet cross-ice pass, and Makar would wrap the puck around the net and put it in past Igor Shesterkin.

All Hail Cale pic.twitter.com/20KJXfphHX

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 21, 2025

Third Period​

Colorado would flip the script at the start of this period, as they would get on the board first. Brock Nelson would score the go-ahead goal to give the Avs a 3-2 lead on the power play from the second unit, as he would carry the puck into the zone, and put a great shot on net to beat Shesterkin. This goal was also notable because it gave Wedgewood his first career NHL point.

"Cause we all just wanna be big rockstars" pic.twitter.com/BanuZBlM3R

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 21, 2025

The Rangers wouldn’t go quietly, however, as Miller would get his second of the night on the powerplay, in almost identical fashion to his first goal. This time, though, instead of being parked at the side of the crease to bank a puck in, he would be parked in front of Scott Wedgewood as he tipped the puck into the net.

Foxy with the shot + J.T. tips it in. pic.twitter.com/Og1OicmGMf

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 21, 2025

Like they were able to do all game, the Avs would come right back, and MacKinnon would get his second of the night, as he was able to bury a backhand into what was essentially an empty net, to give the Avs the lead right back, and put them up 4-3.

Nathan MacKinnon scored another beautiful goal.

Are you surprised? pic.twitter.com/Z8dPJaxme9

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 21, 2025

Cale Makar and Ross Colton would both score empty net goals to finish out the period, to give us a ratcheted up final score of 6-3.

Takeaways​

This was probably one of the uglier games that the Avs have played so far this season, in my opinion, but a win is a win. After all, they don’t ask how, they just ask how many. Nathan MacKinnon stayed red hot tonight, as he added another two goals and an assist to his season totals, and Cale Makar also scored two goals on the night to help the Avs secure a win. When your best players needed to be your best players, they absolutely delivered tonight. On top of that, you got help from your depth, as Brock Nelson also got a goal and an assist tonight. Overall, when you’ve won seven games in a row, there’s not much to complain about, especially when your superstar players are still doing superstar things and carrying you to victory.

Upcoming​

Colorado heads out to Nashville to take on the Predators on November 22nd to begin another weekend back-to-back. Puck drop is at 6:00 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...keeps-rolling-with-their-seventh-straight-win

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. New York Rangers (7:00 p.m.)

The New York Rangers have been making national headlines lately, but not for reasons that would please a fan of The Broadway Blueshirts. They have lost two straight, and many have them slated to lose yet again tonight at Ball Arena against the vaunted Colorado Avalanche. Colorado still hasn’t lost a second game in regulation, and at this point, we shouldn’t have any reason to expect them to go without at least a point at home. Will the Rangers make a statement, or will the Avalanche add to their win total?

From the guy that brought you "No BS", here's some BS.@NYRangersRadio | #NYR pic.twitter.com/1bPxOxMOif

— Steven Pappas (@StevenPappasTV) November 19, 2025

Colorado Avalanche: 13-1-5​

The Opponent: New York Rangers 10-9-2

Time: 7:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

It’s been all business for this year’s Avalanche squad, which has made a habit of scoring early in the first period. That habit is a fresh one as the 2024-25 Avalanche team, which was notorious for starting slow, and it has really fueled this season’s success. Jared Bednar has been openly proud of Colorado’s commitment to checking and defensive responsibility, which becomes the focus when you have the lead. The Avalanche have led their opposition for a whopping 88% percent of the time (1,034.8 minutes out of ~ 1,170 possible minutes), which is best in the league. That’s called a recipe for success!

Tonight’s viewing and listening guide! #GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/4FQskLdJHw

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) November 20, 2025

Scott Wedgewood will get the start in net for the Avalanche tonight as they continue to work MacKenzie Blackwood back into the lineup and into a groove. All the while, Scott Wedgewood has been putting on a show, making save after save. Let’s hope that continues this evening.

Nathan MacKinnon somehow had no points against the Islanders in Colorado’s last game out, so I’d imagine he’s due for a multi-point outing this evening. I boldly predicted on this week’s edition of the Mile High Hockey Lab that Gabe Landeskog would score an unorthodox hatty. You know the infamous, one real goal, one goal off the shin guard, and one empty netter. I say this because his story this season has been all about disallowed goals—time for the universe to balance things a bit.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Gavin Brindley
Gabe Landeskog — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson
Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov — Tristen Nielsen

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Sam Girard — Sam Malinski

Scott Wedgewood
MacKenzie Blackwood

New York Rangers​

The New York Rangers are undoubtedly unsatisfied with their current position in the division standings. Still, our very own Jackie Kay mentioned that it may have more to do with optics rather than an absolute lack of success. They are 6-4 in their last 10 despite losing two in a row, still employ Igor Shesterkin, and have plenty of scoring talent. That combination could lead to a surge of wins sometime this season. We’ve seen lots of teams rebound from a poor start, and having one of the game’s best netminders helps.

GAME DAY. pic.twitter.com/PJfbWvh1E5

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) November 20, 2025

Projected Lineup:​

Will Cuylle — Mika Zibanejad — J.T. Miller
Artemi Panarin — Vincent Trocheck — Alexis Lafrenière
Conor Sheary — Noah Laba — Jonny Brodzinski
Juuso Parssinen — Sam Carrick — Taylor Raddysh

Vladislav Gavrikov — Adam Fox
Carson Soucy — Will Borgen
Matthew Robertson — Braden Schneider

Igor Shesterki
Jonathan Quick

Time to serve the Blueshirts!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...olorado-avalanche-vs-new-york-rangers-700-p-m