News Avalanche Team Notes

[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]

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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

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

2025-26 Avalanche of Injuries, Part Two

There has been some improvements on the Colorado Avalanche injury front since Part One of our update from the infirmary. Goaltender Makenzie Blackwood made his first start of the season on November first as he is finally fully recovered from an offseason issue. Defenseman Samuel Girard, who was hurt in the home opener and missed 15 games with an upper-body injury, returned to the lineup on November 13th as well.

Now there are three main absences impacting the Avalanche roster and all are at the forward position. Given their current stated timelines and reading the tea leaves, all could return within the same time frame of within a couple weeks from now assuming no (more) setbacks.

Logan O’Connor

Everyone’s favorite energy player started appearing in the red no-contact jersey with Girard in skates earlier this month but has yet to progress to taking contact and practicing with his Avalanche teammates. Now the team has revealed Logan O’Connor suffered a setback not related to his hip offseason hip surgery as he works through rehab in his return to play.

Logan O'Connor has had some other non-hip related soft tissue issues pop up that have delayed his return.

Original expectation was that he'd be back early November. Bednar said it's nothing serious but that's why he's not back yet.

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) November 17, 2025

Joel Kiviranta

Depth forward Joel Kiviranta has missed 15 games since last playing in Columbus on October 16th. The original timeline, which was not shared publicly, estimated that Kiviranta would miss 6-8 weeks with a lower-body injury. Currently we are at the five week mark and the left wing has been doing some light skating on his own. On Wednesday he progressed to skating with the team in a non-contact jersey. If he begins to ramp up skating and takes contact soon, Kiviranta could return during the early portion of the original six-to-eight week timetable.

Bednar says Kiviranta's original timeline was 6-8 weeks. They're at 4 weeks now, and Kivi was on the ice in a non-contact during this morning's optional skate.

"He's going to start joining practice here, non-contact, for a little bit."

— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) November 16, 2025

Val Nichushkin

The newest injury on this list but certainly the most impactful, the Avalanche hope Val Nichushkin’s absence isn’t long. The left wing departed the Anaheim Ducks game on November 11th and has missed three games so far with Colorado’s light schedule this month. His lower-body injury isn’t considered serious but in the past these types of issues have lingered. He did engage in some light skating on Wednesday separate from the team. If Nichushkin only misses a couple weeks that would be a favorable outcome for the Avalanche.

Jared Bednar said they’re watching how Val Nichushkin progresses through the soreness.

“Again I don't think it's too serious, but he's going to miss a handful of games for sure.”

— Meghan Angley (@megangley) November 15, 2025

Note: Gavin Brindley left last night’s game against the New York Rangers with a lower-body injury. Although he tried to test the injury before the second period began he had to end his night early. Bednar didn’t have much of an update following the game and said they’d know more today.

Gavin Brindley (lower body) will not return to tonight's game.

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 21, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/general/59656/2025-26-avalanche-of-injuries-part-two

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Avalanche feeling predatory in Nashville

Beginning yet another weekend back-to-back, the Colorado Avalanche hit the road in search of four points against Central Division foes. First up is the first of four meetings over the next eight weeks with the Nashville Predators.

Colorado Avalanche (14-1-5)​

The Opponent: Nashville Predators (6-10-4)

Time: 6:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude 2, Altitude+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Following a successful home stand in which the Avalanche won their seventh game in a row and swept their four opponents to become the fourth team in NHL history to complete their first 20 games with only one regulation loss, the squad takes their show on the road in hopes of dominating another weekend set.

Almost all is right in the world of the burgundy and blue with the exception of a few injuries to some depth forwards and most notably Val Nichushkin. Despite the second unit cashing in the previous contest, the power play is still an eyesore but isn’t causing any losses so there’s room to tinker and hopefully find a solution.

Rookie forward Gavin Brindley couldn’t finish the previous game against the New York Rangers and Jason Polin was recalled from the Colorado Eagles prior to the Avalanche’s flight to Nashville. It’s a pretty safe assumption that Polin will join fellow recall Tristen Nielsen on the fourth line with Zakhar Bardakov.

Projected Lineup

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas

Ross Colton – Brock Nelson – Victor Olofsson

Gabe Landeskog – Jack Drury – Parker Kelly

Tristen Nielsen – Zakhar Bardakov – Jason Polin

Devon Toews – Cale Makar

Josh Manson – Brent Burns

Sam Girard – Sam Malinski

Nashville Predators​

After participating in a Global Series pair of games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in Sweden last weekend where they earned a split, the Nashville Predators received nearly a week off and are back at it at home to face the formidable Avalanche.

Amid numerous trade rumors the Predators are plugging along hoping to improve after last season’s disastrous 68 point campaign and avoid the fire sale. Currently the Predators sit last in the Central Division with 16 points but a week out of action doesn’t help matters. Getting back on track against the Avalanche is a tough task, though.

Leading Nashville in scoring is Filip Forsberg with 15 points in 20 games. Ryan O’Reilly is enjoying a good start to the year upping his trade value with 13 points. Surprisingly, rookie forward Matthew Wood who was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft is third in scoring with six goals and 10 points in 13 games. Luke Evangelista emerged from his contract standoff with Predators GM Barry Trotz as a top liner tied for fourth in team scoring with 10 points to round out the forward core. Old friend Tyson Jost could also make an appearance as he is on the roster after he was picked up on waivers from Carolina and has currently played 15 games for Nashville.

Still missing is captain Roman Josi out with an upper-body injury but he has resumed skating with the team at least. The squad could certainly use his return on the back end if they hope to climb out of the Central division basement.

Projected Lineup

Filip Forsberg – Ryan O’Reilly – Luke Evangelista

Steven Stamkos – Eric Haula – Jonathan Marchessault

Michael Bunting – Fedor Svechkov – Matthew Wood

Michael McCarron – Tyson Jost – Ozzie Weisblatt

Brady Skjei – Nick Perbix

Nicolas Hague – Nick Blankenburg

Spencer Stastney – Justin Barron

Goaltenders​

Scott Wedgewood received the last two starts for Colorado and has been excellent in net but with the back-to-back surely he and Mackenzie Blackwood will split the starts this weekend. Which one going first should be revealed at morning skate.

In net it has been less than stellar for the Predators with the Finnish tandem of Juuse Saros and old friend Justus Annunen sporting save percentages under .900 with backup Annunen still in search for his first win on the season. Considering the time off it’s makes sense Saros will be in net to begin Nashville’s two-game home stand in game one against Colorado, which also happens to be Nashville’s Hockey Fights Cancer night.

Here's more on Juuse Saros' custom Hockey Fights Cancer mask he'll be wearing on Nov. 22 vs Colorado. https://t.co/dYtSP7ss8r

— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) November 20, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...view-avalanche-feeling-predatory-in-nashville

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Blackwood earns Colorado’s first shutout of the season

The accolades just keep coming for the Colorado Avalanche as they’ve extended their win streak to eight games with a 3-0 shutout victory over the Nashville Predators on Saturday night. What what was interesting about this win, in what has become expected in a routine fashion, is the distinction that it was Colorado’s first shutout of the 2025-26 season came in also their worst game of the season.

The Game

There isn’t much to say about this contest. Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns scored 15 seconds into the game surprising Nashville goaltender Juuse Saros with Colorado’s first shot on goal. Truly nothing happened for the following 58 minutes until Colorado got two empty net goals from both Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Drury as Nashville was trying to salvage a point out of the contest to arrive at the 3-0 Avalanche victory.

Takeaways

What made this the worst game of the season against possibly the weakest team in the league is that it was Colorado’s worst analytic performance on the season. The 36% Corsi For percentage they earned this evening is a far cry from the dominant puck possession we’ve come to expect from the burgundy and blue. Giving up 2.75 expected goals against at 5-on-5 to Nashville is also a high mark for any opponent this season.

Of course doing all this with a leading goal put on the board 15 seconds into the game is a fair bit of needed context. Nashville pushed back from the onset and outshot Colorado 16-6 in the first period. Despite some early goals we’ve seen this year from this Avalanche squad they’ve also had some slower starts and flat first periods even during the now eight-game win streak. What Colorado can do, though, is eventually pressure their opponent enough by the third period to take control back. They didn’t do enough to turn the tide analytically but were exerting their game much more by the time the Avalanche potted those two empty netters.

With Gavin Brindley now expected to miss a couple weeks at least with a lower body injury, the coaching staff decided to tinker with the power play yet again by moving up Gabe Landeskog to the first unit instead of Victor Olofsson. It didn’t work as Colorado went 0/2 on the man advantage in this contest. Nashville obviously didn’t score on their three power plays either, though.

The good news is this was the first start Mackenzie Blackwood began looking like himself as he earned Colorado’s first shutout of the season. The Avalanche netminder stopped 35 shots and was first star on the evening. It will be interesting to see if this gets him the starting job back with an upcoming game against the San Jose Sharks before another weekend back-to-back.

Upcoming

No rest for the weary as the Avalanche head to Chicago to take on the Blackhawks Sunday evening at 5 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...d-earns-colorados-first-shutout-of-the-season

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: The Avs Face Chicago in a Second City Showdown

The Colorado Avalanche are the hottest team in the NHL, even when their play of late has cooled down.

As they wrap up another set of back-to-back road games, they aim to crank up the temperature against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks in a bid to extend their winning streak to double digits.

Colorado Avalanche (15-1-5)​

The Opponent: Chicago Blackhawks (10-7-4)

Time: 5:00 P.M. MST/7:00 P.M. EST

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

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche have won nine straight games coming into tonight’s contest. Their most recent victim victory came yesterday evening, a 3-0 shutout over the Nashville Predators. Brent Burns scored the opening goal just fifteen seconds into the game, which somehow withstood a multitude of self-inflicted turnovers and a barrage of shots throughout the contest—Colorado was outshot 35-26—until empty net goals by Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Drury finally secured the victory.

Head coach Jared Bednar would label his team’s first period effort as “horrendous”, but heaped praise upon Mackenzie Blackwood, who would earn his third straight win and his fifteenth career shutout. Colorado improved to 2-0-2 against opponents within the Central Division, and remains firmly atop the League standings in points (35) and wins (15). They have a five point division lead over second place Dallas (while playing one fewer game), and improved to 7-1-3 on the road.

MacKinnon continues his dominance in League scoring among forwards. After a rare night off the scoreboard against the New York Islanders at Ball Arena, he’s recorded three goals and one assist in the two games that have since followed. His 17 goals and 37 points lead the League, and he is three assists shy of leading that category (Edmonton’s Connor McDavid has 23 assists compared to MacKinnon’s 20).

Over on the defensive side of the line, Cale Makar is also far and away the leader in League scoring. He leads all defensemen in goals (8), assists (20), and points (28). Goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who had the night off against Nashville, will likely be in goal for the Avs tonight. His twelve wins serves as the high-water mark for goalies in the League.

A victory at United Center tonight will be the third straight for the Avalanche dating back to last season. It would also serve as the team’s tenth straight win, which would also equal the amount of total regular season wins for six other teams—Chicago among them—across the entire NHL.

Ho hum, just another day at the office, right?

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas
Gabe Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Ross Colton
Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson
Tristen Nielsen – Zakhar Bardakov – Jason Polin

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

Between the Pipes:
Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood

Chicago Blackhawks​

There are signs of a pulse starting to return for the Chicago Blackhawks. After finishing the 2023-2024 season with a 23-53-5 record and a 52 point total, the franchise went 25-46-7 totaling 61 points last season. Head coach Luke Richardson, who had spent the previous two seasons in the role, was dismissed during last season. However, general manager Kyle Davisdson chose to hire former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill rather than appoint Anders Sorensen, who succeeded Richardson in an interim capacity, as Chicago’s bench boss.

Phenom Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has put his critics on notice. After finishing his sophomore season with 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points—all career bests—he is well on his way towards setting even better marks in all three categories. With just 21 games played thus far this season, Bedard’s 13 goals are good enough for fifth place in the League, while his 31 points rank him fourth overall in total points. His future is looking bright, and his performance will undoubtedly lift spirits around the Windy City higher than they have in seasons past.

Davidson spent the offseason locking down key components of his roster to continue to turn improve the team’s fortunes. Ryan Donato signed a four-year, $16 million dollar extension this past June. His seven goals are good for third place in team scoring. Center Frank Nazar signed a seven-year, $46 million dollar extension in August. Nazar’s fifteen points place him in a three way tie for third place with Teuvo Teravainen and former Avalanche winger Andrew Burakovsky, who was acquired in June for Joe Veleno. Burakovsky also has seven goals and on the season, tying him with Donato for third place on the team.

Goaltender Spencer Knight, acquired from Florida in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones, signed a three-year, $17.5 million dollar extension in September. After spending the majority of his career as a backup to goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida, he now has his first real opportunity to play as a starter. Through fourteen games played thus far, Knight has won seven games and has posted a 2.47 GAA and a .922 save percentage. While there’s still a lot of hockey to play this year, Knight’s start this season is certainly a good indicator that he will be able to grow alongside the rest of Chicago’s young core.

Chicago comes into tonight’s game on a two game losing streak, posting back-to-back losses to Seattle (a 3-2 decision) at home this past Thursday and to Buffalo at Keybank Center (a lopsided 9-3 decision) on Friday. Facing Colorado on any given night is a tall order, but doing so as the third game in four nights as a follow-up to two consecutive losses makes the task loom even larger.

Chicago split the season series against Colorado last season, with their most recent victory coming on home ice on January 08, 2025, a 3-1 decision.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Ryan Greene – Connor Bedard – Tyler Bertuzzi
Teuvo Teravainen – Frank Nazar – Oliver Moore
Colton Dach – Ryan Donato – Ilya Mikheyev
Landon Slaggert – Sam Lafferty

Defense:
Alex Vlasic – Louis Crevier
Wyatt Kaiser – Artyom Levshunov
Matt Grzelcyk – Connor Murphy

Between the Pipes:
Spencer Knight
Arvid Soderblom

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...he-avs-face-chicago-in-a-second-city-showdown

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Avs Blank Blackhawks

In another busy back-to-back weekend set the Colorado Avalanche concluded their road trip with another divisional foe in the Chicago Blackhawks. In the past this matchup has been a bit of trouble but Scott Wedgewood was up to the task, crafting his own shutout on the weekend with 22 saves in a 1-0 Avalanche victory.

The Game

Following their sluggish start last night, the Avalanche started this game with more energy and got their first shot on goal within the first minute but it didn’t result in much momentum gained. It then took almost the rest of the entire period to get one additional shot on the board despite earning a power play. Chicago earned two power plays themselves but couldn’t score either so the first 20 minutes of play resulted in a scoreless tie.

Colorado made it a purpose to get more shots on goal in the second period and did just that outshooting Chicago 19-1 in the frame. The visitors also added two more fruitless power plays to their ledger, however. Cale Makar saved the day with just two minutes left in the period. He snuck over to the left side of the ice, corralled a rebound off of a Tristen Nielsen shot and fired the puck which hit off the left post and past Spencer Knight who was playing brilliantly up to that point.

Chicago woke back up in the third period putting 10 shots on Wedgewood and made it somewhat of a game again but the window to score was in the first period when the Avs were playing poorly. Chicago managed to keep the puck out of the net with Knight pulled for the extra attacker but no dice as Colorado walked away with yet another shutout in this 1-0 win.

Takeaways

Not so fast, Mackenzie Blackwood. After impressing with his own shutout just the night before, Scott Wedgewood upped his game and put his own goose egg up on the board. Maybe he won’t relinquish the net so soon after all. Having two goaltenders playing great is an excellent problem to have but the standard has now been set.

Shutting out an entire weekend back-to-back set is impressive and full credit goes to both Colorado goaltenders. The team in front of them didn’t quite earn their flowers in making it happen, though. This Chicago game wasn’t near as bad analytically as last night in Nashville but two putrid first periods were a theme. The goalies shut the door and allowed Colorado to get back to their game as time wore on. Good teams find different ways to win and having both goaltenders each steal a game is a welcome result.

It’s interesting that in both games the game winning goal came from a defenseman (Brent Burns and Cale Makar, respectively) and no forward scored outside the Nashville empty net goals. The power play also went 0/5 as it sinks back to 24th in the league with 15.7% on the season. While stringing together nine wins in a row equals tremendous results, there may be signs showing that the team is due for a little tuneup before some slumps begin to show up on the scoreboard.

Upcoming

After another couple days off, the plucky San Jose Sharks come to town for a 7 p.m. MT puck drop at Ball Arena on Wednesday, November 26th.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colorado-avalanche-game-coverage/59760/recap-avs-blank-blackhawks

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche @ Chicago Blackhawks (5:00 P.M.)

The Colorado Avalanche are the hottest team in the NHL, even when their play of late has cooled down.

As they wrap up another set of back-to-back road games, they aim to crank up the temperature against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks in a bid to extend their winning streak to double digits.

Colorado Avalanche (15-1-5)​

The Opponent: Chicago Blackhawks (10-7-4)

Time: 5:00 P.M. MST/7:00 P.M. EST

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

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche have won nine straight games coming into tonight’s contest. Their most recent victim victory came yesterday evening, a 3-0 shutout over the Nashville Predators. Brent Burns scored the opening goal just fifteen seconds into the game, which somehow withstood a multitude of self-inflicted turnovers and a barrage of shots throughout the contest—Colorado was outshot 35-26—until empty net goals by Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Drury finally secured the victory.

Head coach Jared Bednar would label his team’s first period effort as “horrendous”, but heaped praise upon Mackenzie Blackwood, who would earn his third straight win and his fifteenth career shutout. Colorado improved to 2-0-2 against opponents within the Central Division, and remains firmly atop the League standings in points (35) and wins (15). They have a five point division lead over second place Dallas (while playing one fewer game), and improved to 7-1-3 on the road.

MacKinnon continues his dominance in League scoring among forwards. After a rare night off the scoreboard against the New York Islanders at Ball Arena, he’s recorded three goals and one assist in the two games that have since followed. His 17 goals and 37 points lead the League, and he is three assists shy of leading that category (Edmonton’s Connor McDavid has 23 assists compared to MacKinnon’s 20).

Over on the defensive side of the line, Cale Makar is also far and away the leader in League scoring. He leads all defensemen in goals (8), assists (20), and points (28). Goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who had the night off against Nashville, will likely be in goal for the Avs tonight. His twelve wins serves as the high-water mark for goalies in the League.

A victory at United Center tonight will be the third straight for the Avalanche dating back to last season. It would also serve as the team’s tenth straight win, which would also equal the amount of total regular season wins for six other teams—Chicago among them—across the entire NHL.

Ho hum, just another day at the office, right?

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas
Gabe Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Ross Colton
Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson
Tristen Nielsen – Zakhar Bardakov – Jason Polin

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

Between the Pipes:
Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood

Chicago Blackhawks​

There are signs of a pulse starting to return for the Chicago Blackhawks. After finishing the 2023-2024 season with a 23-53-5 record and a 52 point total, the franchise went 25-46-7 totaling 61 points last season. Head coach Luke Richardson, who had spent the previous two seasons in the role, was dismissed during last season. However, general manager Kyle Davisdson chose to hire former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill rather than appoint Anders Sorensen, who succeeded Richardson in an interim capacity, as Chicago’s bench boss.

Phenom Connor Bedard, the first overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has put his critics on notice. After finishing his sophomore season with 23 goals and 44 assists for 67 points—all career bests—he is well on his way towards setting even better marks in all three categories. With just 21 games played thus far this season, Bedard’s 13 goals are good enough for fifth place in the League, while his 31 points rank him fourth overall in total points. His future is looking bright, and his performance will undoubtedly lift spirits around the Windy City higher than they have in seasons past.

Davidson spent the offseason locking down key components of his roster to continue to turn improve the team’s fortunes. Ryan Donato signed a four-year, $16 million dollar extension this past June. His seven goals are good for third place in team scoring. Center Frank Nazar signed a seven-year, $46 million dollar extension in August. Nazar’s fifteen points place him in a three way tie for third place with Teuvo Teravainen and former Avalanche winger Andrew Burakovsky, who was acquired in June for Joe Veleno. Burakovsky also has seven goals and on the season, tying him with Donato for third place on the team.

Goaltender Spencer Knight, acquired from Florida in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones, signed a three-year, $17.5 million dollar extension in September. After spending the majority of his career as a backup to goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky in Florida, he now has his first real opportunity to play as a starter. Through fourteen games played thus far, Knight has won seven games and has posted a 2.47 GAA and a .922 save percentage. While there’s still a lot of hockey to play this year, Knight’s start this season is certainly a good indicator that he will be able to grow alongside the rest of Chicago’s young core.

Chicago comes into tonight’s game on a two game losing streak, posting back-to-back losses to Seattle (a 3-2 decision) at home this past Thursday and to Buffalo at Keybank Center (a lopsided 9-3 decision) on Friday. Facing Colorado on any given night is a tall order, but doing so as the third game in four nights as a follow-up to two consecutive losses makes the task loom even larger.

Chicago split the season series against Colorado last season, with their most recent victory coming on home ice on January 08, 2025, a 3-1 decision.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Ryan Greene – Connor Bedard – Tyler Bertuzzi
Teuvo Teravainen – Frank Nazar – Oliver Moore
Colton Dach – Ryan Donato – Ilya Mikheyev
Landon Slaggert – Zakhar Bardakov – Sam Lafferty

Defense:
Alex Vlasic – Louis Crevier
Wyatt Kaiser – Artyom Levshunov
Matt Grzelcyk – Connor Murphy

Between the Pipes:
Spencer Knight
Arvid Soderblom

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...colorado-avalanche-chicago-blackhawks-500-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Weekly Cupcakes: Burns loving his time with the Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Avalanche (and former) News​

• The Islanders have announced that Romanov is out for 5-6 months after the hit by Mikko Rantanen. Rantanen earned a game misconduct on the hit. [NY Post]

• It was a busy week for Rants as he was also ejected from the game against the Flames – earning himself an automatic one game suspension. [Toronto Star]

• Brent Burns is loving life on and off the ice with the Colorado Avalanche. [NHL]

• Mackenzie Blackwood earned himself a shutout on Saturday night. [The Hockey News]

• For fun-times; revisiting the Canadiens & Avalanche Patrick Roy trade. [The Hockey Writers]

• Buffalo Sabres have put Alexandar Georgiev on waivers to terminate his contract. [CBS Sports]

• Are the Colorado Avalanche just getting started? Is there a higher gear they’ll hit soon? [Daily Faceoff]

Olympics News​

• Wedgewood is having a great season, could he represent Team Canada at the Olympics? [NHL]

• NHL, NHLPA give IOC a deadline on Olympic rink progress. [Sportsnet]

• Sidney Crosby is motivated to make his return to the Olympics. [CBC]
• Jack Hughes named Polo Ralph Lauren ambassador for 2026 Olympics. [NHL]
• Olympic hockey rosters, who is in and who is out at the moment? [ESPN]

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/dail...-is-love-his-time-with-the-colorado-avalanche

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Morning Flurries: Wedgewood a candidate for the Olympics?

As the 2025 calendar year begins to wrap up, more and more focus is shifting to the next big event on the horizon and that’s the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. The Colorado Avalanche expect to have a large contingent of players heading to Milan to take part in the festivities but is there one Avalanche player that isn’t getting talked about enough?

Going into the season it was Mackenzie Blackwood getting the Olympic hopeful hype but with how Scott Wedgewood has played to begin the 2025-26 campaign he’s getting the talk as rosters will begin to solidly heading into the new year.

Elliotte Friedman: Team Canada goaltending: Binnington's gonna be there and I think Logan Thompson's gonna be there; at the very least I'd be looking at [Scott Wedgewood] as someone, he can play behind a really good team – 32 Thoughts (11/21)

— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) November 25, 2025

In an interview with The Rink podcast, Wedgewood talked about the possibility of getting the call to represent Canada due to his excellent start in Colorado this season. His 13-1-2 record with a 2.09 Goals Against Average and .918 save percentage must be getting some attention with the Hockey Canada folks especially as they try to convince themselves Jordan Binnington and his current .880 save percentage for the St. Louis Blues is good enough to win the gold medal.

"If it's an opportunity to get there, they'll get everything I got for sure"

In the latest episode of @TheRink, Scott Wedgewood joins @drosennhl & @sroarke_nhl to talk about his potential to make the 2026 Olympic team.

Listen to the full episode https://t.co/hZTzG1yaAY pic.twitter.com/EC0dLLlrqO

— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) November 21, 2025

Wedgewood does not have extensive experience with Hockey Canada and hasn’t played on any team at the men’s level, last participating in the 2012 World Junior Championship. He makes a compelling argument, though, as he’s very familiar with backup usage so he’d be a good option as someone who can come in cold for a spot start as needed.

Also, for the Wedgewood fans, here’s a great interview on NHL Tonight following the 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks earlier this month.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/morning-flurries/59762/morning-flurries-wedgewood-eying-the-olympics

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche at Nashville Predators (6:00 p.m.)

Beginning yet another weekend back-to-back, the Colorado Avalanche hit the road in search of four points against Central Division foes. First up is the first of four meetings over the next eight weeks with the Nashville Predators.

Colorado Avalanche (14-1-5)​

The Opponent: Nashville Predators (6-10-4)

Time: 6:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude 2, Altitude+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Following a successful home stand in which the Avalanche won their seventh game in a row and swept their four opponents to become the fourth team in NHL history to complete their first 20 games with only one regulation loss, the squad takes their show on the road in hopes of dominating another weekend set.

Almost all is right in the world of the burgundy and blue with the exception of a few injuries to some depth forwards and most notably Val Nichushkin. The power play is still an eyesore despite the second unit cashing in last game but isn’t causing any losses so there’s room to tinker and hopefully find a solution.

Rookie forward Gavin Brindley couldn’t finish the previous game against the New York Rangers and Jason Polin was recalled from the Colorado Eagles prior to the Avalanche’s flight to Nashville. It’s a pretty safe assumption that Polin will join fellow recall Tristen Nielsen on the fourth line with Zakhar Bardakov.

Projected Lineup

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas

Ross Colton – Brock Nelson – Victor Olofsson

Gabe Landeskog – Jack Drury – Parker Kelly

Tristen Nielsen – Zakhar Bardakov – Jason Polin

Devon Toews – Cale Makar

Josh Manson – Brent Burns

Sam Girard – Sam Malinski

Nashville Predators​

After participating in a Global Series pair of games with the Pittsburgh Penguins in Sweden last weekend where they earned a split, the Nashville Predators received nearly a week off and are back at it at home to face the formidable Avalanche.

Amid numerous trade rumors the Predators are plugging along hoping to improve after last season’s disastrous 68 point campaign and avoid the fire sale. Currently the Predators sit last in the Central Division with 16 points but a week out of action doesn’t help matters. Getting back on track against the Avalanche is a tough task, though.

Leading Nashville in scoring is Filip Forsberg with 15 points in 20 games. Ryan O’Reilly is enjoying a good start to the year upping his trade value with 13 points. Surprisingly, rookie forward Matthew Wood who was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft is third in scoring with six goals and 10 points in 13 games. Luke Evangelista emerged from his contract standoff with Predators GM Barry Trotz as a top liner tied for fourth in team scoring with 10 points to round out the forward core. Old friend Tyson Jost could also make an appearance as he is on the roster after he was picked up on waivers from Carolina and has currently played 15 games for Nashville.

Good news for Nashville is captain Roman Josi who was out with an upper-body injury is expected to draw back in the lineup tonight. The squad could certainly use his return on the back end if they hope to climb out of the Central division basement.

Projected Lineup

Filip Forsberg – Ryan O’Reilly – Luke Evangelista

Steven Stamkos – Eric Haula – Jonathan Marchessault

Michael Bunting – Fedor Svechkov – Matthew Wood

Michael McCarron – Tyson Jost – Ozzie Weisblatt

Brady Skjei – Nick Perbix

Nicolas Hague – Nick Blankenburg

Roman Josi – Justin Barron

Goaltenders​

Scott Wedgewood received the last two starts for Colorado but with the back-to-back surely he and Makenzie Blackwood will split the starts this weekend. Based on morning skate it appears that Blackwood gets the nod tonight.

In net it has been less than stellar for the Predators with the Finnish tandem of Juuse Saros and old friend Justus Annunen sporting save percentages under .900 with backup Annunen still in search for his first win on the season. Considering the time off it’s makes sense Saros will be in net to begin Nashville’s two-game home stand in game one against Colorado.

Follow along in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...rado-avalanche-at-nashville-predators-600-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Colorado looks to keep it rolling against the Sharks

After heading out for a back-to-back on the road that saw the Avs take on the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks, both of whom Colorado earned shutouts against in their wins, they return home to Colorado today to take on the San Jose Sharks. This will be the second of three regular-season matchups between these two teams, with San Jose having won the first game.

Colorado Avalanche (16-1-5)​

Funnily enough, the Avalanche’s last loss was against the Sharks way back on November 1. Flash forward almost a month, and Colorado has now won nine straight games after that OT loss, and tonight they look to win their tenth straight. Whatever the situation might be in any game, the Avs just keep finding ways to win, over and over again. You can certainly make the argument that they didn’t play their best against Nashville or Chicago on the most recent back-to-back, but when both your goalies put up shutouts, and you win games 3-0 and 1-0 respectively, it’s really tough to complain. After all, they don’t ask how, they just ask how many. Guys have been stepping up all across the lineup, and you should expect the same here tonight.

Projected Lineup​

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Ross Colton – Brock Nelson – Gabriel Landeskog
Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson
Ivan Ivan – Zakhar Bardakov – Joel Kiviranta

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

Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

San Jose Sharks (11-9-3)​

This San Jose team has arguably been one of the best stories of the NHL season so far. Everyone knew that they certainly had talent throughout their lineup, but I don’t think anyone expected them to be sitting just two points out of a wild-card spot for the playoffs. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith have been extremely good for this Sharks team to start the year, and they look like they’re going to be a problem for the league for years to come in just their second year in the NHL.

Projected Lineup​

William Eklund – Macklin Celebrini – Will Smith
Philipp Kurashev – Alexander Wennberg – Tyler Toffoli
Adam Gaudette – Ty Dellandrea – Collin Graf
Barclay Goodrow – Zack Ostapchuk – Ryan Reaves

Dmitry Orlov – Timothy Liljegren
Mario Ferraro – Shakir Mukhamadullin
Sam Dickinson – Vincent Desharnais

Yaroslav Askarov
Alex Nedeljkovic

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...o-looks-to-keep-it-rolling-against-the-sharks