RSS Avalanche Team Notes

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Avalanche get revenge on Predators

In their second meeting with the Nashville Predators this week, the Colorado Avalanche were hoping for the opposite result after falling in a shoutout on Tuesday night. Christmas came early in this contest for several Avalanche players who hadn’t hit the scoresheet lately as Jack Drury and Victor Oloffson both scored in this contest along with Samuel Girard contributing two assists. Nathan MacKinnon and Val Nichushkin also scored as Colorado cruised to a fairly routine 4-2 win over Nashville.

The Game

A couple familiar themes emerged to start this game. First Colorado got on the board in the opening minutes as Brent Burns fed Nathan MacKinnon for his 26th goal of the year surprising old friend in net Justus Annunen. Jack Drury would add another at the midpoint on a 4-on-4 before Nashville got one back just a minute later from Jonathan Marchessault on the power play. It wasn’t total domination, though, as the game was close to end the period 2-1 in Colorado’s favor with an 11-8 shot advantage.

The second period was more of the same as Nashville attempted to grind the game and keep it close. That worked until the Avalanche used the extra attacker on a delayed penalty which led Victor Olofsson to find a loose puck deflected to him right in the slot and he found the back of the net.Another old friend, this time Tyson Jost, took two minor penalties before the end of the period but Colorado couldn’t cash in on the power play and the score ended up at 3-1 to close out the second period.

Colorado played keep away with the puck in the third period but couldn’t add to their goal total until for some reason Nashville pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker with four minutes left in the game. They must have been in a giving mood as it took about 10 seconds before Colorado scored their fourth goal of the evening. Val Nichushkin was the beneficiary and quite fitting as he got whacked hard in the face by a Predator’s stick earlier in the period but also deserved a tally after contributing eight shots on goal in this contest.

Tyson Jost continued his eventful evening with his second goal of the year at one minute left in the game but the result was long decided by that point and the Avalanche secured their 4-2 win.

Takeaways

Scott Wedgewood put up another stellar performance as he held the fort down when the Avalanche weren’t firing on all cylinders in the first period. He made 27 saves on 29 shots for his 14th win on the season and was named first star of the game.

The power play is still ineffective going 0/4 in this game as Jared Bednar has been starting to shuffle personnel around on the top unit. A score wasn’t needed in this game so they’ll continue to tinker and hope to find some chemistry.

Upcoming

A couple days off and then a quick trip to visit the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, December, 16th at 8 p.m. MT nationally televised on TNT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...0249/recap-avalanche-get-revenge-on-predators

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Nashville Predators @ Colorado Avalanche (7:00 P.M.)

The Colorado Avalanche face off against the Nashville Predators for the second time in three games tonight at Ball Arena to wrap up a quick two game homestand.

Yep, you read that right. The second time in three games.

That is not a typo.

Colorado Avalanche (22-2-7)​

The Opponent: Nashville Predators (12-14-4)

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

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

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Tonight’s matchup against Nashville is the rubber match in the season series. The Avalanche won the first game at Bridgestone Arena on November 22 by a score of 3-0 on the second half of a back-to-back weekend of games. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped all 35 shots he faced, and Brent Burns scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal just 15 seconds into the contest. Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Drury added two empty-net goals late in the contest to secure the victory.

The second game, which took place this past Tuesday (again at Bridgestone Arena), a valiant effort from Cale Makar in the waning seconds of regulation forced overtime between both clubs, but Nashville would prevail in the shootout to secure a 4-3 decision. Scott Wedgewood, who stopped 28 of 31 shots in the game, didn’t have a strong start in this contest, but rebounded well as the game went on. He was on the receiving end of a collision in the shootout from former teammate Filip Forsberg, and was forced to leave the game after being pulled by a concussion spotter. Blackwood came in to relieve him, but Gabe Landeskog’s shootout attempt fell short, resulting in Blackwood never seeing facing a shot. Despite the unusual conclusion, the Avs did secure a point to maintain the top spot in the Central Division.

Prior to tonight’s contest, the Avalanche defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers by a score of 6-2 on Thursday night. On a night where the Avalanche honored the 1996 Stanley Cup-winning roster, the present-day Avalanche certainly echoed the strong play of their predecessors. Gavin Brindley made his return to the roster after missing the previous ten games with injury, and his impact was palpable as he scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal early in the second period. Nathan MacKinnon scored his 25th goal of the season and 392nd of his career, which broke Joe Sakic’s long-standing record for most goals scored since the franchise relocated from Quebec.

Fitting, on the night that the Avalanche honored the past, the present is looking pretty bright.

Projected Lineup​

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

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

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Nashville Predators​

Despite being last in the Central Division, Nashville has put together an admirable stretch of games of late. The Predators have won six of their last eight games, including the most recent matchup against Colorado this past Tuesday. Aside from a 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets at Bridgestone Area on November 29, Nashville has scored no fewer than three goals over that time span.

Tonight marks the first of a two game road trip for Nashville, who come into Denver fresh off a 7-2 victory over St. Louis at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday evening. Steven Stamkos recorded his fifteenth hat trick of his career and accounted for four of the team’s seven goals on the evening. Luke Evangelista had three assists on the night, and Juuse Saros stopped 24 of 26 shots between the pipes.

Nashville’s lineup will have a slightly different look this evening compared to the previous matchup against Colorado. Defenseman Spencer Stastney (no relation to the other similarly sounding family name that Avs and Nordiques fans alike may be familiar with) was traded to the Edmonton Oilers on Friday in exchange for a 3rd round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. The twenty-five year old defenseman spent parts of the past three-plus seasons in Nashville, recording 3 goals and 15 assists over 81 games played for the Predators.

Nashville concludes its road trip with a return match against St. Louis at Enterprise Center on Monday evening…for the second time in three games.

Even when it comes to sports, the past is prologue.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Steven Stamkos – Ryan O’Reilly – Luke Evangelista
Filip Forsberg – Erik Haula – Jonathan Marchessault
Reid Schaefer – Fedor Svechkov – Matthew Wood
Michael Bunting – Tyson Jost – Michael McCarron

Defense:
Nicolas Hague – Roman Josi
Brady Skjei – Adam Willsby
Nick Perbix – Nick Blankenberg

Between the Pipes:
Juuse Saros
Justus Annunen

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...ashville-predators-colorado-avalanche-700-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Landeskog reveals who he’d pass the Stanley Cup to should Colorado win again

Prior to the win against the Florida Panthers earlier in the week, there was a special conversation between friends that aired ESPN. Erik Johnson, now an analyst with the network, visited Colorado Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog at his home for a one-on-one interview.

The two covered a variety of topics including the Captain’s near three-year injury recovery, Colorado’s blazing hot start this season and the ultimate memory of winning the Stanley Cup together in 2022.

Johnson mentions how back then in 2022 it was discussed and they predetermined that he would get to lift the Stanley Cup after Landeskog and then asks Gabe if he’s decided who would get the honors in 2026 should Colorado win a championship again. The ever diplomatic Landeskog says he’d have to think about it but concedes that it’s probably going to defenseman Brent Burns who has waited 22 years. Sound familiar?…

What would be your hypothetical order to pass the Cup? Let us know in the comments!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/gene...-the-stanley-cup-to-should-colorado-win-again

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Weekly Cupcakes: Can Colorado break the NHL points record this season?

Colorado Avalanche News​

• Nashville Predators are giving props to the Colorado Avalanche after losing to them 4-2. [The Hockey News]
• The Colorado Avalanche have quietly earned their best penalty kill in the league. [Denver Post]
• MacKinnon now officially has the most goals in Colorado Avalanche history. [NHL]
• NHL 2025-26 Power Rankings: Week 9: The Colorado Avalanche remain listed at number one this week. [The Hockey Writers]
• Do the Avs have what it takes to break the NHL points record this season? [The Hockey News]
• Is a new Avalanche practice facility on the horizon? [Mile High Hockey]

News Around the League​

• NHL says incomplete Olympic hockey rink ‘disappointing’ — and ice still must be deemed safe. [CBC]

• Connor Bedard not expected to travel with Blackhawks following injury. [ProHockeyRumors]

• Canucks Schedule: Why the right culture is critical following Quinn Hughes trade. [Toronto Sun]

• ‘He’ll shake it off’: Ugly mistakes part of winning formula for some players, ex-NHLers say as Evan Bouchard made a costly error. [Edmonton Journal]

• NHL legend dies aged 85 as tributes flood in for four-time Stanley Cup winner with Montreal Canadiens Bobby Rousseau died. [US Sun]
• More ‘color vs. color’ jersey games wanted by NHL board of governors. [Daily Faceoff]

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/daily-cupcakes-sandie/60281/weekly-cupcakes

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Florida Panthers (7:30 p.m.)

After finishing up a road trip with a shootout loss to the Nashville Predators, the Avalanche are back in the Mile High City as they welcome the Florida Panthers to town. This will be the first regular-season matchup between these two teams. It is also the celebration night of the 1996 Stanley Cup team.

Colorado Avalanche (21-2-7)​

The Opponent: Florida Panthers (15-12-2)

Time: 7:30 p.m. MT

Watch: ESPN

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

After coming off a road trip where they went 2-1-1, the Colorado Avalanche are back home for a couple of games starting tonight, and they take on the Florida Panthers first on this small home stand. Colorado ultimately lost in a shootout to the Nashville Predators, as previously mentioned, and will be looking to get back in the win column tonight against the Panthers. They should have a very good chance to do it here tonight against a Panthers team that have been struggling this year, which we’ll touch on here in a moment.

Gavin Brindley was taken off Injured Reservecin Nashville but didn’t play. Tonight he draws back into the lineup in favor of Zakhar Bardakov as Parker Kelly shifts to center. Mackenzie Blackwood is expected in net.

Projected Lineup​

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Ross Colton
Valeri Nichushkin – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson
Gavin Brindley – Parker Kelly – Joel Kiviranta

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

Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Florida Panthers​

The Panthers have won three games in a row, but they have been struggling all season this year so far. Currently, they sit four spots out of a playoff spot, and have also faced a massive amount of injuries this year. Matthew Tkachuck has been out for the entirety of the season so far, which has been a massive missing piece for this Panthers team. That all being said, the Panthers are still the Panthers; they know how to win, and they have good players on the roster regardless of who they’re missing, and Colorado will need to keep that in mind tonight. It’s also worth noting that Florida did play last night in a 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth, which might work in Colorado’s favor if they can jump on the Panthers early.

Projected Lineup​

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Sam Reinhart
Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – Brad Marchand
Mackie Samoskevich – Evan Rodrigues – AJ Greer
Jesper Boqvist – Jack Studnicka – Noah Gregor

Gustav Forsling – Aaron Ekblad
Niko Mikkola – Seth Jones
Jeff Petry – Uvis Balinskis

Sergei Bobrovsky
Daniil Tarasov

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...olorado-avalanche-vs-florida-panthers-730-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Avalanche welcomes Panthers to Denver

After finishing up a road trip with a shootout loss to the Nashville Predators, the Avalanche are back in the Mile High City as they welcome the Florida Panthers to town. This will be the first regular-season matchup between these two teams. It is also the celebration night of the 1996 Stanley Cup team.

Colorado Avalanche (21-2-7)​

The Opponent: Florida Panthers (15-12-2)

Time: 7:30 p.m. MT

Watch: ESPN

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

After coming off a road trip where they went 2-1-1, the Colorado Avalanche are back home for a couple of games starting tonight, and they take on the Florida Panthers first on this small home stand. Colorado ultimately lost in a shootout to the Nashville Predators, as previously mentioned, and will be looking to get back in the win column tonight against the Panthers. They should have a very good chance to do it here tonight against a Panthers team that have been struggling this year, which we’ll touch on here in a moment.

Gavin Brindley was taken off Injured Reservecin Nashville but didn’t play. Tonight he draws back into the lineup in favor of Zakhar Bardakov as Parker Kelly shifts to center. Mackenzie Blackwood is expected in net.

Projected Lineup​

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Ross Colton
Valeri Nichushkin – Jack Drury – Victor Olofsson
Gavin Brindley – Parker Kelly – Joel Kiviranta

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

Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Florida Panthers​

The Panthers have won three games in a row, but they have been struggling all season this year so far. Currently, they sit four spots out of a playoff spot, and have also faced a massive amount of injuries this year. Matthew Tkachuck has been out for the entirety of the season so far, which has been a massive missing piece for this Panthers team. That all being said, the Panthers are still the Panthers; they know how to win, and they have good players on the roster regardless of who they’re missing, and Colorado will need to keep that in mind tonight. It’s also worth noting that Florida did play last night in a 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth, which might work in Colorado’s favor if they can jump on the Panthers early.

Projected Lineup​

Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Sam Reinhart
Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Bennett – Brad Marchand
Mackie Samoskevich – Evan Rodrigues – AJ Greer
Jesper Boqvist – Jack Studnicka – Noah Gregor

Gustav Forsling – Aaron Ekblad
Niko Mikkola – Seth Jones
Jeff Petry – Uvis Balinskis

Sergei Bobrovsky
Daniil Tarasov

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo.../preview-avalanche-welcome-panthers-to-denver

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: The Avalanche get Kraken in Seattle

The Colorado Avalanche are all set for a matchup with the Seattle Kraken tonight at Climate Pledge Arena. Colorado comes in as most pundits pick for the best team in the league; meanwhile, the Kraken are struggling to get back to just being a .500 team. Can the Avalanche assert themselves and take care of business, or is a matchup with the league’s top dog just what the Kraken need to get back in the win column?

Colorado Avalanche: 23-2-7​

The Opponent: Seattle Kraken 12-12-6

Time: 8:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

It’s hard to imagine a better start for this Avalanche team, who keep on winning games. The problem is that the Dallas Stars keep winning, too. Perhaps only leading the Stars by four points inside of this tremendous stretch isn’t such a bad thing?

Setting sail ️ pic.twitter.com/FJqWqw1HkC

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 16, 2025

When a team is dominating like this, the easy and not all that analytical take is, “Oh, they won’t face enough adversity and will lose in the first round,” but inside a season where your best is still only suitable for a four-point standings lead, you have a lot to play for, and that in and of itself is adversity. That is one of the laziest takes in hockey. This Colorado Avalanche team is good and knows how to win big games.

We may be adding another feather to the cap of Chris MacFarland and Joe Sakic, who sneakily landed a great player in Gavin Brindley, who has been elevated to the third line since returning from injury. That affordable, young, and productive talent is a key component to most Cup winners.

Gavin Brindley is back like he never left!! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/CdHttkCJxi

— Denver Nose Bleeds (@DenverNoseBleed) December 12, 2025

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Victor Olofsson — Ross Colton — Gavin Brindley
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinsk

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Seattle Kraken​

The Kraken feel like a team searching for its true identity and come into tonight’s game after losing their last two games. The Avalanche are obviously a tough draw amidst a losing streak, and this game has the potential to really send the Kraken spiraling if things get out of hand.

Nathan MacKinnon has been on the ice for 41 5v5 goals for so far this season. He just passed the Seattle Kraken (39) and is only two behind the Los Angeles Kings (43) now

— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) December 6, 2025

Seattle has the second-worst goal differential in the NHL at -19 and has really struggled to put the puck in the net. They also have a league-low 74 goals this season, with not much hope on the horizon. It’s still professional sports, so the Kraken will get their shot at shocking the world, but it will indeed be shocking if they can steal a win this evening, even being on home ice.

Projected Lineup:​

Eeli Tolvanen — Matty Beniers — Jordan Eberle
Kaapo Kakko — Chandler Stephenson — Frederick Gaudreau
Jani Nyman — Shane Wright — Ryan Winterton
Tye Kartye — Ben Meyers — Jacob Melanson

Vince Dunn — Adam Larsson
Ryan Lindgren — Brandon Montour
Ryker Evans — Jamie Oleksiak

Joey Daccord
Philipp Grubauer

Note: Kaapo Kakko, Vince Dunn & Mason Marchment are all listed as day-to-day according to DailyFaceoff.com

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...1/preview-the-avalanche-get-kraken-in-seattle

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: MacKinnon scores twice, Avs win third straight

Nathan MacKinnon scored twice and added an assist to pad his lead atop the NHL scoring race as the Colorado Avalanche earned a 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night at Climate Pledge Arena.

Brock Nelson stayed hot with another goal, giving him four in his last five games. Artturi Lehkonen also found the back of the net, while Samuel Girard picked up his first goal of the season. Cale Makar, Martin Nečas, and Valeri Nichushkin each finished with two assists, and Mackenzie Blackwood turned in a strong night in goal, stopping 34 shots.

The win was Colorado’s third in a row, while Seattle dropped its third straight, though the Kraken were competitive throughout and held the lead at times.

Seattle got goals from Chandler Stephenson, Shane Wright, and Jordan Eberle. Former Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer was solid despite the loss, making 33 saves.

---

First Period​

It was a physical start as just over two minutes into the game, Josh Manson caught Mason Marchment with a hard check from behind, sending the forward to the ice. Several Avalanche players stood up on the bench to get a look, and when Marchment got back to his feet, he exchanged words with those nearby.

Seattle controlled much of the early play and held a 6–3 edge in shots, but Blackwood was sharp right away. He came up with a pair of highlight-reel saves on Matty Beniers and Frederick Gaudreau to keep the game scoreless.

Colorado opened the scoring with 7:40 left in the period. Martin Nečas fired a shot through traffic that Lehkonen tipped past Seattle netminder Philipp Grubauer, who never saw it. The goal was initially credited to Nečas before the deflection was confirmed.

Marchment later got loose on a partial breakaway, but Sam Malinski tracked back and forced him into Blackwood, earning a holding penalty. The Avalanche penalty kill handled that chance, and another Malinski penalty shortly after, without issue.

Seattle then took a penalty of its own when Ryan Winterton tripped Nečas in the neutral zone, but Colorado’s power play continued to struggle. The Avalanche carried a 1–0 lead into the intermission.

---

Second Period​

The lead didn’t last long as Seattle tied it just over three minutes into the period. Jani Nyman rang a shot off the post, and Wright jumped on the rebound at the back door.

Seattle grabbed a lead of their own soon after. Beniers slipped a pass across the crease to Adam Larsson, whose first attempt was stopped by Blackwood. The puck sat loose, though, and Eberle tapped it into an open net.

Colorado caught a break when Marchment was called for slashing Nečas, but again the Avalanche couldn’t capitalize on the man advantage. Nečas appeared to score moments later, only for the goal to be overturned after review showed the puck was knocked in with his glove.

The Avalanche finally pulled even at 13:29 when Girard stepped into a one-timer and beat Grubauer for his first goal of the season, drawing a loud reaction from the Colorado fans in attendance.

Vince Dunn was later sent off for tripping Nečas, but yet again the Avalanche power play came up empty. Seattle’s penalty kill held firm despite entering the night ranked last in the league.

Late in the period, Ross Colton was called for boarding Ryan Lindgren. The Kraken made it count, as Stephenson’s shot deflected off Brent Burns’ skate and into the net, giving Seattle a 3–2 lead heading into the third.

---

Third Period​

Things got heated early in the final frame when Marchment slashed Manson after the whistle. The two had been going at it all night, and Manson responded with several right hands that bloodied Marchment’s nose. Burns and Brandon Montour also got tangled up, and all four players received double minors for roughing.

Colorado got the last laugh, though, as they tied the game at 2:40 when Nathan MacKinnon ripped a one-timer off a feed from Cale Makar.

Joel Kiviranta was later called for tripping Nyman, giving Seattle another power-play look, but Blackwood and the penalty kill held the line.

At 7:49, Eberle was awarded a penalty shot after officials ruled Manson had covered the puck in the crease. The call left Manson furious, and replay appeared to show the puck loose. Eberle’s attempt missed wide, keeping the game tied 3-3.

Dunn was then called for tripping Gabe Landeskog, and just nine seconds into the power play, Brock Nelson buried a rebound off a MacKinnon shot to give Colorado the lead with just over 12 minutes remaining.

Seattle pulled Grubauer for the extra attacker late but couldn’t generate the equalizer. MacKinnon capped the night with an empty-net goal with 23.4 seconds left to seal the win 5-3 victory.

---

Up Next​

The Avalanche (24-2-5) get two nights off before returning home to face Jonathan Toews and the Winnipeg Jets (15-15-2) on Friday night at Ball Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. local time.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...mackinnon-scores-twice-avs-win-third-straight

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken (8:00 p.m.)

The Colorado Avalanche are all set for a matchup with the Seattle Kraken tonight at Climate Pledge Arena. Colorado comes in as most pundits pick for the best team in the league; meanwhile, the Kraken are struggling to get back to just being a .500 team. Can the Avalanche assert themselves and take care of business, or is a matchup with the league’s top dog just what the Kraken need to get back in the win column?

Colorado Avalanche: 23-2-7​

The Opponent: Seattle Kraken 12-12-6

Time: 8:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

It’s hard to imagine a better start for this Avalanche team, who keep on winning games. The problem is that the Dallas Stars keep winning, too. Perhaps only leading the Stars by four points inside of this tremendous stretch isn’t such a bad thing?

Setting sail ️ pic.twitter.com/FJqWqw1HkC

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 16, 2025

When a team is dominating like this, the easy and not all that analytical take is, “Oh, they won’t face enough adversity and will lose in the first round,” but inside a season where your best is still only suitable for a four-point standings lead, you have a lot to play for, and that in and of itself is adversity. That is one of the laziest takes in hockey. This Colorado Avalanche team is good and knows how to win big games.

We may be adding another feather to the cap of Chris MacFarland and Joe Sakic, who sneakily landed a great player in Gavin Brindley, who has been elevated to the third line since returning from injury. That affordable, young, and productive talent is a key component to most Cup winners.

Gavin Brindley is back like he never left!! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/CdHttkCJxi

— Denver Nose Bleeds (@DenverNoseBleed) December 12, 2025

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Victor Olofsson — Ross Colton — Gavin Brindley
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinsk

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Seattle Kraken​

The Kraken feel like a team searching for its true identity and come into tonight’s game after losing their last two games. The Avalanche are obviously a tough draw amidst a losing streak, and this game has the potential to really send the Kraken spiraling if things get out of hand.

Nathan MacKinnon has been on the ice for 41 5v5 goals for so far this season. He just passed the Seattle Kraken (39) and is only two behind the Los Angeles Kings (43) now

— Dimitri Filipovic (@DimFilipovic) December 6, 2025

Seattle has the second-worst goal differential in the NHL at -19 and has really struggled to put the puck in the net. They also have a league-low 74 goals this season, with not much hope on the horizon. It’s still professional sports, so the Kraken will get their shot at shocking the world, but it will indeed be shocking if they can steal a win this evening, even being on home ice.

Projected Lineup:​

Eeli Tolvanen — Matty Beniers — Jordan Eberle
Kaapo Kakko — Chandler Stephenson — Frederick Gaudreau
Jani Nyman — Shane Wright — Ryan Winterton
Tye Kartye — Ben Meyers — Jacob Melanson

Vince Dunn — Adam Larsson
Ryan Lindgren — Brandon Montour
Ryker Evans — Jamie Oleksiak

Joey Daccord
Philipp Grubauer

Note: Kaapo Kakko, Vince Dunn & Mason Marchment are all listed as day-to-day according to DailyFaceoff.com

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...-colorado-avalanche-vs-seattle-kraken-800-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Mile High Pollster: Avalanche fans want a new third jersey

It’s another installment of Mile High Pollster! Does the third jersey need an upgrade? Do the Avalanche need to move Ilya Solovyov? Who’s headed to the Olympics, and how does the depth of this roster (as currently constructed) stack up against the 2022 roster? Let’s see what the fans think!

Third jersey reboot​

It’s been ten years since the Avalanche introduced their dark blue third jersey, and, in all honesty, it is among the most popular jerseys despite being nothing new. We’ve seen a Reebok, Adidas, and now Fanatics rendering of this kit. It’s super sharp and a great look for division rivalry night. Ten years is a long time, and given how eager fans were to buy the Nordique heritage jersey, it would be a wise move to provide them with another premium product!

Should the Avalanche re-imagine their third jerseys? #GoAvsGo

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) December 15, 2025

I, for one, would love for the Avalanche to get a fresh look for division rivalry night. The Avalanche have a color scheme that’s hard to screw up, and for all the hate, we still see plenty of blue berry and red berry jerseys. Some of them with Tyson Barrie on the back. How about a spin on one of those?

Good, better, and best​

It’s almost Christmas, and the Avalanche still haven’t lost a third game in regulation. That is a sentence I didn’t think I’d ever write. This sort of success has come in large part to a Hart-worthy performance from MacKinnon, but has been propelled just a bit more by the emergence of Gavin Brindley and Sam Malinski. Brindley looks like a mainstay and has played every game in which he’s been 100%. Sam Malinski is set to blow old career best stats out of the water this season. This Avalanche team is deep. Is it as deep as the juggernaut from 2022?

Obviously, whether this team is as good as the 2022 team won’t be proven until we enjoy the spoils of late nights in the middle of June. Still, for now, we can look at roster construction and productivity in certain areas to compare.

Time for another pollster!

Is this Avalanche team currently constructed as well, not as well or better than the 2022 #Avs team?#GoAvsGo

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) December 15, 2025

For me, the goaltending situation is far more ideal and consistent than what the 2022 team had to offer. That’s not meant as disrespect to Kuemper or Francouz, but more of a compliment to Wedgewood and Blackwood, who’ve done all they’ve been asked to do as Avalanche.

Solovyov on the brain​

Speaking of depth, the Avalanche are likely still in the market for another depth defender, as Solovyov has largely been unavailable and not all that impressive when in action. Brennan mentioned on this week’s edition of the Mile High Hockey Lab that even Solovyov has acknowledged that he hasn’t looked all that good during his conditioning stint in Loveland. What do you think should be done?

What should the Avs do with Ilya Solovyov when his conditioning assignment ends?

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

Full of future Olympians​

We are growing closer and closer to the opening ceremony night and the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milano Cortina, Italy, and this time around, the NHL’s best will be on full display. Colorado’s roster is full of premier talent, and the results of this poll exemplify that. The majority of voters say the Avalanche will send at least seven players to the Winter Games. Impressive group!

A couple polls to start your day. How many #goavsgo players will participate in the Olympics?

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) December 14, 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-...llster-avalanche-fans-want-a-new-third-jersey

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Colorado ready to battle Winnipeg tonight

After coming off a 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken, the Colorado Avalanche return home to kick off their regular-season series against the Winnipeg Jets, as they look to extend their win streak. This will be the first of four regular-season matchups between these two teams.

Colorado Avalanche (24-2-7)​

The Opponent: Winnipeg Jets (15-16-2)

Time: 7:00 p.m. MT

Watch: KTVD, Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

Colorado comes into this game after a hard-fought win against the Seattle Kraken, in which the Avs had to overcome two different one-goal deficits to win that game. Despite their power play failing to convert much of the game, ultimately it was Brock Nelson on the man advantage that scored the game-winning goal for the Avs in the third period. Speaking to Winnipeg’s middling record, it’s clear they’ve been missing a big piece but recently they’ve gotten back arguably their most important player, Connor Hellebuyck. Goals are most likely going to be very tough to come by at 5-on-5 here tonight, so hopefully special teams can come through again and make an impact on this game.

Projected Lineup​

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Victor Olofsson – Ross Colton – Gavin Brindley
Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Joel Kiviranta

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

Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Winnipeg Jets​

It’s not exactly a secret that the Jets have been struggling mightily through this point in the season, and that’s mostly been because of Hellebuyck having missed a fair bit of time this season with injury. Not to say that this Winnipeg team is just not competitive without him, but he’s arguably the most important player, which is why getting him back was so important for the Jets. While getting him back has likely been a huge morale boost for this Winnipeg team, they’ve still lost their last two games in a row and will be looking to get right against Colorado here tonight.

Projected Lineup​

Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Gabriel Vilardi
Nino Niederreiter – Vladislav Namestnikov – Cole Perfetti
Morgan Barron – Adam Lowry – Alex Iafallo
Cole Koepke – Jonathan Toews – Gustav Nyquist

Josh Morrissey – Dylan Demelo
Dylan Samberg – Neal Pionk
Logan Stanley – Luke Schenn

Connor Hellebuyck
Eric Comrie

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...iew-colorado-ready-to-battle-winnipeg-tonight

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Burns scores as Avalanche ground Jets 3-2

A new Central Division foe came to town and the Colorado Avalanche took care of business just as they were expected to. The Winnipeg Jets were a thorn in their side all night but Colorado earned the 3-2 victory.

It was a smorgasbord of scoring with goals from Brent Burns, Martin Nečas and Parker Kelly. Eight different Avs earned a point with Josh Manson gathering two assists on the evening. Scott Wedgewood made 20 saves and earned his 15th win of the season. His counterpart Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saved and did all he could to give his team a chance to win but it wasn’t enough.

The Game​

It was a fairly low event start for both teams as they stayed off the board for the opening portion of the game. Brent Burns would get the scoring started, though, as he deflected a shot through traffic to put Colorado up by one. After killing a penalty Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Nečas combined for another score before the end of the period with the latter as the beneficiary of a pass which left him wide open at the net front. Colorado had a nice 2-0 lead after the first period of play.

Most of the action in the second frame didn’t impact the scoreboard. Josh Manson got into a punch-less fight with Tanner Pearson after hit on Winnipeg’s Cole Perfetti. Logan Stanley hit Martin Nečas a tad late and sent him to the room. Colorado received three power plays in the period and Winnipeg was the team who found the back of the net with 38 seconds left on the board on a shorthanded goal from Morgan Barron. He chipped the puck past an unsuspecting Cale Makar and feathered a backhand around Scott Wedgewood for the score to end the period 2-1 still in favor of Colorado.

Nečas was back in action for the third period and the Avalanche quickly scored after their power play expired as Parker Kelly redirected a Manson shot past Connor Hellebuyck. Winnipeg got one back via their own power play when Mark Scheifele deposited a rebound at the side of the cage. The Avalanche fourth line then had a goal waived off due to a high stick at the halfway mark of the period to keep it a one-score game. A couple tense moments followed and Winnipeg vacated their net briefly but the Avalanche prevailed in the 3-2 victory.

Takeaways​

The power play is still the glaring flaw in the Avalanche’s dominance. It’s not causing losses now but it’s still something that needs to get solved before games matter again. Putting out a gassed Makar just to end the second period with the top unit on the ice led to the shorty against didn’t help matters as he was useless when the puck got past him.

On that note, burning out the top players now will not pay any dividends in the future. Despite the first period goal, the top line didn’t have their best night. That’s ok when you can get contributions from the likes of Burns, Kelly and Manson. In a game where the two aforementioned defensemen were feeling it maybe Makar shouldn’t have played over 26 minutes in a routine game.

Upcoming​

A big showdown with another familiar foe as the Colorado Avalanche take a one-game trip to visit the new-look red-hot Minnesota Wild on Sunday, December 21st at 4 p.m.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...cap-burns-scores-as-avalanche-ground-jets-3-2

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Morning Flurries: 1996 Stanley Cup reunion video released

The Colorado Avalanche finally released the video of the 1996 Stanley Cup reunion ceremony prior to the 6-2 demolition of the Florida Panthers last week. This display was a treat for those in attendance but wasn’t broadcast, and now everyone can enjoy the celebration.

Also part of the festivities was the actual reunion the night prior at an event where the former players reminisced and told stories in front of a live audience of lucky attendees.

Nathan MacKinnon was the chosen one to get interviewed after the 5-3 come from behind win in Seattle. He wasn’t one to comment much on the point race he currently is battling with Connor McDavid in but the media is certainly paying attention.

Brock Nelson also shared some thoughts on his day off with NHL Network including his decision to sign an extension with Colorado and his recent homecoming back to Long Island.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/morn...rries-1996-stanley-cup-reunion-video-released

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Winnipeg Jets (7:00 p.m. MT)

After coming off a 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken, the Colorado Avalanche return home to kick off their regular-season series against the Winnipeg Jets, as they look to extend their win streak. This will be the first of four regular-season matchups between these two teams.

Colorado Avalanche (24-2-7)​

Colorado comes into this game after a hard-fought win against the Seattle Kraken, in which the Avs had to overcome two different one-goal deficits to win that game. Despite their powerplay failing to convert all night, ultimately it was Brock Nelson on the powerplay that scored the game-winning goal for the Avs in the third period. Despite Winnipeg’s record, they’ve gotten back arguably their most important player, Connor Hellebuyck. Goals are most likely going to be very tough to come by at 5-on-5 here tonight, so hopefully your special teams can come through again and win you this game.

Projected Lineup​

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Victor Olofsson – Ross Colton – Gavin Brindley
Parker Kelly – Jack Drury – Joel Kiviranta

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

Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Winnipeg Jets (15-16-2)​

It’s not exactly a secret that the Jets have been struggling mightily through this point in the season, and that’s mostly been because of Hellebuyck having missed a fair bit of time this season with injury. Not to say that this Winnipeg team is just not competitive without him, but he’s arguably the most important player, which is why getting him back was so important for the Jets. While getting him back has likely been a huge morale boost for this Winnipeg team, they’ve still lost their last two games in a row and will be looking to get right against Colorado here tonight.

Projected Lineup​

Kyle Connor – Mark Scheifele – Gabriel Vilardi
Nino Niederreiter – Vladislav Namestnikov – Cole Perfetti
Morgan Barron – Adam Lowry – Alex Iafallo
Cole Koepke – Jonathan Toews – Gustav Nyquist

Josh Morrissey – Dylan Demelo
Dylan Samberg – Neal Pionk
Logan Stanley – Luke Schenn

Connor Hellebuyck
Eric Comrie

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...olorado-avalanche-vs-winnipeg-jets-700-p-m-mt

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche @ Minnesota Wild (4:00 P.M.)

Road trips are commonplace during the holiday season.

Today, the Colorado Avalanche make their final road trip before the holiday break in a rematch against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena in St Paul. While the Avalanche have had several noteworthy matchups against Minnesota in the past, this one will be the first meeting with defenseman Quinn Hughes as a member of the Wild.

Colorado Avalanche​

This game marks the second (and final) visit to the Twin Cities for the Avalanche this season. In the previous matchup on November 28, Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring early in the first period. Minnesota countered with two second period goals by Kirill Kaprizov until Gabe Landeskog tied the game nearly halfway through the third period. Neither team scored in the overtime session, but Minnesota ultimately came out on top courtesy of a shootout-deciding goal from Matt Boldy for the 3-2 victory. Both goalies were put to the test: Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt stopped 39 of 41 shots, while Scott Wedgewood turned aside 37 of 39 shots.

That shootout loss didn’t derail the Avalanche in the slightest. Colorado has gone 8-1-1 since then, and remain firmly established as the undisputed leader across the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings with 57 points. The Avs are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena on Friday night. Brent Burns and Martin Nečas both recorded first period tallies, and Parker Kelly’s seventh goal of the season, a deflection of a Josh Manson shot, proved to be the difference maker in the third period. Wedgewood stopped 20 of 22 shots, and the victory marked Colorado’s twelfth consecutive victory on home ice.

While Nathan MacKinnon shares the League lead in points with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid (59) coming into today’s game, he remains the NHL’s goal-scoring leader (28). Mackenzie Blackwood will likely start between the pipes for Colorado. Since recording his first loss of the regular season against the New York Islanders on December 04 (a 6-3 decision), Blackwood has won his last four starts, allowing two goals in three of those four starts (he allowed three goals in the Avs’ previous road victory, a 5-3 decision against the Seattle Kraken this past Tuesday).

The Avalanche are seeking their first victory in St. Paul since January 9th, a 6-1 decision. A win today would even the four game season series against Minnesota at one game apiece, and put Colorado on the verge of breaking the sixty point barrier with one game remaining before the holiday break.

Projected Lineup​

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

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

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Minnesota Wild​

Despite his team’s strong start to the season, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin knew that his defensive corps was missing high-end, game-breaking talent to compete with the likes of Colorado’s Cale Makar and Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen. Top-end talent like that comes at a premium, and few organizations are willing to make bold moves at all, let alone so early in the regular season.

Guerin had already sent waves throughout the NHL when he signed his superstar right wing Kaprizov to an eye-popping, eight-year, $136 million dollar contract extension on September 30, a deal that now stands as the richest contract throughout the League. On December 12, he made another landmark transaction, acquiring former Norris Trophy winning defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for former University of Denver defensive standout Zeev Buium, center Marco Rossi, left wing Liam Öhgren, and Minnesota’s first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Hughes scored his first goal in Minnesota green in his debut game against Boston on December 14. In his first week of action with Minnesota, Hughes added a pair of assists and has averaged 28:20 in ice time.

While it wouldn’t exactly be fair to examine a head-to-head matchup between Hughes and Makar, let’s do it anyway. Hughes has struggled against Colorado in his career, recording only six assists in fifteen career games against Colorado. Makar has recorded three goals and fifteen assists in fourteen games against Vancouver. In his twenty-six career games against Minnesota, Makar has five goals and eighteen assists for twenty-three points.

Minnesota has won their previous seven games coming into today’s game against Colorado, which serves as as the second half of a back-to-back weekend on home ice. They hosted the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon, walking away with a 5-2 decision. Matt Boldy opened the scoring with two goals in the first period, Vladimir Tarasenko recorded a goal and an assist, and Filip Gustavsson stopped 28 of 30 shots in the contest. With Wallstedt already earning the first victory against Colorado this season, it’s likely the man dubbed, “The Wall of St. Paul” and his 1.96 GAA returns to the crease today.

Both Boldy and Kaprizov share the team lead in goals (22). Boldy leads the team in points (43), and Kaprizov is a close second (41). During Minnesota’s win streak, they have scored fewer than five goals only twice: a 4-1 win against Seattle on December 08, and a 3-2 win against Ottawa on December 13.

Minnesota has not lost on home ice since a 3-2 shootout decision against the Buffalo Sabres on November 29, and has not lost in regulation since a 4-1 defeat against Pittsburgh on October 30.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Kirill Kaprizov – Ryan Hartman – Mats Zuccarello
Marcus Johansson – Joel Eriksson Ek – Matt Boldy
Yakov Trenin – Danila Yurov – Vladimir Tarasenko
Marcus Foligno – Nico Sturm – Vincent Hinostroza

Defense:
Quinn Hughes – Brock Faber
Jonas Brodin – Jared Spurgeon
Jacob Middleton – David Jiříček

Between the Pipes:
Jesper Wallstedt
Filip Gustavsson

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open-threads/60411/preview-a-quinn-tessential-matchup-in-minnesota

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: MacKinnon hits 30-goal mark as Avalanche rout Minnesota

The Colorado Avalanche saw the Minnesota Wild for the second time this regular season, and for the first time since the Wild acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Ultimately, the Avs would be the ones to come out on top, by a final score of 5-1 with goals from Martin Nečas, Cale Makar, Brock Nelson and two from Nathan MacKinnon.

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

First Period​

The Avs would score the first and only goal in this period, as Martin Necas would bury a gorgeous feed from Cale Makar. Colorado had some really solid offensive zone pressure leading up to this goal, and as Makar came flying into the zone down the boards, Necas was able to find a soft spot on the ice, and Makar was able to find him with a great feed, and Necas made no mistake for the 1-0 lead.

Absolute magic from Makar and Necas pic.twitter.com/FxQ35mbeXo

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 21, 2025

Second Period​

It’s not exactly a secret that the Colorado power play has been severely struggling this season, but despite that, the Avs were able to convert twice on the man-advantage in this period. First, it would be Nathan MacKinnon just rocketing the puck past Jesper Wallstedt on the power play. The Avs were able to move the puck well, and MacKinnon just buried it past the goalie.

That's 29 for 29! pic.twitter.com/ygLwAoPuxt

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 22, 2025

After that, Ryan Hartman would head off for a double-minor, and the Avs were able to convert on that opportunity as well. Cale Makar just beat Wallstedt clean on this, as he walked down to the top of the circles, and went bar-down on this goal. After two periods Colorado held a commanding 3-0 lead.

A Makar classic. pic.twitter.com/WcEdilRWsa

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 22, 2025

Third Period​

Minnesota would not go quietly, however, and they would get a goal back within the first five minutes of the beginning of third period. Ryan Hartman was camped right down by the Colorado net, and he was able to find a loose puck and put it passed Mackenzie Blackwood.

hartzy keeping his head on a swivel pic.twitter.com/Zu7I70Ez5O

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) December 22, 2025

That would ultimately be the only life Minnesota would have in this game, as Brock Nelson would score late to really put this game away for the Avs. Sam Girard was able to find him with a beautiful cross-ice pass, and Nelson just put an absolute rocket of a shot past Wallstedt to make it 4-1 in Colorado’s favor.

Can you smell what the Brock is cooking? pic.twitter.com/N0z9BiXLbk

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 22, 2025

Nathan MacKinnon would score his second goal of the night on an empty net, and he officially hit the 30-goal mark on the season, for the final score of 5-1.

Takeaways​

This might’ve been one of the best games I’ve seen Colorado play all season so far. I feel like in a lot of their overtime and/or shootout losses earlier this year, such as the shootout loss to Minnesota earlier this season, you can look at those and say “they played really well, but just ran into a really good goalie”, and tonight was a game where that didn’t happen. Jesper Wallsted has become one of the stories of the NHL season so far. He’s an incredibly good goalie, but Colorado was able to win this game despite that fact here tonight instead of running into a really good goalie yet again. While I’m still not sold on the powerplay being good just yet because of how it’s looked all year up till this point, it was super encouraging to watch them convert twice on the man-advantage here tonight. Hopefully, that’s a trend that continues.

A couple more quick notes to end the takeaways section: Nathan MacKinnon is just so good, and he continues to show why he’s one of the best players in the NHL on a nightly basis. He becomes the first player in the NHL to hit the 30-goal mark on the season, and is just playing unbelievable hockey so far. Also, I’m officially on the Brock Nelson train; he’s silently been so good for the Avs in my opinion, and had himself another three-point night tonight. It’s so nice to have a second-line center that can score and contribute to goals on a pretty regular basis, and he certainly seems to have found his game after settling in earlier this season.

Upcoming​

Next up, the Avalanche head home to take on the Utah Mammoth for one last game before the NHL holiday break. Puck drop will be on Tuesday, December 23rd at 7:00 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...hits-30-goal-mark-as-avalanche-rout-minnesota

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Weekly Cupcakes: MacKinnon first to 30 goals this season

Colorado Avalanche News
​

• Olympic snub looms despite Wedgewood’s dominant season. [The Hockey News]
• MacKinnon scores twice, and becomes the first player to hit 30 goals this season. [NHL]
• What if Colorado Avalanche players were Christmas presents? [Mile High Sticking]

News Around the League​

• Sidney Crosby passes Mario Lemieux to become Penguins’ top scorer. [USA Today]

• Milan Lucic joins Fife Flyers of British Elite League after failed NHL return. [CBC]
• IIHF World Junior Championship 2026: Preview of what is to come. [Olympics]

• Does an injured Tristan Jarry mark the end of the Oilers’ big push? [Edmonton Journal]
• Stars forward Tyler Seguin undergoes surgery for torn ACL, not yet ruled out for the postseason. [Texarkana Gazette]

• As dark cloud hovers over Maple Leafs, will it completely derail their season? [The Athletic]
• Rangers captain J.T. Miller week-to-week with upper-body injury. [Sportsnet]
  
• Abbotsford Canucks players have yet to receive championship rings from their Calder Cup win. [AbbyNews]

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/dail...cakes-mackinnon-first-to-30-goals-this-season

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: A Quinn-tessential Matchup in Minnesota

Road trips are commonplace during the holiday season.

Today, the Colorado Avalanche make their final road trip before the holiday break in a rematch against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena in St Paul. While the Avalanche have had several noteworthy matchups against Minnesota in the past, this one will be the first meeting with defenseman Quinn Hughes as a member of the Wild.

Colorado Avalanche (25-2-7)​

The Opponent: Minnesota Wild (22-9-5)

Time: 4:00 P.M. MST/6:00 P.M. EST

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

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

This game marks the second (and final) visit to the Twin Cities for the Avalanche this season. In the previous matchup on November 28, Nathan MacKinnon opened the scoring early in the first period. Minnesota countered with two second period goals by Kirill Kaprizov until Gabe Landeskog tied the game nearly halfway through the third period. Neither team scored in the overtime session, but Minnesota ultimately came out on top courtesy of a shootout-deciding goal from Matt Boldy for the 3-2 victory. Both goalies were put to the test: Minnesota’s Jesper Wallstedt stopped 39 of 41 shots, while Scott Wedgewood turned aside 37 of 39 shots.

That shootout loss didn’t derail the Avalanche in the slightest. Colorado has gone 8-1-1 since then, and remain firmly established as the undisputed leader across the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings with 57 points. The Avs are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena on Friday night. Brent Burns and Martin Nečas both recorded first period tallies, and Parker Kelly’s seventh goal of the season, a deflection of a Josh Manson shot, proved to be the difference maker in the third period. Wedgewood stopped 20 of 22 shots, and the victory marked Colorado’s twelfth consecutive victory on home ice.

While Nathan MacKinnon shares the League lead in points with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid (59) coming into today’s game, he remains the NHL’s goal-scoring leader (28). Mackenzie Blackwood will likely start between the pipes for Colorado. Since recording his first loss of the regular season against the New York Islanders on December 04 (a 6-3 decision), Blackwood has won his last four starts, allowing two goals in three of those four starts (he allowed three goals in the Avs’ previous road victory, a 5-3 decision against the Seattle Kraken this past Tuesday).

The Avalanche are seeking their first victory in St. Paul since January 9th, a 6-1 decision. A win today would even the four game season series against Minnesota at one game apiece, and put Colorado on the verge of breaking the sixty point barrier with one game remaining before the holiday break.

Projected Lineup​

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

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

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Minnesota Wild​

Despite his team’s strong start to the season, Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin knew that his defensive corps was missing high-end, game-breaking talent to compete with the likes of Colorado’s Cale Makar and Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen. Top-end talent like that comes at a premium, and few organizations are willing to make bold moves at all, let alone so early in the regular season.

Guerin had already sent waves throughout the NHL when he signed his superstar right wing Kaprizov to an eye-popping, eight-year, $136 million dollar contract extension on September 30, a deal that now stands as the richest contract throughout the League. On December 12, he made another landmark transaction, acquiring former Norris Trophy winning defenseman Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for former University of Denver defensive standout Zeev Buium, center Marco Rossi, left wing Liam Öhgren, and Minnesota’s first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Hughes scored his first goal in Minnesota green in his debut game against Boston on December 14. In his first week of action with Minnesota, Hughes added a pair of assists and has averaged 28:20 in ice time.

While it wouldn’t exactly be fair to examine a head-to-head matchup between Hughes and Makar, let’s do it anyway. Hughes has struggled against Colorado in his career, recording only six assists in fifteen career games against Colorado. Makar has recorded three goals and fifteen assists in fourteen games against Vancouver. In his twenty-six career games against Minnesota, Makar has five goals and eighteen assists for twenty-three points.

Minnesota has won their previous seven games coming into today’s game against Colorado, which serves as as the second half of a back-to-back weekend on home ice. They hosted the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday afternoon, walking away with a 5-2 decision. Matt Boldy opened the scoring with two goals in the first period, Vladimir Tarasenko recorded a goal and an assist, and Filip Gustavsson stopped 28 of 30 shots in the contest. With Wallstedt already earning the first victory against Colorado this season, it’s likely the man dubbed, “The Wall of St. Paul” and his 1.96 GAA returns to the crease today.

Both Boldy and Kaprizov share the team lead in goals (22). Boldy leads the team in points (43), and Kaprizov is a close second (41). During Minnesota’s win streak, they have scored fewer than five goals only twice: a 4-1 win against Seattle on December 08, and a 3-2 win against Ottawa on December 13.

Minnesota has not lost on home ice since a 3-2 shootout decision against the Buffalo Sabres on November 29, and has not lost in regulation since a 4-1 defeat against Pittsburgh on October 30.

Projected Lineup​

Forwards:
Kirill Kaprizov – Ryan Hartman – Mats Zuccarello
Marcus Johansson – Joel Eriksson Ek – Matt Boldy
Yakov Trenin – Danila Yurov – Vladimir Tarasenko
Marcus Foligno – Nico Sturm – Vincent Hinostroza

Defense:
Quinn Hughes – Brock Faber
Jonas Brodin – Jared Spurgeon
Jacob Middleton – David Jiříček

Between the Pipes:
Jesper Wallstedt
Filip Gustavsson

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...eview-a-quinn-tessential-matchup-in-minnesota

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Utah Mammoth (7:00 p.m.)

The Colorado Avalanche and Utah Mammoth will meet for the third time this season tonight, this time at Ball Arena. The home of the Avalanche has already seen a ton of wins this season, and it’s not even 2026 yet. The Mammoth come in having just beaten the Jets in overtime, and Colorado is following up on a 5-1 beatdown of the Minnesota Wild. Will the boys in burgundy and blue play like Santa is watching, or do the Mammoth plan on stealing Christmas?

Colorado Avalanche: 26-2-7​

The Opponent: Utah Mammoth 18-17-3

Time: 7:00 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

I don’t think I’m being irresponsible as a journalist if I keep the Avalanche portion of this pregame brief. What’s happening in Colorado is simple. They are winning games everywhich way and against all kinds of opponents, and it’s largely been thanks to an incredible start for Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Both of which seem poised to add to their trophy cases.

A matchup with the Mammoth. pic.twitter.com/BNOmiVLQSh

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 23, 2025

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Victor Olofsson — Ross Colton — Gavin Brindley
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinsk

Scott Wedgewood
MacKenzie Blackwood

Utah Mammoth​

Utah saw Clayton Keller notching the game-winning overtime goal against the Winnipeg Jets, who are off to a slow start of their own without MVP goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Still coming back and winning a game in OT takes some doing, and against a division opponent, the one point really does matter.

It feels like forever ago, but the Mammoth did play the Avalanche quite well in the home opener back in October and will hope to replicate that performance, though with a different outcome.

Projected Lineup:​

Clayton Keller — Nick Schmaltz — JJ Peterka
Lawson Crouse — Barrett Hayton — Dylan Guenther
Daniil But — Jack McBain — Michael Carcone
Liam O’Brien — Kevin Stenlund — Alex Kerfoot

Mikhail Sergachev — Sean Durzi
Nate Schmidt — John Marino
Ian Cole — Nick DeSimone

Karel Vejmelka
Vitek Vanecek

Follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/open...ad-colorado-avalanche-vs-utah-mammoth-700-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Samuel Girard solves the Utah Mammoth

One final game fore a three-day holiday break concluded at Ball Arena with the Colorado Avalanche facing their budding rival in the Utah Mammoth. As many of their matchups have gone over the last few years, this was a hard-fought contest with the home team emerging victorious in the 1-0 shutout win.

Scott Wedgewood was excellent making 32 saves in his second shutout of the season but the true hero was Samuel Girard who scored the only goal of the game unassisted on a steal and gorgeous backhand finish to give the Colorado Avalanche their 27th win prior to the holiday break.

The Game​

It began as a spirited affair with chances for both teams. Each squad also had the chance to show off their power play in the first period. Colorado looks like they are making an effort to move more on the man advantage but are still dancing around the perimeter. Utah got a couple good looks on theirs but Scott Wedgewood stood tall. The best chance in the opening frame was perhaps Martin Nečas on a breakaway who hit the crossbar behind Vitek Vanecek but the period ended in a scoreless tie.

In the second period the Avalanche finally broke through and from the unlikeliest hero as Sam Girard crafted a dandy steal and breakaway with a backhand finish for his second goal of the season to put Colorado up by one.

What a BEAUTY pic.twitter.com/aCdFAIW8e2

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) December 24, 2025

Later on in the period there was a lengthy review after it appeared Utah’s Clayton Keller scored on a second effort shot but the puck was in Wedgewood’s glove as he outstretched his arm at the goal line. The puck was probably just barely in the net but with no definitive proof the call on the ice wasn’t overturned, thus no goal. The second period ended with Colorado still holding a one-goal lead.

The Avalanche uncharacteristically held on just to survive in the third period and were outshot 12-4 in the process. Utah possessed the puck for an entire two minutes with the extra attacker but couldn’t get the equalizer. Colorado couldn’t find the back of the net again either but Girard’s goal was enough to earn the 1-0 win.

Takeaways​

Subject of endless trade rumors, Sam Girard proved his value tonight. The left handed defenseman has been quietly putting up points since his return to action and has scored six points in his last six games. In fact, at just four points behind, Girard is coming up on passing fellow defenseman Devon Toews in production. If we go by the ever-popular pace Girard is already there at 31 points over a full season to Toews’ 27.

Utah required the use of an Emergency Backup Goaltender as Karel Vejmelka was unable to dress for this contest. Utah native Colten McIntyre who is just 21-years-old was chosen for the honor and signed a try-out agreement prior to the game so he could serve as the backup.

Meet Colten McIntyre, the first Utah native to suit up for us in an @NHL game pic.twitter.com/TWp66SxnHx

— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 24, 2025

Upcoming​

A Merry Christmas and then a showdown in Vegas at 8 p.m. MT on Saturday, December 27th.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/colo...3/recap-samuel-girard-solves-the-utah-mammoth