News Avalanche Team Notes

[Colorado Avalanche]

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

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

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

First Period​

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

Second Period​

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

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

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

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

PARKER KELLY putting us on the board!

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

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

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

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

Third Period​

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

No. on the year for G#GoSensGo

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

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

BIG VAL with a BIG goal!

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

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

Takeaways​

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

Upcoiming​

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

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

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

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

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

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

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

Colorado Avalanche (35-8-9)​

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

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

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

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

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

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

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

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

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

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

Projected Lineup​

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

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

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Detroit Red Wings​

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

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

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

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

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

Projected Lineup​

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

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

Between the Pipes:
John Gibson
Cam Talbot

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

 

[JJ]

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

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

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

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

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

First Period​

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

BURNZIE gets us rolling!

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

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

The Dogg is BARKING

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

Second Period​

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

Colton on the net!

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

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

The Dogg wasn't done!

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

Third Period​

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

KELLY keeping up the momentum!

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

Takeaways​

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

Upcoming​

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

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

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Matinee in Motown

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

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

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

Colorado Avalanche (35-8-9)​

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

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

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

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

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

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

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

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

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

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

Projected Lineup​

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

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

Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Detroit Red Wings​

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

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

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

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

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

Projected Lineup​

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

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

Between the Pipes:
John Gibson
Cam Talbot

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

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

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

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

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

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

Colorado Avalanche: 35-6-9​

The Opponent: Ottawa Senators 24-21-7

Time: 5:30 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM

Colorado Avalanche​

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

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

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 27, 2026

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

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

Projected Lineup:​

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

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

MacKenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Ottawa Senators​

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

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

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

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

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

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

Projected Lineup:​

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

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

James Reimer
Linus Ulmark

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