News Avalanche Team Notes

[Colorado Avalanche]

Eagles Takeaways: Colorado scores season-high five in first to end road trip

Ross Bonander / Texas Stars

Five different Eagles produced a goal to clinch a 6–1 victory over the Stars.

The Colorado Eagles scratched back last night against the Texas Stars (DAL) in order to force overtime. Unfortunately, the Eagles fell after a sloppy pass in the neutral zone, leading to a turnover. With the push to overtime, the Eagles are now within two points of first place in the Pacific Division with one game in hand. Even though Colorado has lost three straight, they remain as one of the hottest teams in the division with a 6–2–2–0 in their last 10 games.

Defenseman Jacob MacDonald returned from his unofficial call up to the Colorado Avalanche tonight. The veteran gave an offensive boost to the blue line and to the power play. The Eagles had a dominant first period and won 6–1. Here are my takeaways from the victory over the Stars.

After being a healthy scratch last night, Oskar Olausson nails his 10th of the year from the slot to open the scoring for the night. Jack Ahcan (24) with the only assist. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/zBqqWPJfIH

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 23, 2025​

Takeaways​

Tye Felhaber set the tone for the Eagles with a fight in the first 30 seconds of the game. As the play went into the corner, a player from the Stars went after Matthew Phillips. Felhaber came in right away and pulled Kyle Looft out of the scrum and dropped his gloves. After the loss last night, the Eagles needed to get their blood boiling and Felhaber did not hesitate on the opportunity to do so.

Not even 30 seconds in and the action has started as Tye Felhaber throws down the gloves with Kyle Looft. Both will serve 5 for fighting. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/MfjOfLMoQJ

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 23, 2025​

Oskar Olausson was a healthy scratch in last night’s contest against the Stars, scoring no points in the previous two games against Abbotsford (VAN). Olausson is one of those players that find hot streaks and then go into cold streaks often. The scratch was the motivation that he needed as he scored a goal and added an assist.

Chase Bradley with his 3rd goal alone against the Stars this season. Bradley wrists it from near the blue line and takes the lead back for the Eagles. Calle Rosén (19) and Oskar Olausson (10) with the assists. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/HF5u3sjeQ3

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 23, 2025​

Calle Rosén takes charge with a one timer and sets the lead to two and gains his second point of the night. Connor Mayer (5) and Nikita Prishchepov (13) on the helpers #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/vTX5iS1xY1

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 23, 2025​

Colorado had previously allowed a power play goal in their last five games. Tonight, the Eagles killed off all three of their penalties with firm pressure coming at Trent Miner. The Colorado goaltender held firm as the Stars threw 24 shots on net and he only allowed one goal. Texas was laying the pressure on Miner, even running him over twice in the third period.

Chris Wagner taps it in from on top of the crease on the PP for the Eagles' 4th goal in the first period. T.J. Tynan (29) and Jack Ahcan (25) with the assists. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/tRyydpHdVL

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 23, 2025​

Upcoming​

The Eagles will travel back home for two games starting on Friday, February 28th against the Ontario Reign (LAK) in Loveland at Blue Arena at 7 p.m. MT.

MacDonald felt left out as he gets his 21st of the season and the Eagles' 5th goal in the period. This ends Hellberg's night and Matthew Phillips (23) and Jack Ahcan (26) with the helpers. Ahcan now has three assists in the period. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/f592Eqkv6C

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 23, 2025​

TJ Tynan (30) with a beautiful leading pass to Chris Wagner and his second goal of the night. Jacob MacDonald (16) with the secondary assist. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/0VwQAFQfX0

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 23, 2025​

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...in-first-to-end-road-trip-before-heading-home

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Avalanche look to shake off frustrating return to play against Blues

Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Avs and Blues square off for the second time this season.

Despite a respectable effort from the Avs last night in Nashville, it was not enough to produce more than one goal against the lowly Predators. To add to the sting of the loss, The Avs had to watch both Dallas and Minnesota come out of their respective matchups with two points, as well as watch both Winnipeg and St. Louis draw points out of their contest with each other, with the Jets edging out the Blues in the shootout.

It is not an ideal way to start the homestretch for the Avs, but they get an immediate opportunity to respond tonight, as they visit St. Louis for a date with Jordan Binnington and the Blues. St. Louis is somewhat in the rearview for the Avs for now, but with three games still to be played in this seasonal matchup, and only 12 points back, there’s still a long enough tail on the Avs for the Blues to chase and catch.

A win tonight is a four-point swing in the matchup, so there’s incentive for the Avs to not only go out and catch the Stars and Wild, but to create separation from the wild card hungry teams.

Colorado Avalanche

It simply was not the Avs’ night in Nashville last night. While they played far from their A-game, they certainly did more than enough to deserve more than the one goal they potted past Juuse Saros on 32 shots. One lucky bounce for the Preds in the second period changed the outlook of the game, and allowed for Nashville to sit on their one-goal lead for an entire period.

While the process was good for the Avs, they’ll need more out of their complementary forwards to avoid games like Saturday. Nathan MacKinnon led the way for the Avs with eight shots on net, but despite the heavy load for MacKinnon, five forwards finished the game with zero shots on net, most notably Ross Colton, Jonathan Drouin, and Casey Mittelstadt. Additionally, Martin Necas finished the game with one shot, so there’s going to be an expectation out of these players to provide MacKinnon with some help offensively as the Avs look to find their groove offensively.

No changes are expected in the Avs lineup this afternoon. Samuel Girard took a puck to the face last night and was bleeding pretty heavily, but he still topped 21 minutes of ice time, so he should be good to go.

MacKenzie Blackwood figures to tend the crease for the Avs this afternoon. It was somewhat of a surprise to see Scott Wedgewood get the net yesterday, although it makes sense to give your starting goaltender the tougher matchup. On the season, Blackwood has a 2.53 goals against average and a 2.53 save percentage.

Projected Lineup

Artturi Lehkonen (62) — Nathan MacKinnon (29) — Martin Necas (88)

Jonathan Drouin (27) — Casey Mittelstadt (37) — Juuso Parssinen (16)

Miles Wood (28) — Jack Drury (18) — Ross Colton (20)

Joel Kiviranta (94) — Parker Kelly (17) — Logan O’Connor (25)

Devon Toews (7) — Cale Makar (8)

Samuel Girard (49) — Sam Malinski (70)

Calvin De Haan (44) — Keaton Middleton (67)

MacKenzie Blackwood (39)

Scott Wedgewood (41)

St. Louis Blues

As mentioned earlier, the Blues return to play saw them net a point against the Winnipeg Jets, falling in the shootout 4-3. Neither team relied on their number one goaltender in that contest, as both Jordan Binnington and Connor Hellebuyck watched from the bench after competing against each other in Thursday’s Canada-USA gold medal game.

The Blues nearly pulled out two points in regulation from last night’s contest, but a Gabe Vilardi game-tying-goal in the final minute sent the contest to extra time. The lost point is a huge one for the Blues, as every point will be important to them as they hunt down a wild card spot in the west.

On the season, the Blues boast a mediocre record of 25-26-6, and have struggled to stand out in any significant way. Both special teams units are ranked in the bottom ten of the NHL, and they struggle to score goals, only potting 2.70 goals per game. When these teams met on January 31st, the Avs rode a four-goal explosion in the opening period en route to a 5-0 victory, a game that the Avs won with relative ease.

With backup Joel Hofer drawing the start last night, Jordan Binnington is expected to start for the Blues, fresh off of backstopping Team Canada to a gold medal in the Four Nations Faceoff. Binnington was subject to criticism the entire tournament, but stole the show in Overtime of the gold medal game, keeping Canada alive with multiple spectacular saves.

In the NHL this season, Binnington has had a rough year. With a record of 15-19-4, and numbers of a 2.89 goals against average and a .897 save percentage, he has not helped the Blues much to find sustainable success, but he has the talent to get white hot as we all know.

Projected Lineup

Jake Neighbours (63) — Robert Thomas (18) — Pavel Buchnevich (89)

Dylan Holloway (81) — Brayden Schenn (10) — Jordan Kyrou (25)

Mathieu Joseph (71) — Oskar Sundqvist (70) — Zack Bolduc (76)

Alexey Toropchenko (13) — Radek Faksa (12) — Nathan Walker (26)

Cam Fowler (17) — Colton Parayko (55)

Philip Broberg (6) — Justin Faulk (72)

Ryan Suter (22) — Tyler Tucker (75)

Jordan Binnington (50)

Joel Hofer (30)

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...trating-return-to-play-against-st-louis-blues

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Avs sluggish in loss to St. Louis

Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Not much to write home about when it comes to that performance.

It was another disappointing night for the Colorado Avalanche out of the gate.

After scoring the opening goal, Colorado gave up three unanswered goals in a 3-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. They end this quick two-game road trip with back-to-back games with losses.

The Avalanche still sit in the first wild card spot, but are losing ground on those ahead of them in the Central Division. Games like Sunday Night won’t help their cause. Here’s how it all went down.

First Period

The game started with a bang, thanks to an early bout between Parker Kelly and Nathan Walker. Both would sit for five minutes, and it wouldn’t be the last bit of action for the latter of the two.

After making history by winning the Four Nations Face-Off, Cale Makar made some more. He recorded his 400th career point on a point shot which was deflected by fellow Canadian teammate Devon Toews to get the lead.

Deflection perfection from number #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/goM0WrKt46

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 23, 2025​

Walker was involved in another scrum after a whistle with Logan O’Connor and Joel Kiviranta, earning matching penalties with LOC. Plus, Jack Drury would be on the receiving end of a big hit by Ryan Suter which drew a crowd, primarily with some pushes and shoves from Miles Wood.

But Colorado would find themselves on the back foot for a good bit of the period. The Blues just looked to be a half-step ahead and were pushing for the equalizer before going into the room. But Mackenzie Blackwood made some big saves in the closing minutes to hold the advantage heading into the break.

Second Period

Blackwood continued to make brilliant saves, with his best being on a point-blank chance right in front which he forced onto the post. Calvin de Haan hit the post himself on a long-range shot at the other end moments later.

After killing off a Pavel Buchnevich tripping penalty, the Blues would eventually strike. Brayden Schenn would find the puck shot off of Sam Girard on his stick, and he put it into a gaping net to tie it up.

Brayden Schenn comin' up big pic.twitter.com/l7fO1jV9kj

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) February 24, 2025​

This would not be the last time St. Louis would find the twine either. Just five minutes apart, they would get bouncy rebounds right in front from Colton Parayko and Dylan Holloway. The Holloway goal came with only 10 ticks left on the clock, giving them a two-goal advantage with 20 minutes to go.

Winning gold at #4Nations now scoring goals on the doorstep. Can't stop Colton Parayko. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/C2bVJ4NYKJ

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) February 24, 2025​

10 SECONDS LEFT IN THE PERIOD!! pic.twitter.com/LzRkBOORFy

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) February 24, 2025​

Third Period

For the first 15 minutes of the period, St. Louis played excellent shutdown hockey, giving nothing to the Avalanche. The best chance came from Ross Colton on a wraparound, but it didn’t go.

Finally, Colorado showed some life in the final five minutes with chances from Colton again, and Nathan MacKinnon being denied on great saves by Jordan Binnington - similar to saves he made in the Four Nations Face-Off Championship Game. Down two with the goalie pulled, it was a monumental task which proved too much for the visitors.

Takeaways

There’s not much to say about this one. For the second straight game, Colorado didn’t do what it needed to do. Last night, they had the energy and prowess to get chances on net. But they didn’t finish them. At the other end of the spectrum tonight, they were outshot and the Blues shut them down. Not really one player stood up and took this game by the reigns to lead the Avalanche forward. While this was the second leg of a back-to-back, the Avs have historically been better on the second legs. But it wasn’t the case this evening.

Perhaps more concerningly, the slow starts after a long break are glaring now. Last season, right out of the NHL All-Star Break, Colorado went on a four-game losing streak on an East Coast road trip, losing seven of 10. The trend of losing consecutive games out of the break continues this season with these two straight losses. With the next six games at Ball Arena, now is the perfect time to right the ship and get it going back in the right direction.

Upcoming

For the first time in three weeks, the Avalanche return home to face the New Jersey Devils for the first of a six-game homestand. Puck drop on Wednesday night is at 7:30 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...-avalanche-sluggish-in-loss-to-st-louis-blues

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Where has Colorado’s scoring gone?

Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Can this group generate more goals?

Following a disappointing loss to the St. Louis Blues, the bulk of the conversation surrounding the Colorado Avalanche and their latest woes has centered around the lack of scoring. Head coach Jared Bednar is even acknowledging concerns after producing just two goals in a pair of weekend games.

Bednar admitted he's concerned about the lack of offense from forwards not on his top line.

"All three of those lines, if you look through how many of those guys have gone 10-12 games with just a point or two, it's the bulk of them," he said.

— Evan Rawal (@evanrawal) February 24, 2025

Relying on a good handful of players who have no history of consistent production, particularly in goal scoring in their careers is faulty at best. It’s not about just bearing down to get the job done.

Ross Colton leads the rest of the forward group with a career high of 22 goals he scored in the 21-22 season has just three assists on the year after cooling down off of his scoring streak in the fall. Jonathan Drouin, who has missed a lot of the season due to injury netted 21 with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 16-17. Miles Wood currently has three points total with a career high of 32 points and 19 goals back in 2017-18. Logan O’Connor’s career high is 26 points and 13 goals while he currently has 14 points. Newly acquired Jack Drury has a career high of 27 points with eight goals. Going even further down the lineup is Parker Kelly with a career high 18 points and Joel Kiviranta with 11 points prior to this season.

Casey Mittelstadt is his own enigma, which was discussed in depth a couple months ago, but the production expectations with him need to be tempered. Casey scored a combined 18 goals split between Colorado and Buffalo last season but his previous career high was 15 goals in the 22-23 season in which he played all 82 games and Buffalo was third in the league in goals for.

Clearly, this bunch is not going to produce consistent secondary offense even with an assumed glow up playing with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, who often share the ice with each other. The other issue is those who are producing outside the duo of superstars are doing it at an elevated shooting percentage.

First up is Artturi Lehkonen who leads the Avalanche in goals with 23 and is shooting 22%, which is clearly above his career 11% mark. Similarly, Valeri Nichushkin when he has been on the ice is shooting 21% to arrive at his 11 goals over his normal 11%. Jonathan Drouin’s six goals has come from a 17% rate when his career average is just 9%. Joel Kiviranta is shooting 17% as well over his career 10% with his 11 goals. Even Casey Mittelstadt is shooting a tick above his career average as is Ross Colton and Martin Nečas. If anything this group is primed to regress down to the mean rather than find some extra scoring touch over the next couple of months.

Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar will have to continue to carry the team if they want to have continued success. MacKinnon is shooting a little under his career average of 10% and can quickly improve upon his 21 goals this season. Makar, though, is shooting over his 10% so they both might regress to balance each other out.

It may be time to take a bigger picture view of how this roster is constructed especially before deciding on how to approach the upcoming NHL trade deadline. Is it really a production drought when there’s a deficit in scoring talent and the ones with skill are already reaping the benefits of good fortune? With so many changes to this roster over the calendar year in particular has the team lost their identity and ability to create offense? Hopefully in the near future there’s more answers than questions.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/2/24/24370733/where-has-colorado-avalanche-scoring-gone

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs St. Louis Blues (4:00 p.m.)

Photo by Rick Ulreich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It’s another Colorado Avalanche gameday!

Despite a respectable effort from the Avs last night in Nashville, it was not enough to produce more than one goal against the lowly Predators. To add to the sting of the loss, The Avs had to watch both Dallas and Minnesota come out of their respective matchups with two points, as well as watch both Winnipeg and St. Louis draw points out of their contest with each other, with the Jets edging out the Blues in the shootout.

It is not an ideal way to start the homestretch for the Avs, but they get an immediate opportunity to respond tonight, as they visit St. Louis for a date with Jordan Binnington and the Blues. St. Louis is somewhat in the rearview for the Avs for now, but with three games still to be played in this seasonal matchup, and only 12 points back, there’s still a long enough tail on the Avs for the Blues to chase and catch.

A win tonight is a four-point swing in the matchup, so there’s incentive for the Avs to not only go out and catch the Stars and Wild, but to create separation from the wild card hungry teams.

Colorado Avalanche Projected Lineup

Artturi Lehkonen (62) — Nathan MacKinnon (29) — Martin Necas (88)

Jonathan Drouin (27) — Casey Mittelstadt (37) — Juuso Parssinen (16)

Miles Wood (28) — Jack Drury (18) — Ross Colton (20)

Joel Kiviranta (94) — Parker Kelly (17) — Logan O’Connor (25)

Devon Toews (7) — Cale Makar (8)

Samuel Girard (49) — Sam Malinski (70)

Calvin De Haan (44) — Keaton Middleton (67)

MacKenzie Blackwood (39)

Scott Wedgewood (41)

St. Louis Blues Projected Lineup

Jake Neighbours (63) — Robert Thomas (18) — Pavel Buchnevich (89)

Dylan Holloway (81) — Brayden Schenn (10) — Jordan Kyrou (25)

Mathieu Joseph (71) — Oskar Sundqvist (70) — Zack Bolduc (76)

Alexey Toropchenko (13) — Radek Faksa (12) — Nathan Walker (26)

Cam Fowler (17) — Colton Parayko (55)

Philip Broberg (6) — Justin Faulk (72)

Ryan Suter (22) — Tyler Tucker (75)

Jordan Binnington (50)

Joel Hofer (30)

Make sure to follow along in the comments below!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...colorado-avalanche-vs-st-louis-blues-4-00-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Avalanche Trade Deadline Bingo Card 3.0

Photo by Scott Rovak/NHLI via Getty Images

It’s time to bring some old friends back to Colorado!

After going back to the familiar faces well over the last several trade deadlines with the likes of Cal Soderberg, Patrik Nemeth, Jack Johnson and Matt Nieto as key returnees in past years, now it’s time to identify and predict the next former player targets for the Colorado Avalanche in the upcoming March 7th transactions. GM Chris MacFarland hasn’t been shy about remaking the team on the fly with new faces over the past year in particular but the safety of a known quantity always appeals on trade deadline day.

Not all listed below are great ideas or easily possible but are identified as the most likely still in the league on NHL contract former Avalanche players who could get a second, or third, or fourth tour of duty with the organization.

For this exercise, anyone who has worn burgundy and blue in the NHL is fair game with one caveat -- no former rentals. Although there is one exception to that rule mentioned later.

Forwards​

Matt Nieto for a third time won’t happen, right? Let’s just get that one out of the way first.

It’s easy to go back to the Stanley Cup championship 2022 squad to find returnees but those players all left for a reason, mostly due to expense. Still, with salary retention a hot topic in the rumors of a Seth Jones pursuit among others, things could get interesting if the Avalanche are looking to make such a transaction with a player on an expensive long-term contract. They would welcome real secondary offense options such as Andre Burakovsky. He’s signed for two more years at $5.5M but perhaps Seattle would be willing to facilitate a reunion especially because the winger hasn’t scored 20 goals since he was in Colorado.

Continuing to focus on the 2021-22 team, there’s also JT Compher with three years remaining at $5.1M, which isn’t very prohibitive at this point if the organization needs to get creative to fill the hole at center again. Less likely would be Nazem Kadri with five years left at $7 million on his deal but if the financials could get worked out he’d look good in an Avalanche uniform again.

Utah might be an attractive trade partner for expiring contracts and Alexander Kerfoot would be a good depth addition at center on an affordable price tag of $3.5M. Another mammoth forward, Liam O’Brien is a cult favorite in Utah but if the Avalanche want some sandpaper locked up at $1 million for the next two years he can be their guy.

Let’s pivot and go back into the time machine for some truly old friends. Chris MacFarland could hit up Barry Trotz in Nashville for a third time this season and welcome Ryan O’Reilly back to Denver. There would have to be some salary retention on his $4.5 million price tag over his final two years to make it work but while is is slowing down Radar has still produced 34 points in 52 games this season.

The one rental who could definitely come back for a second truncated tour of duty? That would be Stanley Cup champion Nico Sturm. He’s on an expiring contract again worth $2 million and Bednar already has trust in him, which seems like a likely target. Similarly, Nicolas Aube-Kubel was a little more than a rental in Colorado but departed after denting the Cup, but still could be an extra depth body especially after clearing waivers earlier this season.

Usually prospects and minor league depth don’t make a return appearance in Colorado but they’ve circled back in abundance this season, mostly for the AHL. The deadline is usually about adding reputation, experience and known role players. But if the Avalanche could welcome a former project back would they take on Kiefer Sherwood? He is enjoying an elevated role in Vancouver and scored a hat trick on the Avalanche in December, that usually that leaves an impression. Sherwood is signed at $1.5M through next season.

We can’t forget AHL help in the potential transactions either, Cal Burke is on NHL contract with Vegas and might be a cheap option to fortify the Eagles. There’s also Dominic Toninato who has been a depth player in Winnipeg for five years Colorado could try and poach.

Defense​

It’s no secret the Avalanche need real help on the back end and will probably acquire a top-four defenseman as the biggest priority this deadline. What better way than to bring back the missing piece himself, Bowen Byram?

The former prospect cohort isn’t one the Avalanche tend to admit their mistakes on but a less proven option is Conor Timmins who is finally having a healthy season playing regularly in Toronto on an affordable $1.1M expiring contract. If he’s not in their future plans perhaps there could be a reunion in Colorado. Dennis Gilbert is a sneaky good candidate to return as he has become a NHL regular in recent years and also fits the big strong quota with his 50 penalty minutes this season on an affordable $825k deal.

Just like the forwards, with salary retention more options could emerge. It’s no secret that Ryan Graves hasn’t worked out in Pittsburgh but take a fraction of the $4.5M he’s owed the next four years might make a reunion or palatable especially in rebuilding the Avalanche blueline beyond this season. He fit well under Bednar in the past and Graves would be more reliable than many of the bottom pair options that have rotated through. If the retention dream could be realized on the rest of his six-year $30M contract, the GOAT himself Nikita Zadorov would be a welcome sight if the Boston Bruins choose to blow it up.

Those at the twilight of their careers could make it one last hurrah and we can’t count out the Avalanche trading for Jack Johnson a second time for a third tour of duty. Erik Johnson hasn’t even played 10 games in Philadelphia since his 1000th NHL game in November but what better way to call it a career than for a couple more games in Colorado? Likewise for Ian Cole, on an expiring $3.1M deal in Utah is one of those experienced big strong options.

Finally, the Avalanche could look through players recently on waivers to find some cheap value. We can’t rule out Tyson Barrie for one more run especially if the Avalanche trade Sam Malinski and need someone to help move the puck. Andreas Englund was a solid depth contributor for the Kings but was recently picked up on waivers by Nashville, he could get moved for the right price, too.

Goaltending​

If the Avalanche still aren’t comfortable with depth in net they could add another goaltender to fortify beyond the Wood tandem and strengthen that third position they’ve been missing all year. Most former Avalanche goaltenders aren’t in the league anymore or are on hefty contracts, not much middle ground. However one former option could be available in Spencer Martin who has bounced from the NHL and AHL this season. If Tampa Bay upgrades in net perhaps Jonas Johansson could return to Colorado for a third time?

Who would you like to see return and any predictions?

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025/2/25/24344827/colorado-avalanche-trade-deadline-bingo-card-3-0

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Should the Avalanche target Nikita Zadorov at the trade deadline?

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The 93rd installment of the Mile High Hockey Lab is available NOW!

The 93rd installment of the Mile High Hockey Lab is available on your preferred Podcast platform! Don’t forget to download our new episode and give us a follow! This episode was hosted by Adrian Hernandez and joined by Jackie Kay and Brennan Vogt.

A big storyline over the past couple of weeks was the memorable Four Nations tournament and the incredible performances by Colorado Avalanche players, especially Nathan MacKinnon. We recorded just before the Finale and predicted a Canada win and for MacKinnon to impact the game as well.

We then turned our attention back to the Avalanche and the stretch run to their season. Health updates were discussed and the upcoming (unfortunate) back-to-back road trip.

As always, a little trade deadline talk was hashed out including the Seth Jones rumors. Jackie had an idea that if Colorado is willing to pay for significant retention on Jones then why not just make a deal for Nikita Zadorov? Big Z by the way is part of Jackie’s annual Trade Deadline Bingo Card which will drop later this afternoon.

Be sure to share your #BoldPredictions on X and in the comments here! We will discuss them on our show and give you any dings you might earn!

Please like, subscribe, and share our pod with your fellow Avalanche fans!

Go Avs!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...e-target-nikita-zadorov-at-the-trade-deadline

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Val Nichushkin returns tonight against New Jersey

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

Jared Bednar confirmed it this morning: Colorado’s X-Factor is finally back!

Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the New Jersey Devils and the return of a crucial member of their top six at home in Denver, CO. Will Val Nichushkin's return reignite the Avalanche, a squad that appears deadset on remaining dormant after the 4 Nations break? Will the equally up-and-down Devils extend Colorado's losing streak to three games?

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche threw two duds fresh off the 4 Nations Face-Off, but let's not forget Colorado hasn't been on home ice since the second day of February, and there is no place like home. The presence of Val Nichushkin is unprecedented in terms of this team's success over the years, which remains true this season. That said, his returning to the ice tonight has the potential to get things back into gear in the Rocky Mountains.

Val Nuchishkin will return tonight per Jared Bednar on @AltitudeSR#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 26, 2025​

Colorado's MVP and Team Canada's MVP, Nathan MacKinnon, is due for a glow-up based on career averages and his current shooting percentage. Jackie Kay made a bold prediction on this week's edition of the Mile High Hockey Lab, anticipating that MacK will net two or more goals in at least two games before next week’s episode (three games). He's currently tied with Leon Draisaitl for the NHL's top point-getter despite his less-than-normal shooting percentage. He will fill it up again.

MVP Nathan MacKinnon sounds a bit familiar. #GoAvsGo | #4Nations pic.twitter.com/jme5Fbj58y

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 21, 2025​

Scott Wedgewood and MacKenzie Blackwood both achieved that which shall not be uttered against the Devils the last time they got a start against their former club. Hopefully, we will see more of that this evening, which feels like a must-have for Colorado.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Jonathan Drouin — Casey Mittelstadt — Valeri Nichushkin
Miles Wood — Ross Colton — Logan O'Connor
Joel Kiviranta — Jack Drury — Juuso Parssinen

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
Calvin de Haan — Oliver Kylington

Note: This "projected lineup" is more of what I'd like to see now that Nichushkin has returned. How Blendnar will churn out the forward group remains to be seen.

New Jersey Devils​

The New Jersey Devils have had results similar to the Avalanche or at least accumulated wins and losses at a similar clip. Coincidentally, they have followed the win-loss-win-loss pattern for much of the season. If that trend stands pat, they are due for a loss after destroying the Nashville Predators by a score of 5-0 their last time out in a game that secured Nico Daws' first career shutout.

Projected Lineup:​

Ondrej Palat — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt
Tomas Tatar — Nico Hischier — Stefan Noesen
Timo Meier — Justin Dowling — Dawson Mercer
Paul Cotter — Erik Haula — Nathan Bastian

Brenden Dillon — Dougie Hamilton
Brett Pesce — Johnathan Kovacevic
Luke Hughes — Seamus Casey

Goaltenders​

According to Daily Faceoff, Jake Allen and MacKenzie Blackwood are the unconfirmed starters, so let's see how that sorts out as we get word from the morning skate. MacKenzie Blackwood has stopped the last 57 shot attempts by the Devils, so I think it's safe to say he will be in the net for Colorado.

Mackenzie Blackwood has stopped 57 of 57 against the #NJDevils since leaving the organization.

Can they finally crack him tonight? https://t.co/2MxZIzT9gg

— Infernal Access (@InfernalAccess) February 26, 2025​

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...nichushkin-returns-tonight-against-new-jersey

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Colorado starts the homestand on a high-note

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

A four-goal third period helps Colorado secure the win here tonight.

After coming home from a disappointing road trip, the Colorado Avalanche kicked off a six-game homestand at Ball Arena tonight as they took on the New Jersey Devils. While this game looked like a low-scoring affair for a majority of regulation, it did not end up being low-scoring, as the Avs exploded for a four-goal third period and won the game by a final score of 5-1.

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

First Period​

Colorado would get on the board tonight first, courtesy of Artturi Lehkonen. After surviving a two-minute penalty kill, Lehkonen would manage to drive hard to the front of the New Jersey net on a play and put the puck past Jake Allen on the backhand.

Finn-tastic moves from Lehkonen!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/NDYnkwFIC3

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 27, 2025​

Second Period​

While both teams had their own grade-A chances in this period, neither one was able to convert, and the score remained 1-0 in Colorado’s favor. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped a Jack Hughes breakaway in this period, and Jake Allen had all the puck-luck on his side on the other end.

Third Period​

After Colorado failed to score in the second period, Nathan MacKinnon would finally give the Avs the 2-0 lead on the power play. On this play, Cale Makar would initially feed Martin Necas for a one-timer, and that would intially be saved by Allen. The puck went straight to MacKinnon after that, Allen lost track of the puck, and MacKinnon was able to put it home from the goal line.

MacKinnon cleaning up on the power play #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/2dbbLsmQUp

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 27, 2025​

Jack Hughes would get one back for New Jersey after that, as he was left all alone in the slot in front of the Colorado net. He managed to find the soft spot in the middle of the ice, just ripped the puck on net, and managed to beat Mackenzie Blackwood.

Super Hughes Bros back at it again. pic.twitter.com/GfrIHmTL8m

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) February 27, 2025​

Colorado would get the two-goal lead back after that however, as MacKinnon showed off a bit of baseball-like skill and batted a puck out of the air to make it 3-1.

Ew #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/0nKdJDnvvQ

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 27, 2025​

Casey Mittlestadt would then get in on the offensive explosion that happened in this period, as he would give the Avs a 4-1 lead after a rebound came straight to him, and he was able to beat Allen.

4-1 Colorado as Casey Mittelstadt buries the rebound!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/UFTRLflAD7

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 27, 2025​

Logan O’Connor would tack on another goal too for good measure, as Parker Kelly would find him with a phenomenal pass to make it 5-1 Colorado, and Jake Allen’s night would end there, as he was pulled after that goal.

Parker Kelly finds Logan O'Connor for another Colorado goal!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/NVv9QsKBM0

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 27, 2025​

Takeaways​

After watching Colorado not be able to find their scoring touch this past weekend coming off of the Four Nations break, it feels great to watch them actually score in this game, against a very good Devils team no less. Not only were they able to find their scoring touch again, but you did get some guys other than your top line players contribute on the score sheet as well, even if it was kind of in garbage time.

It’s not exactly a secret that every single point matters more than ever now, and this game felt especially important given the last two game outcomes. Seeing Colorado rise to the occassion and get a win here tonight is exactly what they needed to do, and now they’ll need to do it against the Wild next.

Upcoming​

The Colorado Avalanche take on the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena on Friday in a divisional matchup. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. MT.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...he-homestand-on-a-high-note-new-jersey-devils

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Trade Targets: Pie in the Sky vs. Realism

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The 94th installment of the Mile High Hockey Lab is available NOW!

The 94th installment of the Mile High Hockey Lab is available on your preferred Podcast platform! Don’t forget to download our new episode and give us a follow! This episode was hosted by Adrian Hernandez and joined by a full house of Jackie Kay, Ezra Parter, Evan Liu, and Brennan Vogt.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, we focused the bulk of our conversation on what may potentially lie ahead. We spun the wheel of trade targets with some surprising results, Jackie discussed her former Avalanche player bingo card, and we each came up with a realistic Avs trade prediction as well as a dream trade. Adrian pitched the ultimate trade scenario which brings Sidney Crosby to Colorado.

Adrian (@AdoHernandez27) is back on his BS at the deadline...

Catch this week's full episode here!

: https://t.co/4pCGoFob9u pic.twitter.com/m6LnROpJnW

— Mile High Hockey Lab (@MHH_LAB) February 26, 2025​

As always at the end of the show, the five of us offered our Bold Predictions for the week of Colorado Avalanche games ahead. Ezra got us off to a hot start predicting the Avalanche will win every game prior to the trade deadline. The victory over New Jersey was a step in the right direction.

Ezra (@ezraparter.bsky.social) is going BOLD with his bold prediction this week and says that the Avalanche won't lose a game before next week's show!

So far, so good!

Catch the full episode NOW: https://t.co/4pCGoFob9u #GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey | @MHH_LAB pic.twitter.com/brKstJ6RBg

— Mile High Hockey Lab (@MHH_LAB) February 27, 2025​

Also, Jackie predicted Nathan MacKinnon would start to turn around his below average (for him) shooting percentage and have a pair of two-goal games this week. That too, was made good in the New Jersey game, can he do it again to earn Jackie a ding?

Be sure to share your #BoldPredictions on X and in the comments here! We will discuss them on our show and give you any dings you might earn!

Please like, subscribe, and share our pod with your fellow Avalanche fans!

Go Avs!

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...anche-trade-targets-pie-in-the-sky-vs-realism

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils (7:30 p.m.)

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

It’s a Colorado Avalanche game day!

Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche welcome the New Jersey Devils and the return of a crucial member of their top six at home in Denver, CO. Will Val Nichushkin’s return reignite the Avalanche, a squad that appears deadset on remaining dormant after the 4 Nations break? Will the equally up-and-down Devils extend Colorado’s losing streak to three games?

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche threw two duds fresh off the 4 Nations Face-Off, but let’s not forget Colorado hasn’t been on home ice since the second day of February, and there is no place like home. The presence of Val Nichushkin is unprecedented in terms of this team’s success over the years, which remains true this season. That said, his returning to the ice tonight has the potential to get things back into gear in the Rocky Mountains.

Val Nuchishkin will return tonight per Jared Bednar on @AltitudeSR#GoAvsGo | @MileHighHockey

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 26, 2025​

Colorado’s MVP and Team Canada’s MVP, Nathan MacKinnon, is due for a glow-up based on career averages and his current shooting percentage. Jackie Kay made a bold prediction on this week’s edition of the Mile High Hockey Lab, anticipating that MacK will net two or more goals in at least two games before next week’s episode (three games). He’s currently tied with Leon Draisaitl for the NHL’s top point-getter despite his less-than-normal shooting percentage. He will fill it up again.

MVP Nathan MacKinnon sounds a bit familiar. #GoAvsGo | #4Nations pic.twitter.com/jme5Fbj58y

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) February 21, 2025​

Scott Wedgewood and MacKenzie Blackwood both achieved that which shall not be uttered against the Devils the last time they got a start against their former club. Hopefully, we will see more of that this evening, which feels like a must-have for Colorado.

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Jonathan Drouin — Casey Mittelstadt — Valeri Nichushkin
Miles Wood — Ross Colton — Logan O’Connor
Joel Kiviranta — Jack Drury — Juuso Parssinen

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
Calvin de Haan — Oliver Kylington

Note: This “projected lineup” is more of what I’d like to see now that Nichushkin has returned. How Blendnar will churn out the forward group remains to be seen.

New Jersey Devils​

The New Jersey Devils have had results similar to the Avalanche or at least accumulated wins and losses at a similar clip. Coincidentally, they have followed the win-loss-win-loss pattern for much of the season. If that trend stands pat, they are due for a loss after destroying the Nashville Predators by a score of 5-0 their last time out in a game that secured Nico Daws’ first career shutout.

Projected Lineup:​

Ondrej Palat — Jack Hughes — Jesper Bratt
Tomas Tatar — Nico Hischier — Stefan Noesen
Timo Meier — Justin Dowling — Dawson Mercer
Paul Cotter — Erik Haula — Nathan Bastian

Brenden Dillon — Dougie Hamilton
Brett Pesce — Johnathan Kovacevic
Luke Hughes — Seamus Casey

Goaltenders​

According to Daily Faceoff, Jake Allen and MacKenzie Blackwood are the unconfirmed starters, so let’s see how that sorts out as we get word from the morning skate. MacKenzie Blackwood has stopped the last 57 shot attempts by the Devils, so I think it’s safe to say he will be in the net for Colorado.

Mackenzie Blackwood has stopped 57 of 57 against the #NJDevils since leaving the organization.

Can they finally crack him tonight? https://t.co/2MxZIzT9gg

— Infernal Access (@InfernalAccess) February 26, 2025​

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...orado-avalanche-vs-new-jersey-devils-7-30-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild (7:00 p.m.)

Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

It’s a Colorado Avalanche game day!

It’s Division Rivalry Night at Ball Arena in Denver, CO, as the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Minnesota Wild. Colorado had a great showing their last time out against the Devils as they saw the return of forward Val Nichushkin and subsequent scoring touch. On the other hand, Minnesota can’t seem to catch a break, as injuries have officially derailed what appeared to be a promising season. They come to Denver having just suffered a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Utah Hockey Club. Still, they sit two points ahead of the Avalanche in the Central. Big game!

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche returned from a not-so-successful return to action and looked like a more familiar team against the Devils. MacKinnon got on the board twice, and that’s good news for Jackie, who needs one more two-goal performance to earn her a ding on the Mile High Hockey Lab. I say MacK does it tonight against a team he’s loved running it on since his rookie season.

I feel so bad for the other 31 fanbases that don’t get to root for Nathan MacKinnon. What a player. #GoAvsGo | @MHH_LAB | @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/J9Jzr0nYZq

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 27, 2025​

This game will mark just the 7th all season in which the Avalanche can ice a healthy forward group. That’s a remarkable fact, considering we are 22 games away from the playoffs. What happens over the next two weeks before the trade deadline will prove paramount and compulsory for Colorado’s decision-making in the future.

Another big division rivalry game tonight against the Minnesota Wild! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/3C7ojx4lvv

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) February 28, 2025​

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Jonathan Drouin — Casey Mittelstadt — Valeri Nichushkin
Ross Colton — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta
Miles Wood — Parker Kelly — Logan O’Connor

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
Calvin de Haan — Oliver Kylington

Minnesota Wild​

As previously mentioned, the Wild are an injury-riddled team, and it’s cost them in the long run. Not long ago, the Wild were one of the hottest teams in the league, keeping up with the Winnipeg Jets (sort of), who have since run away with the division. The question is, will being short-handed take them from unexpected contenders to missing the playoffs altogether? That remains to be seen.

BAD #mnwild NEWS: Center Joel Eriksson Ek was injured in practice yesterday and has been placed on injured reserve. Must miss at least 7 days (next 4 games), but I hear he's going to be out a lot longer. Jakub Lauko will likely be activated off IR and replace him on roster

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 25, 2025​

Projected Lineup:​

Marcus Foligno — Marco Rossi — Mats Zuccarello
Matt Boldy — Frederick Gaudreau — Vinnie Hinostroza
Marcus Foligno — Marat Khusnutdinov — Liam Ohgren
Jakub Lauko — Devin Shore — Yakov Trenin

Jacob Middleton — Brock Faber
Jonas Brodin — Jared Spurgeon
Declan Chisholm — Zach Bogosian

Note: Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek remain on IR for the Wild.

Goaltenders​

MacKenzie Blackwood vs Filip Gustavsson is tonight’s unconfirmed matchup on the net. Gustavsson had a tough go of it in the 4 Nations but has been good for Minnesota this season, posting a 2.68 GAA and .913 SV%.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...colorado-avalanche-vs-minnesota-wild-7-00-p-m

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

ELC Season is upon us

Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images

Will the Colorado Avalanche sign any prospects?

One of the most important, yet least talked about, days in the prospect and development cycle is here. That is the day of March first, which is the first day Entry Level Contracts can be signed for the 2025-26 season. There will be a flurry of activity around the league as NHL general managers want to get a jump on signing their prospects and especially as NCAA seasons conclude. The Colorado Avalanche are no different as they have several decision to make in the near future.

Last season of those possibilities mentioned several ELCs were indeed executed in March including Ivan Ivan’s signing right after the window opened on the second day of the month. Sean Behrens trailed behind in April after the Denver Pioneers won the National Championship once again. Surprisingly, though, it took until after development camp in July for Calum Ritchie to get under contract.

Usually the first group to watch out for with respect to signings is the CHL cohort playing in major junior and thus signing a NHL contract doesn’t impact their eligibility to remain participating there. The Avalanche currently only have unsigned Max Curran in the WHL and it is unexpected he signs now with one more year of rights remaining, therefore there aren’t any CHL contracts on the radar.

The Students​

For the Avalanche, the bulk of interest on this season’s NCAA class will center around Taylor Makar. The 23-year old power forward will finish up his senior season at Maine soon and could turn pro shortly after. He’s enjoyed a much more productive season since changing schools with 13 goals and 24 points in 30 games and should strike while the iron is hot with respect to a NHL contract offer.

Hat Trick (Taylor's Version) https://t.co/aSDQUIaNRA pic.twitter.com/Uoagbdjhu3

— Maine Men’s Ice Hockey (@MaineIceHockey) March 1, 2025​

All other NCAA track prospects are either too young or too early in their collegiate careers to really have a potential signing on the radar. There’s always a slight chance someone like 2024 seventh round pick Christian Humphreys, who left Michigan at midseason to finish the year with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers, wants to leave the college path and gets a surprise offer but it is unexpected.

The Eagles​

It is possible Maros Jedlica is on the same path as Ivan Ivan from AHL contract to ELC but considering his limited impact of five points in 16 games with the Colorado Eagles thus far it is unlikely. Still, the 2023 seventh round pick will have rights expire on June 1st according to PuckPedia and a decision needs to be made if he’s going to continue with the organization.

There are other options within the Eagles including forward Jake Wise who has been a standout with the team scoring 28 points including 13 goals in 43 games. He never signed a NHL contract despite being a 2018 third round selection by the Chicago Blackhawks, although due to just recently turning 25-years of age he’s aged out of ELC consideration and would have to sign a standard NHL contract. Still, Wise is a name to watch for in respect to a potential contract upgrade.

Lucky number 13 for Jake Wise as he gets the outlet pass from Jack Ahcan and the Eagles take the lead. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/afM2gQfFVt

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) January 30, 2025

The Russians​

This group is of the greatest interest due to talent level and potential NHL impact but is also the toughest to handicap because politics and financials are always at play. It is doubtful any Russians will get under NHL contract in the spring to finish out the current season especially with now the KHL extending contracts to May 31st. So, while March 1st and really the entire spring is not the time to watch for any Russian signing, this summer could bring several Russians over to begin their North American careers.

Goaltender Ilya Nabokov will be of primary interest here and indicators are he is still planning on joining the Avalanche organization. There may be a negotiation with respect to playing time and opportunity but if the netminder is agreeable to starting in the AHL, there could be a path forward for Nabokov as soon as next fall. His intentions should be known early in the summer.

Another name to watch is center Zakhar Bardakov, acquired in last year’s Kurtis MacDermid trade. He’s had a breakout season scoring 35 points including 17 goals in 49 games in his fourth year with SKA St. Petersburg and is believed to have an expiring KHL contract. Bardakov is a big body center with the net-front attributes the Avalanche could use. He could be the first and the most likely to play with the Avalanche of anyone in this entire group.

Rounding out the Russians, defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev is always of interest but with years left on his contract he isn’t expected to jump to North America quickly especially just to play in the AHL. Still, there’s always the possibility the 19-year old gets enticed to make the move especially with now how thin the Avalanche backend is. But he’s a name to watch more into the future.

Who would you like to see sign? Let us know in the comments.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...eason-is-upon-us-colorado-avalanche-prospects

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Breaking: Avalanche acquire Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey from the New York Rangers

Photo by Ben Ludeman/NHLI via Getty Images

Colorado makes their first move a little under a week away from the NHL trade deadline.

We are officially a little under a week away from the NHL trade deadline, and the Colorado Avalanche have made their first move in this week leading up to the deadline. The Avs acquired Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, along with defenseman prospect Hank Kempf, from the New York Rangers in exchange for Calvin De Haan, Juuso Pärssinen, and a 2nd and 4th round pick, both of which the Rangers can choose the better of the Avalanche hold in the 2025 draft.

Here’s what I have on full trade. #NYR sending Lindgren, Vesey and D prospect Hank Kempf to COL, plus retaining 50% of Lindgren’s $4.5M AAV. Rangers receive F Juuso Parssinen, D Calvin de Haan, 2nd round pick and a 4th. Both picks in 2025 draft.

Notes on picks:
-2nd round…

— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) March 1, 2025​

The Avs upgrading on defense shouldn’t exactly come as a shock, as that’s something that’s been pretty apparant they needed to do for a bit now. Lingren is a defensive defensman who kills penalties, and his play has no doubt taken a steep turn downward in New York this season.

Ryan Lindgren, acquired by COL, is a defensive defenceman. Not long ago, he was a capable stable presence on the Rangers top pairing. Recently he's been the absolute bane of Adam Fox's existence. Can he bounce back? #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/HCDOufF5mm

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 1, 2025​

Part of that steep turn downwards might be because of the overall season that the Rangers have been having, as it’s not exactly a secret that they have been spiraling this year. Another part of that steep downturn might also be because he’s averaging about 20 minutes a night in New York, which won’t happen in Colorado. He’ll be playing more sheltered minutes with the Avs, as they don’t expect or need him to take on a top-pairing role, like the Rangers did.

As for Jimmy Vesey, he’s a typical plug-and-play fourth-line player who has scored six points this season. He’s really solid defensively, and only comes in at a cap hit of $800K, making him a more cost-effective depth player as well.

Jimmy Vesey, acquired by COL, is a bottom six defensive winger. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/7z00D5LSsS

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 1, 2025​

It was a quick stay in Colorado for Parssinen, who the Avalanche spent a third round pick to acquire just two months ago. The hope is Vesey can help on the penalty kill but it’s an expensive swap.

With this trade, Colorado now has about $3 million in cap space left to spend before this trade deadline, and they are also left with just a 2nd round pick, a 4th round pick, and a 7th round pick in this year’s draft. We’ll see if they have any more moves coming in the next week or so as we inch ever closer to March 7th.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...ren-and-jimmy-vesey-from-the-new-york-rangers

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Eagles Takeaways: Miner secures second straight shutout and first place in Pacific

Ashley Potts/Colorado Eagles

Trent Miner gets his first career AHL back-to-back shutouts while Tye Felhaber adds two goals for support.

Loveland, CO — Last night the Colorado Eagles unseated the number one Ontario Reign (LAK) in a shutout victory at Blue Arena. To start the night, the Eagles were only one point out of first place in the division. Colorado will have the upper hand as they have three games in hand on Calgary (CGY) and four games in hand on the Coachella Valley (SEA). Calgary will be in action tonight against the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN) while the Firebirds are idle. Matthew Phillips, who was a veteran scratch last night, returned to the lineup to help with some scoring support. The Eagles would win once again 4–0, their second shutout in a row. Here are the takeaways from the victory over Ontario.

Tye Felhaber (14) taps in the loose puck and his first goal in 14 games to get the lead for the Eagles in the fist period! Matthew Phillips (25) and Calle Rosén (20) on the assists #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/HNF6PmbEQQ

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 2, 2025​

Takeaways​

Colorado Native Bryan Yoon has been impressive in his short stint with the Eagles so far. Playing in just his ninth game for the Eagles tonight, he has been a solid replacement for the injured John Ludvig. The former Colorado College captain scored his first AHL assist last night and has been showing significant improvements in front of the net. His strong skating allows for him to be extremely mobile in the defensive zone and on the blue line. Yoon is someone to monitor.

Chase Bradley pinches in for the shot low and his 11th goal of the year and puts the Eagles up by two! Wyatt Aamodt (9) with a great setup and Oskar Olausson (11) does a nice job getting the puck into the zone! #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/czKVZ0VaBd

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 2, 2025​

“It’s something like we’ve been building and working on all season long,” said head coach Aaron Schneekloth. “Guys are getting to come together. Know how we need to play. I thought we did a really nice job in the second period. We were kind of under fire. Ontario had a nice push, and Trent was there, and then we got a nice reset at one of the TV timeouts and got back to our game. And so, yeah, I mean, we’ve just been building all season long to try to get to this point, and now it’s in our control to manage where it goes from here.”

Chris Wagner (9) rings the puck off of the far side post to put the Eagles up by three with help from Jake Wise (16) and Wyatt Aamodt (10) #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/q4Aoggs5Up

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 2, 2025​

The Eagles’ defense was everywhere they needed to be tonight. They were in front of the crease for goaltender Trent Miner and clearing away all the garbage. As things got more and more physical, the whole defensive core stepped up to the challenge. The smallest of all the defensemen, Jack Ahcan, was even dealing out his own fair share of hits in front of the net. Calle Rosén and Wyatt Aamodt added their own touch to the offense with one assist each and set the tone for the Eagles.

STEPHENS IS BACK! Devante Stephens and Jacob Doty drop the mitts and Doty is not too pleased with Stephens after the fight. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/yEjqpuA5Tb

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 2, 2025​

Miner has back-to-back shutout wins in two nights for the first time in his AHL career. The last goal he allowed was against the Texas Stars (DAL) on February 21, giving him a shutout streak of over 170 minutes. With the win, the Eagles now will draw into first place in the Pacific Division with a one point lead over the Wranglers.

“I wouldn’t even say it’s me, it’s our team,” said Miner on his shutout streak. “These are all big games for us that we need, and that’s what we’ve done, is just come up and play well. We give ourselves a chance every day.”

Tye Felhaber (15) secures the victory with the empty net goal and his second of the night!!!!! Assisted by Jayson Megna (23) #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/8Fz3arwJO8

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 2, 2025​

Upcoming​

The Eagles will hit the road for six straight games starting with a one-game stop against the Bakersfield Condors (EDM) at Mechanics Bank Arena at 7:30 p.m. MT on Wednesday.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...t-and-first-place-in-pacific-to-end-homestand

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Eagles Takeaways: Miner earns first shutout as Colorado is one point from first place

Colorado Eagles

Jake Wise had two goals while Tye Felhaber had two assists as Trent Miner secured his first shutout of the year.

Loveland, CO — The Colorado Eagles returned home after a long four-game road trip that took them to Canada and Texas. Colorado could only grab three out of a possible eight points on the trip, which sets them up for an enormous battle this weekend. The Ontario Reign (LAK) is in town and is ahead of the Eagles by two points in the standings. Ontario sits in first place in the Pacific Division while Colorado sits in fourth.

Some reinforcements are coming back into the lineup with defenseman Devante Stephens returning from a lower-body injury. He has not played since the January 10th game against the Calgary Wranglers (CGY). He will provide some needed grit and weight on the blue line for the Eagles. The Eagles would win 4–0, to finish the night just one point shy of first place behind the Wranglers. Here are my takeaways from the shutout win over Ontario.

Jere Innala (13) buries the pass from Tye Felhaber (13) on the odd man rush and finally breaks open the scoring for the game in the second period. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/BUW0h35pr8

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 1, 2025​

Takeaways​

Oskar Olausson has improved his play since being a healthy scratch two games ago against the Texas Stars (DAL). He not only is at 20 points for the season (with 22 games left) but one more point would set a new career high for him. Olausson came back into the lineup then and immediately made an impact with a goal and an assist in the first game back. Tonight, he played high in the offensive zone and kept several pucks in the Reign zone to keep the plays alive for the Eagles.

SHORTY ALERT!!! Jake Wise (14) does a give and go with Tye Felhaber (14 and 2nd assist tonight) to put the Eagles up by two!!!!. This is Wise's first goal in 10 games!!!! #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/QUjm65lilH

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 1, 2025​

“I thought we rebounded fairly well after the first,” said head coach Aaron Schneekloth. “I didn’t think our execution was very sharp in the first 13 minutes of the period. And then we got a little sustained opportunity in the last five, six minutes, and generated some chances. And then, obviously, the second period was filled with special teams. I thought the penalty kill was outstanding. And then we got some timely goals.”

Colorado played a heck of a physical game. Chris Wagner, who usually plays a physical game, spent two minutes in the box for elbowing and immediately came out and dropped the mitts with Jeff Malott. There was very little room for Ontario along the perimeter of the ice, with Wagner and Chase Bradley also doing damage. Bradley plastered Joe Hicketts against the boards after Wagner had dropped the mitts to keep the physicality going in the second period.

Chris Wagner drops the mitts with Jeff Malott after spending the previous four minutes in the box for two separate penalties! #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/in8K6PAszZ

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 1, 2025​

Chase Bradley wanted to join in on the fun as he plasters a Reign player against the wall and makes sure he stays down. Bradley would get 2 for cross-checking on the play. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/9yuX53kGE8

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 1, 2025​

Last week, the Colorado Avalanche brought Wyatt Aamodt up for practices, and he had a great game in the defensive zone. Aamodt is one of the Eagles’ key penalty killers and will not think twice about sacrificing his body. In one shift tonight, he had three blocks to help keep the load off of Trent Miner. The Colorado goaltender had himself a night as well. Miner earned his first shutout of the season, stopping all 29 shots by Ontario.

“Yeah, you definitely get the bruises,” said Aamodt. “But at the end of the day, that’s part of my job is blocking shots. And trying to be good on the PK and helping our goalies out. So it’s more just being selfless and buying the team role. It’s not about how it feels after, it’s just part of the game and part of my job. So no problem doing it.”

Chris Wagner (8) taps in the loose puck on the power play for the insurance goal with the help of Jacob MacDonald (17) and Mark Senden (11) #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/TRx87PGuDr

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 1, 2025​

Upcoming​

The Eagles will be right back at it tomorrow night against the Ontario Reign in Loveland at 7 p.m. MT at Blue Arena.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...ado-is-one-point-from-first-place-in-loveland

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Colorado Eagles three stars of February

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

A goaltender leads the pack.

It was a lighter month of February for the Colorado Eagles with 10 games evenly split between home and road with a 6-3-1 record. Side note, for our purposes this snapshot will include the March 1st home victory for a total of 11 games. The month of March will be a busy one for the Eagles with 13 games left on the docket and only four at home. Colorado will have to improve on their 10-10-3 road record to maintain the top spot in the Pacific Division as three teams are within two points in a tight race.

First Star - Trent Miner - 24 GP: 13-6-5, .918 SV%, 2.18 GAA​

While he hasn’t always had the net in Loveland, goaltender Trent Miner finished the month strong with back-to-back shutouts of the Ontario Reign. In those two games Miner made a total of 54 saves and helped the Eagles briefly claim first place in the Pacific Division. Overall it was a successful month for the 24-year old netminder as he finished with a 4-2 record only giving up a total of five goals in those five starts with a .963 save percentage.

Second Star - Jere Innala - 31 GP: 13G, 10A, 23P​

Jere Innala made his eight February games count with seven goals spread across five games and included a hat trick for good measure. It’s difficult to place exactly how the Finn fits in the organization. He has streaky scoring talent but didn’t generate anything in 15 Colorado Avalanche contests. It might be a short stay in Colorado but Innala will help the Eagles in the meantime.

Jere Innala (13) buries the pass from Tye Felhaber (13) on the odd man rush and finally breaks open the scoring for the game in the second period. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/BUW0h35pr8

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) March 1, 2025

Third Star - Oskar Olausson - 48 GP: 10G, 11A, 21P​

All the Avalanche prospects have diminished roles so it’s difficult to identify standout performances. Still, the third year pro Olausson finds himself on top of the heap with some regular production in the month of February with three goals and three assists in 10 games including the ever important +7 rating as well. His 21 points on the season is a career high as well.

Oskar Olausson with his second goal in two nights!!! Oskar nets his ninth of the season with Ivan on the assist. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/HsxCItikGB

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) February 13, 2025

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...ee-stars-of-february-trent-miner-two-shutouts

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Ross Colton scores twice, Avs light up the lamp in 5-2 win

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

A lot of players who needed sparks were major contributors in tonight’s win.

It was a wild night.

Ross Colton scored two goals and an assist to help the Colorado Avalanche defeat the Minnesota Wild 5-2 at Ball Arena on Friday. Furthermore, Colorado also took a 2-1 lead over Minnesota for the season. Oliver Kylington also contributed with a pair of assists while Valeri Nichushkin, Jonathan Drouin, and Jack Drury each found the net for the Avs. Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 18 of the 20 shots he faced and came up big in several key moments.

With the victory, the Avs improved to 35-24-2. Their 72 points put them in a tie with the Wild for third place in the Central Division.

First Period

Mats Zuccarello scored his 13th goal of the season just 4:23 into the game when Colorado turned the puck over own zone. After Marcus Johansson gained control of the puck, he spun around and found Zuccarello sitting in the slot uncovered and fired it by Blackwood to make it a 1-0 game.

Moments later, the Avalanche defense committed another costly turnover, but Blackwood kept it a 1-0 score when he made a Dominik Hasek-esque butterfly save.

Then 13:58 into the frame, Nichushkin tied the game at one with a one-timer in the slot. After MacKinnon’s pass was initially deflected, Nichushkin kept his eyes on the puck and still found a way to blast it by Gustavsson.

An awkward moment occurred late in the first when Johansson lost a skate blade and tried to crawl his way to the bench and actually received some assistance from one of the officials. Moments later, Lehkonen was sent to the box for high-sticking, and the Wild followed up by scoring on the powerplay to make it a 2-1 game. Vinnie Hinostroza was credited with the score after he redirected a shot from Brock Faber for his third goal of the season.

With just over a minute left in the period, Marat Khusnutdinov brought Devon Toews down from a hook to put Colorado on the power play.

Second Period

The power play continued into the second period of play, but just like the first opportunity, they failed to convert, as the decaf coffee continued to take hold of the Colorado offense.

However, the Avalanche came alive, scoring two goals in 52 seconds. The first one came with 11:03 remaining in the frame, Oliver Kylington surveyed the ice and connected with Drouin for a breakaway goal to make it a 2-2 game. For Drouin, it was his seventh of the season, and it was a beautiful top-shelf score.

Colorado quickly scored again when Drury grabbed ahold of a rebound and fired a backhander by Gustavsson to give the Avs a 3-2 lead.

The Avalanche scored their third goal of the period with 5:21 remaining when Ross Colton fired home his 14th of the season. It all started when Kylington carried the puck across the blue line and attempted to make a pass. Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin deflected it, but that didn’t deter Colton from teeing up a powerful slapper that beat Gustavsson glove side to give Colorado a 4-2 advantage.

Third Period

The final frame kicked off with a penalty for the Avalanche when Casey Mittelstadt was busted for hooking Zuccarello. The Avs’s penalty kill was stout as they held their opponents shotless. However, Colorado right back on the kill after MacKinnon was sent to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct after barking at the officials after getting slashed twice on the hands with no penalty being called.

With 10:43 to go in regulation, Blackwood robbed Faber with a scintillating glove save.

MacKinnon attempted to snag an insurance marker late in the game, but the puck was poke-checked away, and Logan O’Connor missed an open net while Gustavsson was heading to the net for the extra attacker.

Colton scored his second goal of the game and 15th of the season with an empty-netter with eight seconds left in the game to give the Avs a 5-2 win. Blackwood also picked up his first point with the Avalanche with an assist on the play.

Takeaways

Colorado bounced back after a shaky start in the opening period and a quartet of turnovers that gave the Wild some ammo. The offense shined when it needed to and Colton got the monkey off his back, Kylington had a big game on Jared Bednar’s birthday, and Nichushkin played his heart out. This is what the Avalanche needed as they head down the stretch for the season. Now they just need to carry this momentum going into the playoffs.

Upcoming

The Avalanche get a three-day break before they hit the ice again on Tuesday against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, March 4th at Ball Arena. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. local time.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...e-light-up-the-lamp-in-5-2-win-minnesota-wild

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Preview: Division Rivalry Night against the Minnesota Wild

Photo by Ashley Potts/NHLI via Getty Images

The Avs got back in the win column against NJD, and now they aim to start a winning streak.

It's Division Rivalry Night at Ball Arena in Denver, CO, as the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Minnesota Wild. Colorado had a great showing their last time out against the Devils as they saw the return of forward Val Nichushkin and subsequent scoring touch. On the other hand, Minnesota can't seem to catch a break, as injuries have officially derailed what appeared to be a promising season. They come to Denver having just suffered a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the Utah Hockey Club. Still, they sit two points ahead of the Avalanche in the Central. Big game!

Colorado Avalanche​

The Avalanche returned from a not-so-successful return to action and looked like a more familiar team against the Devils. MacKinnon got on the board twice, and that's good news for Jackie, who needs one more two-goal performance to earn her a ding on the Mile High Hockey Lab. I say MacK does it tonight against a team he's loved running it on since his rookie season.

I feel so bad for the other 31 fanbases that don’t get to root for Nathan MacKinnon. What a player. #GoAvsGo | @MHH_LAB | @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/J9Jzr0nYZq

— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) February 27, 2025​

This game will mark just the 7th all season in which the Avalanche can ice a healthy forward group. That's a remarkable fact, considering we are 22 games away from the playoffs. What happens over the next two weeks before the trade deadline will prove paramount and compulsory for Colorado's decision-making in the future.

Another big division rivalry game tonight against the Minnesota Wild! #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/3C7ojx4lvv

— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) February 28, 2025​

Projected Lineup:​

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Jonathan Drouin — Casey Mittelstadt — Valeri Nichushkin
Ross Colton — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta
Miles Wood — Parker Kelly — Logan O'Connor

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
Calvin de Haan — Oliver Kylington

Minnesota Wild​

As previously mentioned, the Wild are an injury-riddled team, and it's cost them in the long run. Not long ago, the Wild were one of the hottest teams in the league, keeping up with the Winnipeg Jets (sort of), who have since run away with the division. The question is, will being short-handed take them from unexpected contenders to missing the playoffs altogether? That remains to be seen.

BAD #mnwild NEWS: Center Joel Eriksson Ek was injured in practice yesterday and has been placed on injured reserve. Must miss at least 7 days (next 4 games), but I hear he's going to be out a lot longer. Jakub Lauko will likely be activated off IR and replace him on roster

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 25, 2025​

Projected Lineup:​

Marcus Foligno — Marco Rossi — Mats Zuccarello
Matt Boldy — Frederick Gaudreau — Vinnie Hinostroza
Marcus Foligno — Marat Khusnutdinov — Liam Ohgren
Jakub Lauko — Devin Shore — Yakov Trenin

Jacob Middleton — Brock Faber
Jonas Brodin — Jared Spurgeon
Declan Chisholm — Zach Bogosian

Note: Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek remain on IR for the Wild.

Goaltenders​

MacKenzie Blackwood vs Filip Gustavsson is tonight's unconfirmed matchup on the net. Gustavsson had a tough go of it in the 4 Nations but has been good for Minnesota this season, posting a 2.68 GAA and .913 SV%.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...with-division-rivalry-night-against-minnesota

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

Recap: Avalanche top Penguins at Ball Arena

Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

It wasn’t pretty, but the Avs did what they needed to do in the end.

The Colorado Avalanche made a statement Tuesday at Ball Arena: “Never give up.”

Casey Mittelstadt put the Avs ahead on the power play with 4:09 remaining, Artturi Lehkonen scored twice, including an empty-netter, Nathan MacKinnon extended his home point streak to 17 games, and the Avalanche fought tooth and nail to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins by a score of 4-1.

Jack Drury also added an empty-netter in the waning moments as Colorado improved to 3-0 on their six-game homestand.

Scott Wedgewood, who had only played one game in the previous five weeks due to injury, earned first-star of the game honors as he was lights out in net, stopping 32 shots in his first game since February 22. Alex Nedeljkovic made 21 saves as the Penguins fell to 1-5-1 since the Four Nations break.

First Period

Just over six minutes into the game, MacKinnon set up Martin Nečas for a one-timer, but the puck just slipped off the toe of his blade on the follow-through, resulting in an easy save.

With 9:12 left in the frame, Wedgewood came up big with a blocker save as Emil Bemstrom tried to snap a wrister home as he entered the defensive zone. Makar had an opportunity to score the first goal of the game with about 3:15 left in the period. He looked for a shooting lane, but his shot was just wide.

The definition of the first was fast and furious. Both teams had some defensive breakdowns at points in the period, but there was also outstanding goaltending and a few lucky breaks. Nichushkin split the D but was robbed of a highlight-reel goal when Nedeljkovic made a scintillating save. Devon Toews also found an opening but rang it off the post. Furthermore, the Penguins poured on the pressure down the stretch, but Wedgewood held the fort down.

At the end of the first, the Penguins had 13 shots on goal, while the Avalanche had eight. However, Colorado refused to recoil and kept grinding.

Second Period

Pittsburgh dominated puck possession at the start of the period, but Wedgewood continued to shut the door. Their resilience paid off as the Penguins got a little bit too greedy. Following a breakdown in their own zone, the Avalanche pounced on them when Makar got a hold of the puck along the boards and dumped a bank pass to MacKinnon behind the net before sliding the puck over to Lehkonen for a one-timer that soared over Nedeljkovic’s glove to make it a 1-0 score.

Meanwhile, a defensive turnover by the Avalanche nearly equaled the score. Jack Drury coughed up the puck to Evgeni Malkin, who snapped a shot that Philip Tomasino attempted to redirect, but Wedgewood was able to gather it up.

With around 8:40 left, the Avs went on a 2-on-0 rush with Nichushkin leading the charge while shorthanded but was denied with a blocker save. The Avs went right back on the penalty kill after Toews was nabbed for holding Sidney Crosby as he carried the puck across the blue line. After back-to-back kills, both squads fought neck and neck for puck possession, until a rare turnover by Makar allowed Rickard Rakell to capitalize on the opportunity to nod up the game at one apiece.

Third Period

Nearly eight minutes into the final period, MacKinnon was hooked by Kris Letang on his way to the net with no penalty called. After icing was called moments later, Letang cross-checked Nichushkin after the whistle, and that also wasn’t called. The crowd followed up by erupting into a mass amount of boos.

On the following possession, Parker Kelly rang a shot off Nedeljkovic’s helmet before the puck changed hands.

It’s hard to believe, but the Avalanche went on their first power play of the game with 5:37 left in the period when Anthony Beauvillier tripped up Logan O’Connor. And Colorado capitalized when Nichushkin set up Mittelstadt with a cross-crease feed for a sweet goal that bounced off Nedeljkovic’s helmet and in.

With 1:15 left in the game, the Pens pulled Nedeljkovic to get the extra attacker, but it was all for naught as it only took seven seconds for Lehkonen to score to make it a 3-1 game.

Pittsburgh decided to keep the net empty, but it led to the same result — another empty-netter — when Drury scored despite getting tripped down to the ice on the way to the net. That officially ended a wild night as the Avalanche sent the home fans happy with a 4-1 victory.

Takeaways

Nichushkin didn’t score tonight, but he made his presence known. Nedeljkovic robbed him twice on breakaways, and his signature forecheck was a force to be reckoned with this evening. And of course, he got his revenge when he set up Mittelstadt for the go-ahead marker.MacKinnon also had two assists on the night to give him 992 career points. On the other side of the ice, Sidney Crosby recorded an assist to give him 1,662 points.

Bryan Rust may have a last name that indicates sloppiness, but he’s on an impressive streak against Colorado. After recording an assist on the Rakell goal, he extended his point streak against the Avalanche to seven games.

Upcoming

The Avalanche (36-24-2) host Alexandar Georgiev and the San Jose Sharks (17-37-9) on Thursday night at Ball Arena. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. local time on ESPN.

Source: https://www.milehighhockey.com/2025...alanche-top-pittsburgh-penguins-at-ball-arena