The Colorado Avalanche, boasting an impressive record of 16-1-5, are set to host the San Jose Sharks, who stand at 11-9-3. The highly anticipated puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. MT.
The Avalanche are aiming for their 10th consecutive victory, a feat they have achieved only three times in the franchise’s history. The last instance of such a winning streak came during the 2021-22 season, which concluded with the team lifting the Stanley Cup.
A notable return for the Avalanche is veteran forward Joel Kiviranta, who has been sidelined for the last 17 games. He is expected to reinforce the fourth line alongside center Zakhar Bardakov and AHL call-up Ivan Ivan.
Mackenzie Blackwood will take the ice against his former team for the second time this season. He holds a 3-0-1 record since his return, with the only overtime loss coming at the hands of the Sharks on November 1.
Meanwhile, rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini continues to impress, racking up 34 points, placing him second in the NHL, just behind superstar Nathan MacKinnon.
The Sharks have been on a roll as well, going 7-3-0 in their last ten games, with goaltender Yaroslav Askarov contributing significantly to their recent success.
The two teams recently faced off on November 1, where the Avalanche fell in a tight overtime loss of 3-2. The upcoming game marks a chance for redemption as the Avalanche look to solidify their dominance.
In terms of injury updates for the Avalanche, Logan O’Connor (hip), Valeri Nichushkin (lower body), and Gavin Brindley (lower body) are all week-to-week and will miss the game.
Projected lines for the Avalanche include:
– Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
– Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Ross Colton
– Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson
– Ivan Ivan — Zakhar Bardakov — Joel Kiviranta
On the blue line, the defensive pairings feature Devon Toews and Cale Makar, Josh Manson and Brent Burns, along with Samuel Girard and Sam Malinski, while Blackwood is confirmed as the starting goaltender with Scott Wedgewood backing him up.
Individual players are also approaching notable milestones, with Brock Nelson needing just one point to reach 600, and Nathan MacKinnon requiring eight games to hit 900.
Fans can look forward to a thrilling matchup as both teams aim to showcase their strength on the ice. With the Avalanche in pursuit of extending their winning streak and the Sharks looking to maintain their competitive edge, this clash promises to be an exciting event for hockey enthusiasts.