The Colorado Avalanche head into their final game of a three-game road trip on the heels of a 2-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. The match against the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight marks a rematch for the two teams, with Colorado having previously triumphed in their first encounter this season, winning 3-2.
The Avalanche, currently boasting a record of 31-3-7, face a challenging opponent in the Lightning, who are riding a seven-game winning streak and have a season record of 25-13-3. The game is set to be broadcast at 5:00 P.M. MST on ALT, ALT+, and ESPN+, and fans can also tune in to Altitude Sports Radio at KKSE-FM 92.5 FM.
Colorado will be looking to rebound following their recent loss, which was compounded by the injury of forward Gabe Landeskog. His absence may pose a significant challenge for the team as they strive to maintain their momentum throughout the latter part of the NHL season. The Avalanche will need to rally together and step up in Landeskog’s absence to secure a much-needed win against a formidable opponent.
In the projected lineup for Colorado, Nathan MacKinnon will be flanked by Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas, while Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin are expected to deliver support alongside Victor Olofsson. The defensive pairing features Cale Makar and Samuel Girard, with Scott Wedgewood anticipated to guard the net.
On the opposite side of the ice, the Lightning have enjoyed a solid season, currently sitting second in the Atlantic Division and trailing the Detroit Red Wings by just a point for the lead in the Eastern Conference. Known for their high-scoring capabilities, Tampa Bay presents a serious challenge for the Avalanche, particularly in light of Colorado’s recent struggles.
The Lightning’s lineup includes standout players such as Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, as well as a strong supporting cast that has contributed to their winning streak. As they take on a Colorado team that is nursing injuries, the Lightning will look to capitalize on their momentum.
This matchup holds significant importance for both teams, with Colorado aiming to rediscover their winning form and Tampa Bay seeking to extend their impressive streak. The outcome could have implications not just for the teams’ current standings, but for their confidence levels as they navigate the season. With the skill level on both sides, fans can expect an exciting game as they watch two strong teams battle it out for a crucial victory.