Following a recent road trip that ended in a shootout loss to the Nashville Predators, the Colorado Avalanche are set to return to their home turf in the Mile High City, where they will face off against the Florida Panthers. This matchup, scheduled for 7:30 PM MT, will not only mark the first regular-season meeting between these two teams but also serve as a celebration of the 1996 Stanley Cup team.
The Avalanche, who hold a record of 21 wins, 2 losses, and 7 ties, are eager to regain their footing after finishing their recent road trip with a record of 2-1-1. Spearheaded by star players such as Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado will aim to bounce back from their recent loss. The team has made some adjustments to their lineup, bringing Gavin Brindley back from Injured Reserve after he was absent in Nashville. He will replace Zakhar Bardakov, allowing Parker Kelly to shift to the center position. Mackenzie Blackwood is anticipated to be the starting goalie for tonight’s game.
On the other side, the Florida Panthers, who have a record of 15 wins, 12 losses, and 2 ties, are looking to maintain their momentum after winning three consecutive games. However, they remain in a challenging position, sitting four spots away from a playoff position due to injuries, including the significant absence of Matthew Tkachuk for the entire season. Despite their struggles, Florida is known for its competitive spirit and has several talented players that can still pose threats to opposing teams. Notably, the Panthers came off a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Utah Mammoth last night, which could impact their performance tonight.
As the Avalanche prepare to face the Panthers, they will need to be cautious and take advantage of any early opportunities to secure a win. The atmosphere in the arena is expected to be electric, especially with the added celebration of the 1996 championship team, which could provide an additional boost to the Avalanche players as they look to extend their strong home performance.