The Colorado Avalanche aim to extend their winning streak to nine games as they face off against the Chicago Blackhawks, who are seeking to bounce back from a challenging stretch. Coming off their first shutout win of the season, the Avalanche take their momentum into Chicago for the second game of a back-to-back series.
The Blackhawks, led by new head coach Jeff Blashill, have had a promising start to the 2025-26 season. With a core that includes young stars like Connor Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, Frank Nazar, and Spencer Knight, the team has shown significant improvement, boasting a record of 10-7-4 and positioning themselves competitively in the Western Conference playoff race. However, they enter this matchup amidst a two-game losing streak, having recently suffered a tough 3-2 defeat to the Seattle Kraken, followed by a heavy 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The Blackhawks are eager to turn things around in this crucial game.
On the other side, the Avalanche’s recent performance in Nashville was less than stellar, but a standout effort from goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who made 35 saves, secured their win and marked their first shutout of the season. Colorado is expected to return to Scott Wedgewood in goal for this matchup, considering the back-to-back schedule. The Avalanche will maintain their lineup from Saturday’s game, with Jason Polin stepping in to replace the injured Gavin Brindley, while Gabe Landeskog moves up to the top six, bringing depth and experience to the front line.
As both teams gear up for this encounter, the Avalanche’s resilience will be tested against a motivated Blackhawks squad determined to recover from recent disappointments. The matchup promises to be an exciting one, showcasing the evolving talent of the Blackhawks and the competitive edge of the Avalanche.