The Colorado Avalanche are set to face off against the Utah Mammoth in a key matchup on Wednesday at 7 p.m. MT at the Delta Center. This game marks the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the two teams, with each side claiming a victory in previous encounters. The Avalanche triumphed 2-1 in Denver back on October 9, while the Mammoth won 4-3 in overtime in Utah on October 21. Colorado secured their most recent victory against the Mammoth with a 1-0 shutout at home on December 23.
The Avalanche come into this game fresh off a 4-2 win against the San Jose Sharks, where Artturi Lehkonen scored twice to help propel Colorado to victory. Other contributors included Nathan MacKinnon, who recorded his 700th and 701st career assists, as well as goals from Josh Manson and Brock Nelson. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood was solid, stopping 23 of the 25 shots he faced, showcasing the Avalanche’s ability to perform in clutch situations.
MacKinnon, known as “Nate the Great,” continues to dominate in the league, leading the NHL in goals with 40, while also ranking second in points with 93 and tied for third in assists with 53. Additionally, defenseman Cale Makar is making his mark by tying for fourth among NHL defenders in points with 57 and assists with 42, making significant contributions to the Avalanche’s success. Brock Nelson also stands out, sitting among the top ten in the league for goals scored.
Meanwhile, the Mammoth secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in their last matchup, highlighting their offensive strength. Sean Durzi and Nick Schmaltz set the pace in the first period, while Dylan Guenther provided a crucial third-period goal to seal the win. Guenther leads the Mammoth with 25 goals this season, complemented by a strong showing from Keller and Schmaltz, who contribute significantly to the team’s overall scoring.
In their head-to-head rivalry, the Avalanche have historically performed well against the Mammoth, holding a 4-1-1 record in their six previous regular-season games. Notably, MacKinnon has excelled against Utah, managing six points over the course of their encounters, and is expected to continue his impressive form.
Both teams are focused on maintaining momentum as they approach the final stretch of the season. With the Avalanche aiming to capitalize on their previous successes and the Mammoth looking to push back on their home turf, fans can expect an exciting and competitive matchup. As the teams gear up for this significant game, the atmosphere is sure to be electric, with players eager to showcase their skills and secure crucial points as the regular season winds down.