DENVER, COLORADO – The Colorado Avalanche are set to clash with their Central Division rivals, the Dallas Stars, in a highly anticipated matchup at Ball Arena. This game marks the teams’ first encounter since their thrilling contest on October 11, 2025, where Dallas emerged victorious with a 5-4 win in a shootout.
As the Avalanche (39-10-9) prepare for the game, they have made some strategic moves ahead of the trade deadline, having acquired Nick Blankenburg from the Nashville Predators and Nicolas Roy from Toronto. Roy was seen practicing with the team this morning and is expected to don the number ten jersey in his debut.
The Avalanche have been in strong form, claiming three consecutive victories and aiming to extend this winning streak in what is a crucial divisional battle. Colorado has maintained its dominance at the top of the Central Division, but the Dallas Stars (38-14-9) and Minnesota Wild are closely trailing, ready to capitalize on any slip-ups.
In the Stars’ corner, the team has managed to stay competitive even in the absence of star player Mikko Rantanen since the Olympic break. Matt Duchene and Sam Steele have stepped up to fill the scoring void, showcasing impressive performances.
Shining in goal for the Stars is Jake Oettinger, who has historically excelled against Colorado—often delivering standout performances that contradict the struggles seen by other goalies in the series. Despite facing challenges last postseason, Oettinger proved to be a key player for Dallas.
With both teams eager to solidify their positions in the Central Division, fans can expect a thrilling match this evening. Broadcast details include coverage on Altitude, Altitude+, and ESPN+, with radio commentary available on Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FM. The puck drops at 6:00 p.m. MT.