Hockey fans in Raleigh are in for an exciting evening as the Colorado Avalanche face off against the Carolina Hurricanes, but with a twist: the Avalanche will don their retro Quebec Nordiques uniforms. This marks the second time this season these two teams have engaged in a uniform rematch after their last matchup in October, where the Canes also wore their Whalers gear. It’s a nostalgic celebration of hockey history, and tonight will be the only opportunity for fans to see this iconic matchup on the road.
The Avalanche come into tonight’s game boasting the best record in the NHL, leading by ten points and holding a remarkable 67 points at this stage of the season. With only two losses in regulation and a nine-game winning streak, including an impressive goal differential of 41 to 18, they are currently in exceptional form. Nathan MacKinnon stands out with 34 goals and 36 assists, totaling 70 points, making him a key player to watch. However, the team will need to adjust as they take the ice without their top goaltender, Mackenzie Blackwood, who has been placed on injured reserve unexpectedly. Scott Wedgewood, with a strong season record of 17-1, will step in as the starting goalie.
Adding further intrigue to the game are the returns of former Hurricanes players Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and Brent Burns. Necas, in particular, has excelled since joining Colorado and is now the team’s second-leading scorer with 19 goals and 51 points. Drury has been an excellent addition to the Avalanche as well, while Burns continues to make his mark with five goals and 15 assists in his new role. Expect an emotional reception for these players as they return to their former home in Raleigh.
On the Hurricanes’ front, practice on Friday shed some light on the potential return of defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who has been recovering from a nagging injury. His presence would greatly bolster the blue line against such a formidable opponent. However, the team will likely still be without Seth Jarvis, who is in a no-contact jersey, while Jaccob Slavin’s return remains uncertain.
A noteworthy highlight of the evening will be the Olympic announcements, where Sebastian Aho has officially been selected for the Finnish national team, and Jaccob Slavin for Team USA. As the NHL continues to navigate a packed schedule, the Canes will have to put aside the pregame excitement as they prepare to face the New Jersey Devils tomorrow.
For those looking to catch the game live, it will commence at 7 PM and can be viewed on the FanDuel Sports Network. Fans can also listen in on local radio or stream the action through the FanDuel Sports Network App or ESPN app depending on their location. The game’s odds currently favor the Avalanche, but anything can happen in this thrilling match-up. With such a packed agenda and an irresistible competition on the horizon, tonight is sure to be a memorable one for all hockey aficionados in attendance.