The Colorado Avalanche (8-1-5) are set to face off against the Edmonton Oilers (6-5-4) in a highly anticipated matchup this Saturday, with puck drop scheduled for 8:10 p.m. MT. Fans can catch the action on Hockey Night in Canada, as it is a nationally televised event.
One key storyline for the Avalanche is the return of goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who will be making his fourth consecutive start after securing victories against strong opponents, including New Jersey, Vegas, and Tampa Bay. This performance bodes well for the team as Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to see action in the Sunday game against Vancouver.
Gavin Brindley will rejoin the lineup after recovering from a concussion, playing alongside Parker Kelly and Zakhar Bardakov on the fourth line. The Avalanche have seen notable success on their lines, particularly as Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid continue to dominate the NHL points race. MacKinnon is currently on a seven-game streak, adding ten points, while McDavid has amassed seven points in his last three games.
Both teams have encountered difficulties in overtime scenarios, with the Oilers holding a record of 2-4 in extra time while struggling at 4-5 in regulation. Both the Avalanche and Oilers have yet to secure a victory in shootouts, each standing at 0-2.
As the season progresses, injuries pose a challenge for the Avalanche. Logan O’Connor is nearing a return from a hip issue, while Samuel Girard is considered day-to-day due to an upper body injury, and Joel Kiviranta is sidelined indefinitely with a lower body issue.
Projected lines for the Avalanche show a strong forward lineup, featuring Artturi Lehkonen with Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, while Brock Nelson anchors the second line alongside Valeri Nichushkin.
Upcoming milestones include Gabriel Landeskog, who needs just two goals to reach the 250 mark, and Brock Nelson, who requires eight points to hit the 600 milestone.
Fans can look forward to an exciting weekend of hockey, hoping for a continued run of success from the Avalanche as they strive to secure more wins against their rivals.