The Colorado Avalanche (40-10-9) close out a back to back against the Anaheim Ducks (33-23-3). Puck drop is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. MT.
Key Stories to Watch
The Avalanche close out a stretch of five games in seven days out of the Olympic break tonight. They are 3-1-0 in the first four, and became the first team to reach 40 wins on Monday night following a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
Colorado’s lineup will look a little bit different, as Artturi Lehkonen suffered an upper-body injury in L.A. and will be out for some time. The Avs will likely call on Ross Colton to step into the top six in Lehkonen’s absence. Jason Polin was called up to be the 12th forward.
Anaheim is the fourth best team in the Western Conference in terms of both wins and points percentage. The Ducks are also the second-best home team in the West behind the Avs, going 20-8-1 at Honda Center. This is the only meeting between the two clubs in Anaheim.
The Ducks have won five straight games and are 8-2-0 in their last 10.
Lukas Dostal is getting the nod for the Ducks. In the last meeting between the two clubs, Colorado outshot Anaheim 41-16, but Dostal stood on his head to secure a 2-1 victory in the shootout. Scott Wedgewood likely gets the nod for the Avs on the second of a back-to-back.
Season Series
Nov. 11 vs Anaheim Ducks (W, 4-1)
Jan. 21 vs Anaheim Ducks (L, 2-1 SO)
March 3 at Anaheim Ducks
Avalanche Injuries
Logan O’Connor (undisclosed, TBD)
Joel Kiviranta (concussion, TBD)
Artturi Lehkonen (upper body, TBD)
Projected Avalanche Lines (Subject to Change)
Gabriel Landeskog — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Victor Olofsson — Jack Drury — Gavin Brindley
Zakhar Bardakov — Parker Kelly — Jason Polin
Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Brett Kulak — Sam Malinski
Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood
Projected Starters (Subject to Change)
Unconfirmed: Scott Wedgewood (COL)
Confirmed: Lukas Dostal (ANA)
Upcoming Milestones
Gabriel Landeskog — needs 5 points for 600
Martin Necas — needs 4 games for 500
Devon Toews — needs 8 points for 300
How to Watch
TV: Altitude TV
Radio: 92.5 FM