{"id":48694,"date":"2025-11-11T22:08:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T22:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/48694\/"},"modified":"2025-11-11T22:08:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T22:08:14","slug":"game-preview-avalanche-face-surging-ducks-in-battle-of-top-two-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/48694\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Preview: Avalanche Face Surging Ducks in Battle of Top Two Teams"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Avalanche defeated New Jersey 8-4 at Ball Arena, they ended an eight-game Devils winning streak. When Tampa Bay was in town last week, Colorado put an end to five straight wins for the Lightning.<\/p>\n

Defeating surging teams on home ice has not been an issue for Jared Bednar\u2019s club. But their next test might be the most intriguing matchup of them all.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Avalanche Game 17 vs Anaheim Ducks: Heavyweight Battle, Lines, Notes & How To Watch<\/a><\/p>\n

The Anaheim Ducks, who have won seven straight games, are at Ball Arena looking to defeat the Avs and overtake the No. 1 spot in the NHL.<\/p>\n

\u201cDangerous offensive team,\u201d head coach Jared Bednar said of the Ducks. \u201cAnd even if it\u2019s not in the number of chances they\u2019re getting, they are finishing everything off. They get a chance. It\u2019s in the back of the net.\u201d<\/p>\n

Led by young forwards Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Beckett Sennecke, the Ducks, who are in their first year with Joel Quenneville as head coach, are perhaps the best storyline through the first month of the season.<\/p>\n

Carlsson is just 20 years old and is No. 2 in the league behind Nathan MacKinnon in points with 25. Gauthier, 21, has 11 goals and 20 points in 15 games. Sennecke is 19 and has 11 points in his first 15 career games.<\/p>\n

Mix in veterans like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider, and you\u2019ve got yourself a rising team with a bright future looking to win a big test against the Avs.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally good work ethic, playing at a high pace, deep roster, lot of young kids that are coming into their own,\u201d Bednar said. \u201cThey\u2019ve been good on both sides of it, both defensively and offensively, but like especially at finishing off their chances, they\u2019ve been really good. The top offense in the National Hockey League.\u201d<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Avalanche Sign Gavin Brindley To Two-Year Contract Extension<\/a><\/p>\n

The Avs are going back to Scott Wedgewood, who makes his fifth start in seven games since Mackenzie Blackwood returned from an offseason injury. Wedgewood is 4-0-0 since Blackwood returned, while Colorado\u2019s usual No. 1 goalie is 1-0-1 in that stretch.<\/p>\n

Wedgewood leads the NHL with nine wins, one more than Lukas Dostal, who gets the nod for the Ducks.<\/p>\n

The Avs lead the league with 64 goals, with Anaheim in second at 62. Their four goals per game is second in the league, trailing the Ducks, who have 4.13 goals per game because they\u2019ve played one fewer game than Colorado.<\/p>\n

The Avalanche are also the second stingiest defense in the NHL, trailing only the Washington Capitals.<\/p>\n

This is a battle between the league\u2019s two best teams in nearly every category. It\u2019s going to be a treat.<\/p>\n


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