Practice days have been hard to come by for the Avalanche. But after a lengthy skate Monday, the team is set to face the hottest team in the league with an opportunity to solidify their position atop the Western Conference.
READ MORE: Avalanche Game 14 vs Tampa Bay Lightning: Another NHL Debut, Lines, Notes & How To Watch
Colorado hosts the Tampa Bay Lightning, who enter the matchup with five straight wins. For the Avs, it’s a chance to secure two more points before another three-day break ahead of another weekend back-to-back.
The Avalanche will practice again on Wednesday and Friday. What they’ll work on is likely to include the power play, as well as their defensive game, which has slipped in some of the more recent matchups. Still, the Avs are fourth in goals against per game.
Like the Avalanche, Tampa Bay has done a good job of keeping the puck out of its net. The offense was slow to start, which led to a 1-4-2 record. But that, too, has started to right itself during the five-game winning streak.
Jon Cooper’s club has outscored the opposition 17-9 in that stretch.
“Same as always. High-end, skilled players that can put the puck in the net. And they’re defending really well right now,” head coach Jared Bednar said, assessing the team he defeated in the Stanley Cup Final three years ago.
READ MORE: Deen’s Daily: Roster Juggling; Injury Updates; Stadium Series on Cowboys Turf
Colorado is 3-0-2 at home, losing twice in a shootout while winning three times in regulation. The team is going back to Scott Wedgewood, who has started every home game so far this season. Mackenzie Blackwood made his return on Saturday in a 3-2 OT loss in San Jose, but he’ll get a chance to rest before those upcoming practices.
There isn’t a player on the team who could use the practice time more than Blackwood, who is a little rusty after missing team skates for all of training camp and the preseason.
Tristen Nielsen will make his NHL debut as the team continues to cycle rookies in for the injured Gavin Brindley. The 25-year-old undrafted forward was signed to an NHL contract last week following a hot start with the AHL Eagles. He’ll replace Taylor Makar on the fourth line with Zakhar Bardakov and Parker Kelly.
Aside from that, the forward group is expected to remain the same, with Ross Colton playing on the second line with Valeri Nichushkin and Brock Nelson. Gabe Landeskog would be lining up with Jack Drury and Victor Olofsson.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:52 p.m. MT, as it’s the second part of a TNT national broadcast doubleheader.
