The Colorado Avalanche (44-12-9) open a two-game homestand against the Pittsburgh Penguins (33-18-15). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:50 p.m. MT and will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Key Stories to Watch
Just three weeks after a trade sent Samuel Girard to Pittsburgh, the longtime Avalanche defenseman will miss this game with an upper-body injury. The Avs will dress Brett Kulak, who faces the Pens after spending nearly three months as a member of their team.
It feels like Colorado is in must-win territory if it wants to keep the Dallas Stars from catching them in the Central Division standings. The Avs are 1-2-0 in their last three, which has narrowed their lead on Dallas to just three points with a game in hand.
Scott Wedgewood is back in goal for the Avalanche. He’s been the better goalie since the Olympic break and has an opportunity to have a big week if he can help the Avs get two points against Pittsburgh. Colorado hosts Dallas on Wednesday.
Gabe Landeskog and Artturi Lehkonen were both on the ice for morning skate but will not play. They mostly skated as extras.
Season Series
March 16 vs Pittsburgh Penguins
March 24 at Pittsburgh Penguins
Avalanche Injuries
Logan O’Connor (undisclosed, indefinitely)
Artturi Lehkonen (upper body, week-to-week)
Gabriel Landeskog (lower body, week-to-week)
Ross Colton (upper body, TBD)
Projected Avalanche Lines (Subject to Change)
Nazem Kadri — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Joel Kiviranta — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Nicolas Roy
Zakhar Bardakov — Gavin Brindley
Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Brett Kulak — Sam Malinski
Nick Blankenburg
Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood
Projected Starters (Subject to Change)
Confirmed: Scott Wedgewood (COL)
Confirmed: Arturs Silovs (PIT)
Upcoming Milestones
Josh Manson — needs 3 points for 200
Valeri Nichushkin — needs 5 assists for 200
Devon Toews — needs 5 points for 300
Cale Makar — needs 5 points for 500
How to Watch