The trade deadline frenzy isn’t the only hockey-related thing happening today! In fact, the Colorado Avalanche and Central Division rival Dallas Stars are set to face eachother for the first time since October 11, 2025. It feels like it’s been that long, and although there’s probably not much to take away from a game last calendar year, Dallas did win 5-4 in a SO.
The Avalanche have some work left to do at the deadline (potentially), but have already done a bit by adding Nick Blankenburg from the Nashville Predators and Nicolas Roy from Toronto. Roy was seen skating with the team this morning, so he will likely make his debut wearing the number ten jersey.
The Avalanche have quietly won three games in a row and look to extend that in a massively important divisional matchup. Colorado has dominated the top spot in the Central, but both Dallas and Minnesota have been able to just about keep pace, lying in wait for the Avalanche to drop a few.
MacKenzie Blackwoo
Scott Wedgewood
The Stars are keeping right up with solid play despite not having Mikko Rantanen since the Olympic break. Most thought that loss would hit them hard, but old friend Matt Duchene and Sam Steele have supplemented his scoring and are leading the way right now.
Dallas’ netminder Jake Oettinger seems to rise to the occasion when matched up with Colorado, contrary to what we see from other netminders. Oettinger may have been pulled last postseason, but he was probably Dallas’ best player throughout the Dallas vs. Colorado series.
Jake Oettinger
Casey DeSmith