The Colorado Avalanche (44-13-9) close out a two-game homestand against the Dallas Stars (41-15-10). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:50 p.m. MT and will be broadcast nationally on TNT.

Key Stories to Watch

This is the biggest game of the season to date. Colorado has led the Central Division and the NHL for the majority of the season. But the Stars’ recent surge has them just three points back of the Avs, albeit Jared Bednar’s club has a game in hand. This is also the first of two remaining meetings between the two clubs. The result of these two games could determine who wins the division.

Both teams are dealing with an insane number of injuries. Dallas will be without superstar forward Mikko Rantanen, who helped defeat the Avs in a shootout in October. They are also missing top center Roope Hintz, as he suffered an injury against Colorado on March 6. Radek Faksa and Tyler Seguin are also out.

The Avs’ injured list is just as long. Colorado is missing Gabe Landeskog, Artturu Lehkonen, Logan O’Connor, and Ross Colton. The first three are all skating and could be in the lineup soon. The latter has yet to join the team on the ice. Both Landeskog and O’Connor joined the team for morning skate.

Bednar said during morning skate that a forward will be called up before puck drop, which means Nick Blankenburg will likely sit.

Colorado has had some goalie struggles lately, but they’ll be going with Scott Wedgewood against the Stars. Mackenzie Blackwood was chased after giving up four goals in that meeting a week and a half ago. Wedgewood entered the game in relief, stopped all 10 shots he faced, and Colorado came back to win 5-4 in a shootout. Dallas is likely countering with starter Jake Oettinger.

Season Series

Oct. 11 vs Dallas Stars (L, 5-4 SO)

March 6 at Dallas Stars (W, 5-4 SO)

March 18 vs Dallas Stars

April 4 at Dallas Stars

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)

Valeri Nichushkin — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Nazem Kadri — Brock Nelson — Nicolas Roy
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta
Zakhar Bardakov — Gavin Brindley

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Brett Kulak — Sam Malinski

Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood

Projected Starters (Subject to Change)

Confirmed: Scott Wedgewood (COL)

Expected: Jake Oettiner (DAL)

Upcoming Milestones

Josh Manson — needs 2 points for 200

Cale Makar — needs 4 points for 500

Valeri Nichushkin — needs 5 assists for 200

Devon Toews — needs 5 points for 300

How to Watch

TV: TNT, truTV, & HBO MAX

Radio: 92.5 FM