{"id":386210,"date":"2026-01-03T22:01:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T22:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/386210\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T22:01:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T22:01:10","slug":"avalanche-game-40-at-carolina-hurricanes-necas-returns-to-raleigh-lines-notes-how-to-watch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/386210\/","title":{"rendered":"Avalanche Game 40 at Carolina Hurricanes: Necas Returns to Raleigh, Lines, Notes & How To Watch"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Colorado Avalanche (30-2-7) commence a three-game road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes (24-13-3) in the second of two meetings between the clubs, donning their vintage Nordiques and Whalers jerseys.\u00a0Puck drop is scheduled for 5:08 p.m. MT.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Avalanche Place Mackenzie Blackwood on IR<\/a><\/p>\n

Key Stories to Watch<\/p>\n

The Avalanche announced on Friday that goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is being placed on injured reserve and will miss Colorado\u2019s entire three-game road trip. Scott Wedgewood will likely get the nod in Carolina with Trent Miner serving as the backup.
\nMartin Necas, Jack Drury, and Brent Burns are all making their return to Carolina since joining the Avs. Necas is the biggest story of them all, as he was the key piece that the Hurricanes dealt to acquire Mikko Rantanen last January.
\nThe Avs have won nine straight games, and have just nine losses since the season began, only two of them in regulation. One of those losses came against the Carolina Hurricanes in a shootout at Ball Arena. The Canes can become the first team to defeat Colorado twice.
\nCarolina has lost two consecutive games in regulation. Rod Brind\u2019Amour\u2019s club is expecting to get Shayne Gostisbehere back in the lineup after missing three games. They are still without Seth Jarvis and Jaccob Slavin.
\nBrandon Bussi is expected to get the nod for Carolina, although it is not confirmed. He is 13-2-1 on the season after giving up six goals to the Habs on Thursday for just his second regulation loss.<\/p>\n

Season Series<\/p>\n

Oct. 23 vs Carolina Hurricanes (L, 5-4 SO)
\nJan. 3 at Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n

Avalanche Injuries<\/p>\n

Logan O\u2019Connor (undisclosed, TBD)
\nJoel Kiviranta (lower body, day to day)
\nGavin Brindley (upper body, day to day)
\nMackenzie Blackwood (lower body, IR)<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Brock Nelson Lands Spot on Team USA Olympic Roster<\/a><\/p>\n

Projected Avalanche Lines (Subject to Change)<\/p>\n

Gabriel Landeskog \u2014 Nathan MacKinnon \u2014 Martin Necas
Artturi Lehkonen \u2014 Brock Nelson \u2014 Valeri Nichushkin
Ross Colton \u2014 Jack Drury \u2014 Victor Olofsson
Taylor Makar \u2014 Parker Kelly \u2014 Zakhar Bardakov<\/p>\n

Devon Toews \u2014 Cale Makar
Josh Manson \u2014 Brent Burns
Samuel Girard \u2014 Sam Malinski<\/p>\n

Scott Wedgewood
Trent Miner<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Two Avalanche Forwards Will Represent Team Finland at 2026 Winter Olympics<\/a><\/p>\n

Projected Starters (Subject to Change)<\/p>\n

Expected: Scott Wedgewood (COL)
\nUnconfirmed: Brandon Bussi (CAR)<\/p>\n

Upcoming Milestones<\/p>\n

Samuel Girard \u2014 needs 3 assists for 200
\nParker Kelly \u2014 needs 4 games for 300
\nDevon Toews \u2014 needs 9 points for 300<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/p>\n

TV: Altitude TV
\nRadio: 92.5 FM<\/p>\n


\n\"Contribute
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