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
