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SThe Colorado Avalanche (45-26-4) are back on the road for another three games in four nights, starting with a matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks (21-44-9). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:52 p.m. MT.
Read More: Should Avalanche’s Jared Bednar Prioritize Rest or Rhythm as the Playoffs Approach?
The last two games have been somewhat of a dud for the Avs. Despite only giving up four goals in two games, Colorado closed out its homestand 0-1-1, which ended with a 3-2 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames.
The Avalanche led 2-0 midway through the third period before giving up two goals in 31 seconds to the Flames’ fourth line. Calgary went on to win in the shootout after both teams failed to score in an exhilarating overtime period.
Scott Wedgewood was in goal for that game and saw his personal five-game winning streak come to an end. He’ll get the nod again in the first of a back to back.
The Avalanche called up goalie Kevin Mandolese this morning and all three goalies were on the ice for the skate. It’s unclear if Mackenzie Blackwood will serve as back up but I have him slotted there for now.
The Avs are also getting Joel Kiviranta back in the lineup. Kiviranta missed the last three games with a lower-body injury. He’s expected to slot back into his usual role on the third line alongside Charlie Coyle and Ross Colton.
Samuel Girard is out. Expect Keaton Middleton to replace him.
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Given how the standings are shaking out, it’s going to take a miracle for another team to unseat the Avs from the No. 3 seed in the Central Division. Because of that, the team hasn’t quite woken up for the past few games with the same urgency to get two points.
That’s played a part in the last two losses and is something they’re trying to navigate as the regular season ends. Jared Bednar has said that his focus is on ensuring that the top six are producing and his team is playing the right way. He also mentioned the importance in being as high in the standings as possible, just in case home-ice advantage is up for grabs in the Western Conference Final or Stanley Cup Final — if Colorado gets that far.
The Blackhawks also aren’t playing for much, albeit for a much different reason. Chicago is preparing for another high draft pick as their rebuild continues for another year. They’ve won just one of their last 10 games and are tied for the most regulation losses in the league with 44.
Spencer Knight gets the nod in goal.
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Jonathan Drouin — Nathan MacKinnon — Artturi Lehkonen
Valeri Nichushkin — Brock Nelson — Martin Necas
Joel Kiviranta – Charlie Coyle — Ross Colton
Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’Connor
Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Ryan Lindgren — Sam Malinski
Keaton Middleton — Erik Johnson
Scott Wedgewood
Mackenzie Blackwood
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