Avalanche vs. Ducks: Game 48, Lines, Notes, and How to Watch
The Colorado Avalanche are gearing up for a crucial seven-game homestand, starting with a match against the Anaheim Ducks at 7:08 p.m. MT. Here's a breakdown of the key players, recent developments, and how to catch the action.
Key Stories to Watch:
- Valeri Nichushkin's Return: After a minor car accident, Nichushkin is back in the lineup, ready to take on the Ducks. He missed the previous game against Washington but practiced with the team on Tuesday, ensuring he's in top form.
- Jack Ahcan's Call-Up: Ahcan joins the team to replace the recently traded Ilya Solovyov. His last game was against Anaheim on November 11, adding a layer of familiarity to the upcoming match. Taylor Makar is also recalled, bringing fresh energy to the lineup.
- Ducks' Recent Form: Anaheim has been on a rollercoaster this season. They started strong with an 11-3-1 record, but a loss at Ball Arena in November ended their seven-game winning streak. They then struggled with a 10-18-2 record over the next 30 games, but a recent four-game winning streak has them back in the playoff hunt.
- Injury Updates: The Ducks are without their top center, Leo Carlsson, who is injured and won't play for Team Sweden at the Olympics. Lukas Dostal will start in goal, while Colorado's net is likely to be guarded by Scott Wedgewood.
Season Series:
- November 11: Avalanche vs. Ducks (Colorado won 4-1)
- January 21: Another showdown between the two teams
- March 3: The final meeting in the season series, at Anaheim
Avalanche Injuries:
- Logan O'Connor (undisclosed, status to be determined)
- Joel Kiviranta (lower body, week-to-week)
- Devon Toews (upper body, week-to-week)
- Gabriel Landeskog (upper body, expected to be out for weeks)
Projected Lines (Subject to Change):
- Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Necas
- Ross Colton - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin
- Parker Kelly - Jack Drury - Victor Olofsson
- Taylor Makar - Zakhar Bardakov - Gavin Brindley
Defensemen Pairings:
- Sam Malinski - Cale Makar
- Josh Manson - Brent Burns
- Jack Ahcan - Samuel Girard
Goaltenders:
- Scott Wedgewood
- Mackenzie Blackwood
Projected Starters (Subject to Change):
- Scott Wedgewood (COL)
- Lukas Dostal (ANA)
Upcoming Milestones:
- Samuel Girard needs 3 assists to reach 200.
- Gabriel Landeskog needs 7 points to reach 600.
- Devon Toews needs 9 points to reach 300.
- Valeri Nichushkin needs 7 games to reach 600.
- Nathan MacKinnon needs 5 assists to reach 700.
How to Watch:
- TV: Altitude TV
- Radio: 92.5 FM
Don't miss this exciting match! Tune in to Altitude TV or listen on 92.5 FM to catch all the action and support your favorite team.
