Get ready for a showdown that’s more than just a game—it’s a rematch of last season’s heartbreak. The Colorado Avalanche (2-0-0) face off against the Dallas Stars (1-0-0) tonight at 7:08 p.m. MT, reigniting the rivalry that ended their playoff run last May. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just about settling old scores. It’s about proving who’s evolved more since then. And this is the part most people miss—the Avalanche are stepping onto the ice with a mix of resilience, strategy, and milestones that could redefine their season.
Scott Wedgewood is back in the spotlight, making his third consecutive start as Mackenzie Blackwood recovers. Can he replicate last season’s heroics against his former team? Meanwhile, the Avs are reshuffling their defense without Samuel Girard, who’s sidelined with an upper-body injury. Ilya Solovyov steps in, but the real question is: Will pairing Brent Burns and Josh Manson solidify their top four? Speaking of Burns, tonight marks his 1,500th regular season game, a feat achieved by only seven other defensemen in NHL history. Talk about a career milestone!
But here’s the twist: Mikko Rantanen, now with the Stars, faces his former team for the first time since his jaw-dropping hat trick in Game 7 last May. Will he haunt the Avs again, or will they shut him down? And let’s not forget Dallas’s shaky defense, which nearly cost them against the Jets. Can they tighten up in time?
Controversial take alert: Is the Avalanche’s reliance on Wedgewood a smart move, or are they risking burnout? And with Girard out, are they gambling too much on an unproven defense pairing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Season Series Snapshot:
- Oct. 11: vs Dallas Stars
- March 6: at Dallas Stars
- March 18: vs Dallas Stars
- April 4: at Dallas Stars
Avalanche Injuries:
- Mackenzie Blackwood (undisclosed, week-to-week)
- Logan O’Connor (hip, early November return)
- Samuel Girard (upper body, week-to-week)
Projected Avalanche Lines (Subject to Change):
Forward Lines:
1. Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
2. Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
3. Ross Colton — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson
4. Joel Kiviranta — Parker Kelly — Gavin Brindley
Defensive Pairings:
1. Devon Toews — Cale Makar
2. Josh Manson — Brent Burns
3. Ilya Solovyov — Sam Malinski
Goaltenders:
- Scott Wedgewood
- Trent Miner
Confirmed Starters:
- Scott Wedgewood (COL)
- Jake Oettinger (DAL)
Upcoming Milestones:
- Brent Burns: 1 game away from 1,500
- Gabriel Landeskog: 2 goals away from 250
- Cale Makar: 3 games away from 400
- Artturi Lehkonen: 8 games away from 600
How to Watch:
- TV: Altitude TV & My20 KTVD
- Radio: 92.5 FM
This game isn’t just about two points—it’s about pride, strategy, and the stories that make hockey unforgettable. Who will come out on top? Tune in and find out!
