The Colorado Avalanche are preparing to host the Minnesota Wild, with Nazem Kadri returning to Denver for his second stint with the team.
Kadri’s Return Boosts Avalanche Lineup
The Colorado Avalanche, who already possess what is described as the most formidable lineup in the NHL this season, will see Nazem Kadri join their ranks. The Avalanche are coming off a challenging stretch of hockey after the Olympic break.
Kadri’s return comes as the Avalanche prepare to face a reconfigured Minnesota Wild team in a high-stakes game at Ball Arena.
Avalanche’s Recent Victory Over the Stars
The Avalanche are returning home after a three-game road trip. Their most recent game saw them defeat the Dallas Stars by a 5-4 shootout decision. The Avs overcame 3-1 and 4-2 deficits during the game at American Airlines Center.
Valeri Nichushkin tied the game with 13.2 seconds remaining in the third period after Jamie Benn of the Stars missed an empty net opportunity. Scott Wedgewood, who replaced Mackenzie Blackwood, made saves in regulation, overtime and the shootout.
Martin Nečas scored the shootout winner, and Nichushkin added another shootout goal. The victory completed a sweep of the Avs’ three game road trip, and was their fifth win in six games, while snapping Dallas’ franchise record ten game winning streak.
Coach Bednar Praises Nichushkin’s Performance
Coach Jared Bednar commented on Nichushkin’s performance: “I feel like he’s been playing a lot better right before the break, coming out of the break, he’s starting to using his legs like we’re used to seeing. He had been fighting the puck for a little bit, had a little bit of an injury that was bothering him; he was playing through that, and he’s been snakebit […] hopefully this sparks him here, and he starts feeling it a little bit, because he deserves to put a few more back in the net.”
Standings and Season Series
The Avalanche solidified their position at the top of the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings with their win over Dallas. They hold a six-point lead over Dallas with a game in hand. Against Minnesota, they have a nine-point lead with two games in hand.
The Avs trail the season series due to their 5-2 defeat at home against Minnesota on February 26. The Avalanche roster will be different from the one Minnesota faced previously because of Kadri’s return.
The game can be viewed on HBO MAX/TNT/truTV (U.S. National Broadcast), TVAS/TVAS+ (Canadian National Broadcast), SN+, NHL Centre Ice (Outside Avalanche and Wild Broadcast Region – Canada). The game can be listened to on Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM. The game is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. MST/2:00 P.M. EST.