Upcoming Matchup: Colorado Avalanche vs. Detroit Red Wings
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Colorado Avalanche are set to face their rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, in a morning game on Saturday, March 25, 2025. The contest will take place at the Ball Arena in Denver. After an impressive start to the season, the Avalanche have been battling challenges throughout January, and they seek to improve their standing by ending the month on a high note against a Red Wings team that has proven to be a formidable opponent this year.
Current Standings and Recent Performance
Currently boasting a record of 35 wins, 8 losses, and 9 overtime losses (35-8-9), the Avalanche are clinging to the top position in the Central Division and overall in the Western Conference, despite facing a tough stretch recently. In their last games, they suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of the Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens, with a combined score of 12-5.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar acknowledged the team’s shortcomings on both offense and defense, notably stating, “We’re having trouble putting the puck in the net; we’re having trouble keeping it out of our net right now too… It’s tough sledding for us, but we need to improve in several areas.”
Forward Brock Nelson has been one of the standout players for the Avalanche, recently contributing four goals in his last three appearances. He ranks second on the team with 28 goals, while Nathan MacKinnon leads the league with 38 goals, though he has been in a scoring slump, going without a goal since January 19. Furthermore, Martin Nečas has yet to score since January 12, raising concerns about the team’s offensive output.
The team’s recent struggles have culminated in a January record of 5 wins, 6 losses, and 2 overtime losses, which could impact their overall performance. If they cannot secure a win today, the Avalanche will finish the month under .500—a first since October 2024. Their upcoming schedule includes three critical games before the break for the Olympics, with their focus on maintaining their stronghold in the standings.
Historical Performance Against the Red Wings
As they prepare for this meeting, the Avalanche have historically performed well against the Red Wings, winning three out of their last four regular-season encounters, with their most recent victory being a decisive 5-2 win.
Detroit Red Wings Overview
On the other side of the ice, the Red Wings are enjoying a competitive season, currently ranking second in the Atlantic Division with a record of 32 wins, 17 losses, and 6 overtime losses (32-17-6), just two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning. With aspirations for a playoff berth for the first time in nine years and celebrating their centennial season, this matchup is of particular significance.
Detroit is fresh off a mixed bag of results, going 6-2-2 over their last ten games, although they dropped two of their last three matches at home. Notably, Patrick Kane, a pivotal veteran, just made history by becoming the highest-scoring American-born player in the NHL, reaching 1,375 career points.
Key players for the Red Wings include Alex DeBrincat, who leads the team with 30 goals, closely followed by captain Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, who have played instrumental roles in the offensive strategy. Goaltender John Gibson, acquired from the Ducks last offseason, is currently experiencing a resurgence with 21 wins this season and is on track to set a new career-best performance if he can maintain his form through the postseason aspirations.
Projected Lineups
Projected Lineup for the Colorado Avalanche:
Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen, Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Nečas; Victor Olofsson, Brock Nelson, Valeri Nichushkin; Ross Colton, Jack Drury, Gavin Brindley; Zakhar Bardakov, Parker Kelly, Joel Kiviranta.
Defense: Sam Malinski, Cale Makar; Josh Manson, Brent Burns; Keaton Middleton, Sam Girard.
Goaltenders: Mackenzie Blackwood, Scott Wedgewood.
Projected Lineup for the Detroit Red Wings:
Forwards: Marco Kasper, Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond; Alex DeBrincat, Andrew Copp, Patrick Kane; Emmitt Finnie, J.T. Compher, James van Riemsdyk; Elmer Söderblom, Michael Rasmussen, Mason Appleton.
Defense: Jacob Bernard-Docker, Moritz Seider; Axel Sandin-Pellikka, Ben Chiarot; Albert Johansson, Travis Hamonic.
Goaltenders: John Gibson, Cam Talbot.
As the Avalanche and Red Wings take to the ice this Saturday, fans can expect an engaging matchup between two determined teams looking to solidify their respective standings ahead of an exciting stretch of play.
