Upcoming Matchup: Avalanche vs. Blackhawks
This Saturday, the ice will be lit up as the Colorado Avalanche welcome the Chicago Blackhawks to Denver at 6 p.m. EST. The meeting marks the second time these Central Division rivals face off this season, with their previous encounter resulting in a narrow 1-0 victory for Colorado.
Current Standings
Currently, the Avalanche sit at an impressive 38 wins and 10 losses, contributing to a strong showing in their division with a record of 9-2-4 against fellow Central teams. They are notably effective on the power play, maintaining an undefeated streak of 12 victories and 4 draws when they net a goal during these opportunities. However, the team recently faced disappointment, suffering a 5-2 defeat against the Minnesota Wild, despite standout performances such as Martin Necas contributing two goals in that match.
In contrast, the Chicago Blackhawks are experiencing a more challenging season, with 22 wins and 27 losses, placing them under .500. They boast a divisional record of 7-5-2, but have struggled overall with a scoring differential of -31; having scored 153 goals while allowing 184 against.
Key Players
Key players are making their marks on both sides. For the Avalanche, Necas has tallied an impressive 25 goals alongside 40 assists, and Brock Nelson has also made strides with six goals and three assists in the last ten games. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks’ Tyler Bertuzzi stands out with 26 goals and 17 assists, complemented by Ilya Mikheyev’s contributions of three goals and six assists over the same period.
Recent Form
In terms of recent form, the Avalanche have recorded four wins, five losses, and one tie in their last ten games, averaging 2.8 goals per game while yielding 2.6. Conversely, the Blackhawks have fared slightly worse with three wins, five losses, and two ties, managing an average of 2.2 goals per match and conceding 2.9.
Looking Ahead
Both teams appear to have full rosters, with no injury concerns reported. As the Avalanche aim to redeem themselves after their last outing, the Blackhawks will look to capitalize on their opportunities as they continue to navigate a difficult season.
