Get ready for an exciting clash as the Colorado Avalanche embark on their three-game road adventure, facing the Carolina Hurricanes in a highly anticipated rematch! This game promises to be a thrilling spectacle, especially with the Avalanche's vintage jerseys paying homage to their Nordiques and Whalers heritage.
The Battle for Supremacy: Avalanche vs Hurricanes
In this highly anticipated game, the Avalanche, with an impressive 30-2-7 record, take on the Hurricanes, who are currently at 24-13-3. But here's the twist: this is the second meeting between these two clubs, and the Avalanche are bringing out their retro jerseys, adding a touch of nostalgia to the intense competition.
Key Stories and Insights
- Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, a key player for the Avalanche, has been placed on the injured reserve list, which means he'll miss the entire road trip. Scott Wedgewood is expected to step up as the starter, with Trent Miner as his backup.
- This game marks the return of former Hurricanes players Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and Brent Burns to Raleigh. Necas, in particular, is a star attraction, having been the pivotal piece in the trade that brought Mikko Rantanen to the Hurricanes last year.
- The Avalanche are on an incredible winning streak, having won nine games straight, with only nine losses since the season began. However, one of those losses was against the Hurricanes, and now the Canes have a chance to make it two wins against Colorado.
- The Hurricanes are coming off two consecutive regulation losses. They're expecting the return of Shayne Gostisbehere to their lineup, but they're still without key players Seth Jarvis and Jaccob Slavin.
- Carolina's expected starter is Brandon Bussi, who has an impressive 13-2-1 record this season. However, his last game against the Habs saw him concede six goals, resulting in just his second regulation loss.
Season Series
- The Avalanche faced the Hurricanes on October 23rd, losing in a shootout (5-4).
- This game, on January 3rd, is the second and final meeting between the two teams this season.
Avalanche Injuries
- Logan O'Connor: Undisclosed injury, status TBD.
- Joel Kiviranta: Lower body injury, day-to-day.
- Gavin Brindley: Upper body injury, day-to-day.
- Mackenzie Blackwood: Lower body injury, on injured reserve.
Projected Avalanche Lines
- Forward Lines:
- Landeskog - MacKinnon - Necas
- Lehkonen - Nelson - Nichushkin
- Colton - Drury - Olofsson
- Makar - Kelly - Bardakov
- Defense Pairs:
- Toews - Makar
- Manson - Burns
- Girard - Malinski
- Goaltenders:
- Wedgewood
- Miner
Projected Starters
- Expected: Scott Wedgewood (COL)
- Unconfirmed: Brandon Bussi (CAR)
Upcoming Milestones
- Samuel Girard is just three assists away from reaching 200 career assists.
- Parker Kelly needs to play four more games to reach 300 games played.
- Devon Toews is nine points shy of 300 career points.
How to Watch
- TV: Altitude TV
- Radio: 92.5 FM
Get your popcorn ready and tune in to witness this thrilling game! Who will come out on top? Will the Avalanche continue their winning streak, or will the Hurricanes pull off a crucial victory? Find out and join the discussion!
