Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (8) during the second period against the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Denver, Colo. – It’s Fan Appreciation Night at Ball Arena! While fans celebrate the last home game before the postseason kicks off, it’s business as usual for the Colorado Avalanche.
With the Vancouver Canucks officially eliminated from playoff contention as of Wednesday night, the Avalanche look to hold onto their 3rd place position in the Central for the rest of the regular season.
CENTRAL:
1. X – Winnipeg Jets – 78 GP – 110 points
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2. X – Dallas Stars – 78 GP – 106 points
3. X – Colorado Avalanche – 79 GP – 100 points
PACIFIC:
1. X – Vegas Golden Knights – 78 GP – 103 points
2. X – Los Angeles Kings – 77 GP – 97 points
3. Edmonton Oilers – 78 GP – 95 points
—–
WILD CARD:
1. Minnesota Wild – 79 GP – 93 points
2. St. Louis Blues – 80 GP – 93 points
Head Coach Jared Bednar spoke with the media following today’s morning skate. It was a full skate; the only players missing were Nathan MacKinnon, Josh Manson, Ross Colton, Ryan Lindgren, and Charlie Coyle.
Of those players, the only one ready to go for tonight is Charlie Coyle. Bednar also said that both Martin Necas and Samuel Girard, who skated in full-contact uniforms, will be in the lineup tonight, as well.
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Nathan MacKinnon is also apparently dealing with a “minor injury” and will not play tonight. Bednar even went as far as saying he may not play in either of the back-to-back games this weekend either for the sake of rest.
Ross Colton is still considered day-to-day.
Ryan Lindgren suffered an upper-body injury last game against the Vegas Golden Knights and will sit out tonight.
Jonathan Drouin skated this morning in a red no-contact and Bednar had a good update on him, saying he “looks like he’ll play this weekend.”
With all of the injuries and resting guys, the Avalanche recalled Chris Wagner from the Colorado Eagles (AHL) this morning. He played in Tuesday’s match against the Golden Knights.
Mackenzie Blackwood occupied the starter’s crease for the Avalanche this morning. Following Vancouver’s morning skate, Head Coach Rick Tocchet said Kevin Lankinen will get the start for his group.
Puck drop: 7:08 PM Mountain Time
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TV Broadcast: Altitude/Altitude+ (Colorado), KUSA/9News (Colorado), Sportsnet Pacific (Vancouver), ESPN+ (out-of-market)
Radio Broadcast: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 (Colorado), Sportsnet 650 (Vancouver)
