The Colorado Avalanche will head into the last game of the road trip as they battle the Detroit Red Wings. A rivalry that was born in blood is not so much anymore. Although some fans believe it persists, the departure of the Wings for the Eastern Conference ended its rivalry. Colorado eagerly awaits defenseman Devon Toews’ return, but Keaton Middleton’s reassignment has not happened, so we may have to wait for his return.

Colorado Avalanche (34–8–9, 77 pts)

The Avalanche have struggled, holding a 4–5–2 record in their past eleven contests. Despite winning three recent home contests, they entered Toronto determined to make a statement. The last two games against Ottawa and Montreal were a different story. In both games they looked flat and could not control their passes. Both the Sens and the Habs played physical games to throw the Avs off their game. The bright shining light has been Brock Nelson, who has 14 points in the last 11 games (10g/4a). Ross Colton found the back of the net against Montreal after going goalless in 25 straight games. Colorado would walk out of Montreal with their eighth regulation loss of the year, losing 7–3.

Projected Lines

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
Victor Olofsson – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Joel Kiviranta
Zakhar Bardakov – Parker Kelly – Gavin Brindley

Sam Malinski – Cale Makar
Josh Manson – Brent Burns
Samuel Girard – Keaton Middleton

Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood

Detroit Red Wings (32–17–6, 70 pts)

The Red Wings have been shockingly good this season and maybe on the cusp of figuring things out. Through 55 games this season, they have 32 wins, only three fewer than the Avalanche. Efforts from players like Alex DeBrincat, who now has 30 goals, have been part of the reason for their success. In their last game against the Washington Capitals, they forced it to a shootout and won 4–3. Patrick Kane tallied an assist in the game and now has the most points scored by an American-born player. He passed legend Mike Modano for the lead with his 1,375th career point.

Projected Lines

Marco Kasper – Dylan Larkin – Lucas Raymond
Alex DeBrincat – Andrew Copp – Patrick Kane
Emmitt Finnie – J.T. Compher – Mason Appleton
Elmer Soderblom – Michael Rasmussen – James van Riemsdyk

Jacob Bernard-Docker – Moritz Seider
Axel Sandin-Pellikka – Ben Chiarot
Albert Johansson – Travis Hamonic

John Gibson
Cam Talbot

Game Details

Time: 11:00 a.m. MT

Watch: ABC

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM/AM 950