The Colorado Avalanche and the Boston Bruins met just one week ago, but a lot has happened in the meantime. Colorado has taken their two games to overtime or shootout and lost both games. But Colorado gained valuable points in their losses. The Bruins have continued their losing streak since visiting Denver, slipping even further into the abyss. The Avalanche fought back with three goals in the last meeting between these two teams, walking away with a 4–1 win. Avs fans will probably get a chance to see backup Trent Miner take the reins in this Saturday matinee as the Bruins are struggling to get back on track. Colorado’s focus will be on playing smart and keeping shifts short with three games in four days.

Colorado Avalanche (5–0–3)

The Avalanche debuted their classic Nordiques sweaters on Thursday in a shootout loss against the Carolina Hurricanes. Scott Wedgwood may have shown some cracks in his armor, allowing four goals in 11 shots. One of them was a shorthanded goal in the first period by Seth Jarvis. Trent Miner, who came in and stopped all 20 shots he faced, replaced Wedgewood in the first. Martin Necas tallied his third goal in three games along with Parker Kelly to start a comeback late in the game. As the power play fizzled out late in the game, Valeri Nichushkin moved to the top unit and converted to tie the game. The goal would send it into overtime and drive fans into a frenzy. Penalties late in the game for the Avalanche may have cost them the momentum, but the bounce back was incredible.

Projected Lines

Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Ross Colton — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson
Parker Kelly —Zakhar Bardakov — Gavin Brindley

Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Ilya Solovyov — Sam Malinski

Scott Wedgewood
Trent Miner

Boston Bruins (3–6–0)

The Bruins have been in a slump, losing six straight games. Former Avalanche center Casey Mittelstadt is on a two-game point streak, tallying a goal and two assists. Their last game on Thursday night against the Anaheim Ducks was a high-scoring affair, ending in a 7–5 Ducks victory. Former Avalanche prospect Drew Helleson netted a goal and former DU Pioneer Troy Terry. Boston has been pushing their games to close draws, losing usually by a goal or two. On Tuesday night, the Bruins lost in the last 26 seconds of the game with a ricochet off of their own player. Bounces have not been going their way lately, but they haven’t for the Avalanche either.

Projected Lines

Morgan Geekie — Elias Lindholm — David Pastrnak
Pavel Zacha — Casey Mittelstadt — Viktor Arvidsson
Tanner Jeannot — Fraser Minten — Jeffrey Viel
Michael Eyssimont — Sean Kuraly — Mark Kastelic

Mason Lohrei — Charlie McAvoy
Nikita Zadorov — Andrew Peeke
Michael Callahan — Henri Jokiharju

Jeremy Swayman
Joonas Korpisalo

Game Details

Time: 1 p.m. MT

Watch: Altitude Sports, NHL Network

Listen: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM