The Colorado Avalanche are set to clash with the Nashville Predators tonight at Ball Arena, marking the second match between the two teams in just three games. This matchup will conclude a brief two-game homestand for the Avalanche, who currently hold a record of 22 wins, 2 losses, and 7 overtime losses. The Predators come into this game with a record of 12 wins, 14 losses, and 4 overtime losses.
The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 P.M. MST and can be viewed on various platforms including ALT, ALT+, and ESPN+, amongst others. Fans can also tune in to Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 for live commentary.
In their previous encounters this season, the Avalanche have experienced both triumph and heartbreak at the hands of the Predators. Their first meeting took place on November 22 at Bridgestone Arena, where Colorado emerged victorious with a 3-0 scoreline. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood was stellar, turning away all 35 shots he faced, while Brent Burns scored the game-winner just 15 seconds into the match. Nathan MacKinnon and Jack Drury sealed the deal with empty-net goals later in the game.
However, the second game on Tuesday proved to be more challenging for the Avalanche. Despite a strong performance from Cale Makar that forced the game into overtime, Nashville managed to secure a victory in the shootout, winning 4-3. Scott Wedgewood struggled initially but improved as the game progressed, only to leave the game after a collision resulted in potential concussion protocol. Blackwood stepped in but did not face a shot, as Gabe Landeskog’s shootout attempt fell short. Despite the loss, the Avalanche managed to gain a critical point, keeping them at the top of the Central Division.
Ahead of tonight’s game, the Avalanche enjoyed a significant win against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, with a score of 6-2. The team celebrated the 1996 Stanley Cup-winning roster while simultaneously making waves on the ice. Gavin Brindley returned after a ten-game absence due to injury and scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in the second period. Additionally, Nathan MacKinnon achieved his 25th goal of the season, setting a new franchise record for most goals scored since the team relocated from Quebec.
The Avalanche lineup features a strong forward corps including Artturi Lehkonen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Martin Nečas, alongside a solid defensive unit led by Cale Makar and Devon Toews. In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood are poised to defend the net.
On the other side, despite sitting at the bottom of the Central Division, the Predators have demonstrated resilience, winning six of their last eight matchups. Their most recent victory against the St. Louis Blues saw Steven Stamkos shine with a hat trick, accounting for four of Nashville’s seven goals. Juuse Saros put in a steady performance between the pipes, stopping 24 of 26 shots.
Nashville will enter the game looking different than in their last bout against Colorado, having traded defenseman Spencer Stastney to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2027 draft pick. Stastney had contributed three goals and 15 assists over his time with the Predators.
As the game approaches, both teams prepare to continue their seasons with high stakes and the momentum of recent performances. The Avalanche aim to redeem themselves after a shootout loss, while the Predators are eager to extend their winning streak.
