Avalanche Begin Homestand Against Rival Red Wings Tonight

DENVER, Colo. — The Colorado Avalanche kick off a crucial four-game homestand tonight against their rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, following a successful road trip where they collected four of six points. The match is set for 7 p.m. MT at Ball Arena.

The Avalanche recently secured a thrilling 5-4 shootout victory against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Brock Nelson captured the shootout winner while also scoring in regulation, contributing to the team’s efforts alongside teammates Martin Necas, Ryan Lindgren, and Sam Malinski, each scoring did so during the game.

Malinski opened the scoring with his third goal of the season just 7:35 into the first period with a powerful one-timer from the right circle. At 10:09 in the same period, Lindgren doubled the lead, and Necas extended the advantage to three goals with a power-play shot early in the second period, marking his 24th goal of the season.

Montreal’s Juraj Slafkovsky managed to score twice, bringing the Canadiens back into contention, but it was Nelson’s crucial shootout goal that ultimately sealed the win after Slafkovsky had tied it late in the final period.

Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL with 105 points and 77 assists, with Cale Makar also making waves by leading NHL defensemen in several categories, including points, goals, and assists. Artturi Lehkonen ranks second on the Avalanche with 27 goals.

The upcoming game marks the 89th matchup between the Avalanche and Red Wings in the regular season, with the teams evenly matched at 41 wins each and 7 losses. The last time they met, Colorado emerged victorious with a 2-1 triumph in Detroit on December 7.

On their end, the Red Wings come off a dominant 5-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club, showcasing their own competitive edge despite a rocky season. However, Detroit’s recent inconsistencies have kept them from firmly establishing themselves in the playoff race.

“We have to stay focused and use this home stretch to gain momentum,” said Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar. “Each point matters as we approach the postseason.”

Detroit’s stars, including Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin, and recent performances from Brock Nelson and Cale Makar offer a deep comparison as each team seeks critical points. The Avalanche’s points percentage of .850 in March ranks as the best in the NHL,

Hoping to fend off any playoff talk from previous seasons, the Red Wings know they must capitalize on every opportunity, especially against teams with playoff positions already secure.

Tonight’s clash promises not just a battle have postseason implications but a historical rivalry match that fans won’t want to miss.