Avalanche Begin Road Trip with Central Division Showdown in Chicago

The Colorado Avalanche kicked off their first road trip of 2025 with a Central Division matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night at the United Center. This marked the second of four meetings between the teams this season, with the Blackhawks having secured a 5-2 victory in Denver on October 28. The Avalanche entered the game fresh off a 3-1 win over the Florida Panthers, while the Blackhawks were looking to rebound from a 6-2 loss to the New York Rangers.

Devon Toews was a standout in Colorado’s recent victory, scoring two goals, including the game-winner, while Mikko Rantanen extended his point streak to 14 games with an empty-net goal. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves, including 14 in the third period, to secure the win. The Avalanche’s top players continue to dominate the league, with Nathan MacKinnon leading the NHL in points (66) and assists (52), and Cale Makar leading all defensemen in goals (13) and points (49).

Historically, the Avalanche have had the upper hand against the Blackhawks, with a 64-35-11 record in 110 previous meetings. The teams have met twice in the playoffs, with Colorado emerging victorious in both series. However, the Blackhawks, led by rookie sensation Connor Bedard, who leads the team in points (35) and assists (25), aimed to challenge the Avalanche’s dominance.

Colorado faced a setback with forward Jonathan Drouin sidelined for the game due to an upper-body injury, marking his 33rd missed game this season. Head coach Jared Bednar expressed hope that Drouin could return for the following game against the Minnesota Wild. In his absence, the Avalanche opted for an 11-forward, seven-defenseman lineup. Goaltender Trent Miner made his first career NHL start, becoming the sixth goalie to start for Colorado this season.

The game also carried personal milestones for several players. Makar entered the contest with 99 career goals, while MacKinnon and Rantanen have combined for 124 points this season, the most among any duo in the NHL. As the Avalanche look to build momentum on their road trip, their defensive commitment remains a focal point. “I think our commitment to defending is really high,” said Makar. “It boils down to communication and everybody just wanting to win.”