Avalanche Face Flames as Playoff Race Intensifies

CALGARY, Alberta — The Colorado Avalanche wrap up a two-game road trip against the Calgary Flames tonight at 7 p.m. MT at Scotiabank Saddledome. This pivotal matchup marks the second of three encounters between the two teams this season, with the final game scheduled for March 31 in Denver.

Following a gripping shootout loss to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, in which Colorado fell 2-1, the Avalanche are eager to rebound. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar emphasized the importance of this game in the context of the Western Conference playoff race.

“We know the stakes are high, and every point is crucial from here on out,” said Bednar. “We need to play our best hockey against a tough opponent.”

In their previous meeting, Colorado emerged victorious with a 4-2 win on February 6 in Calgary, boosting their all-time regular-season record against the Flames to 65-54-13. In the shootout against Minnesota, sniper Joel Kiviranta tied the game in the third period with a deflected shot, extending his goal streak to four games.

Key players for Colorado include Nathan MacKinnon, who leads the NHL with 102 points, and Cale Makar, the top-scoring defenseman with 75 points. Makar ranks 10th overall in the league, and his performance has been crucial as the Avalanche navigate the final stretch of the regular season.

Meanwhile, the Flames are coming off a shootout loss against the Vancouver Canucks, in which they fell 4-3. Elias Pettersson was instrumental for Vancouver, scoring once and assisting another during regulation before clinching the victory in the shootout.

Jonathan Huberdeau leads Calgary with 24 goals this season, while Nazem Kadri has also been a key contributor with 48 points. However, the Flames face uncertainty as captain Mikael Backlund is recovering from an upper-body injury sustained in their last game, having left the ice in the first period.

“Backs is a player we heavily rely on,” said Flames forward Yegor Sharangovich. “Losing him would hurt us, especially now as we make our playoff push.”

Calgary has struggled to score this season, currently ranking as the NHL’s lowest-scoring team. Any absence of Backlund, a critical defensive forward, could severely impact their chances as they battle for a wild-card spot.

“The playoffs are within reach, but we need to tighten our game,” said Flames head coach Ryan Huska. “Every match from here on is a must-win.”

As the Avalanche prepare for this critical showdown, they aim to leverage their scoring talent while the Flames search for consistency, hoping to solidify their postseason position.