Avalanche Face Sabres Without Injured Forward Nichushkin

DENVER, Colorado – The Colorado Avalanche are set to face the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday at Ball Arena after a victory over the second-best team in the NHL. The Sabres are struggling this season, having not won a single road game in six attempts with a record of 0-4-2, and they come into this matchup on a four-game losing streak following a 5-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth.

The Avalanche currently hold the best record in the NHL at 11-1-5, riding a four-game winning streak. However, they will have to play without forward Valeri Nichushkin, who suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday’s match against the Anaheim Ducks. Head coach Jared Bednar confirmed that Nichushkin will miss some time but did not specify how long.

“It’s definitely a concern that he’s not here today and left the game early,” Bednar said during a press conference. “He’s going to miss some time, I just don’t know how much.” Nichushkin has been pivotal for the Avalanche this season, contributing five goals and 12 points in 17 games.

In light of Nichushkin’s absence, rookie Gavin Brindley will be elevated to the second line, a notable first for the forward who recently signed a two-year contract extension. Brindley is expected to play alongside center Brock Nelson and winger Ross Colton. “Vals an incredible player. He brings it on both sides and plays all situations,” Nelson said regarding Nichushkin. “It’s not surprising that the team is better with him in.” The Avalanche will also see the return of Samuel Girard who had been out since the home opener on October 9.

The puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET, and the Avalanche are opening as heavy favorites, listed around -312 on the moneyline, while the Sabres are at +248. Colorado’s offensive prowess continues to shine through, thanks to Nathan MacKinnon, who is on a 10-game point streak and leads the league with 32 points.

The Avalanche’s depth and recent performance have kept them at the top, but they will need to adjust in light of Nichushkin’s injury against a Buffalo team that is still searching for its first road win this season.