Blackhawks Aim for Upset Against Avalanche in Key Matchup

DENVER, March 10, 2025 – The Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Colorado Avalanche tonight as they continue their four-game road trip at Ball Arena. The puck drops at 7 p.m. MT.

Chicago (20-35-9) is riding a five-game point streak, including three overtime losses in their last five games, while Colorado (38-24-2) is looking to extend its five-game winning streak after a decisive 7-4 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

The Blackhawks have struggled this season, currently sitting last in the Central Division and 31st overall in the NHL. Despite a tough season, the team has accumulated 49 points and aims to improve its standing in hopes of a higher draft pick. “We’ve shown resilience lately, but we need to find ways to secure wins, especially against top-tier teams like Colorado,” said Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson.

Chicago’s lineup will feature several changes from their previous game. Newly recalled forward Artyom Levshunov, a 2024 NHL Draft second overall pick, will make his NHL debut alongside defenseman Alec Martinez. Forward Jason Dickinson returns after an 11-game absence due to a high-ankle sprain.

“It’s a dream come true to finally play in the NHL. I’m excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to contribute to my team,” said Levshunov ahead of the game.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche enter the matchup with momentum, having recently restructured their roster through trades. Nathan MacKinnon, who recently reached the 100-point milestone this season, leads a formidable offense bolstered by Valeri Nichushkin, who notched a hat trick last game.

In their recent roster changes, Colorado acquired Charlie Coyle from Boston and Brock Nelson from the Islanders, adding depth and experience. “We’ve created great chemistry, and it shows on the ice. We’re ready to keep pushing through the end of the season,” said MacKinnon.

As for injuries, Blackhawks goaltender Laurent Brossoit is still sidelined with a knee injury and is not expected to return this season, while Dickinson’s availability remains a positive note for Chicago.

Spencer Knight is expected to start in goal for the Blackhawks, boasting a .922 save percentage during the latest stretch. Knight has faced high-volume shots each game but has kept his team competitive. “Our defense and structure need to hold strong against Colorado’s attack,” he noted.

Chicago’s statistics reflect their defensive challenges, ranking 32nd in 5-on-5 Corsi For and Expected Goals For percentages. In contrast, Colorado stands third with a powerful offensive attack, leading the league with a remarkable 71.79% goal share during their winning streak.

Tonight’s game is pivotal for the Blackhawks as they aim not just for a victory but for a building block towards next season. They’ll look to upset the heavily favored Avalanche, who are currently a -500 home favorite, with odds reflecting their dominant play. Chicago stands at +375 as an underdog.

With the playoffs nearing, both teams continue to vie for positioning, making this matchup a critical one for Chicago’s rebuilding efforts and Colorado’s push for dominance in the Central Division.