Blues Aim for Ninth Straight Win Against Avalanche

DENVER, Colo. — The St. Louis Blues will look to extend their win streak to nine games this afternoon as they face off against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. The game is set to begin at 3:30 p.m. CT (4:30 p.m. ET), and will be broadcast on local networks including 101 ESPN.

After missing four games due to an illness, forward Pavel Buchnevich is expected to return to the lineup, playing alongside Jake Neighbours and Robert Thomas on the top line. “Buchy looked good in practice (Friday). He feels really good, so yeah, he’ll be in the lineup,” Blues Head Coach Jim Montgomery said. The Blues, sporting a record of 39-28-7, currently hold the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.

Buchnevich’s return comes at a crucial time as the Blues have won eight straight games, a feat that has propelled them toward a playoff position. Zack Bolduc is likely to shift back to the third line alongside Mathieu Joseph and Oskar Sundqvist following Buchnevich’s return. Alexandre Texier is expected to be scratched in this matchup.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche, who boast a 45-25-3 record, are coming off a dominant 4-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood recorded his fourth shutout of the season in that game, while Martin Necas scored twice to help secure the win. The Avalanche are looking to string together five consecutive wins today as they continue to fight for playoff positioning themselves.

On the injury front, Blues defenseman Colton Parayko practiced on Friday but will miss his twelfth consecutive game. For the Avalanche, forward Joel Kiviranta and defenseman Erik Johnson are day-to-day. Kiviranta is expected to miss his second straight game due to a lower-body injury, while Johnson may return after sitting out the previous two matches.

As both teams prepare for the pivotal matchup, the goalie duel is expected to feature Jordan Binnington for the Blues against Blackwood for the Avalanche. Blackwood’s recent performance will be vital if Colorado hopes to maintain their winning form.

The match underlines the intensity of this season, with both teams under pressure to secure points as the playoffs approach. This will be the third of four regular-season meet-ups between the two squads, with each team claiming one victory in their previous encounters.