Colorado Avalanche Welcome Back Artturi Lehkonen as They Face Seattle Kraken

The Colorado Avalanche are set to host the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, November 5, at Ball Arena, marking their second meeting in as many weeks. The Avalanche, currently holding a 5-7-0 record, are eager to bounce back from a recent skid, having lost their last two games, including a 5-2 defeat to the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

A significant boost for the Avalanche comes with the return of Artturi Lehkonen, who will make his season debut after being activated from the injured reserve. Lehkonen will join the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, a move expected to enhance the team’s overall lineup dynamics.

Additionally, the Avalanche are anticipating the return of other key players. Valeri Nichushkin, who has been serving a six-month suspension, practiced with the team on Monday and is slated to return on November 15 against the Washington Capitals. Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood are also nearing their returns, with Drouin listed as day-to-day and Wood expected back within 7-10 days.

In goal, the Avalanche will start Justus Annunen, who has been the team’s most consistent goaltender this season. Alexandar Georgiev will serve as the backup, while Kaapo Kahkonen is a healthy scratch.

The Seattle Kraken, with a 5-7-1 record, are looking to rebound from a 2-0 loss to the Boston Bruins. The Kraken’s offense has been struggling, scoring only one goal in their last three games. However, they have a strong defensive record, ranked 7th in the league, and will rely on players like Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle to spark their offense.

The game promises to be an intriguing matchup, with both teams seeking to gain momentum in the early stages of the season. The Avalanche have historically performed well against the Kraken, holding a 6-3-1 record in their last 10 regular-season meetings.

The game will be broadcast on Altitude TV and can be streamed on ESPN+, with radio coverage available on 92.5 Altitude Radio.