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Avalanche Face Blue Jackets: Merzlikins in Goal

5 months agoUS
Avalanche Face Blue Jackets: Merzlikins in GoalSource: milehighhockey.com
The Colorado Avalanche look to continue their home winning streak as they face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in an afternoon game at Ball Arena. Columbus will start Elvis Merzlikins in goal. This game concludes the season series between the two teams.

Key Insights

The Avalanche are coming off an 8-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators, marking their 16th consecutive win on home ice.

Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in total points (78) and is tied for the league lead in goals (36).

Josh Manson had a career-high four points and a Gordie Howe hat trick in the previous game.

Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled with injuries, impacting their lineup.

Zach Werenski leads the Blue Jackets in goals (16), assists (30), and points (46). Kirill Marchenko is tied for the team lead in goals (16) and second in points (35).

Why This Matters: The Avalanche aim to maintain their dominant home record and solidify their position atop the league standings. For the Blue Jackets, a win could provide a much-needed boost despite their injury challenges and current position in the Eastern Conference.

In-Depth Analysis

The Colorado Avalanche (32-4-7) are hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets (18-18-7) at Ball Arena. The Avalanche are looking to extend their impressive home winning streak.

Avalanche's Recent Performance:

The Avalanche are coming off a commanding 8-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators. Nathan MacKinnon continues to lead the charge, while defenseman Josh Manson had a standout performance. Twelve Avalanche players recorded points in the game, showcasing the team's depth.

Blue Jackets' Challenges:

The Blue Jackets have faced a series of injuries, impacting key players such as Erik Gudbranson, Brendan Smith, Miles Wood, Mason Marchment, and Isac Lundeström. Despite these challenges, the Blue Jackets are looking to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference. Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko are key players to watch for Columbus.

Projected Lineups:

Avalanche:

Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Nečas, Gavin Brindley - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin, Victor Olofsson - Jack Drury - Ross Colton, Zakhar Bardakov - Parker Kelly - TJ Tynan

Defense: Cale Makar - Sam Girard, Josh Manson - Brent Burns, Ilya Solovyov - Sam Malinski

Goalies: Scott Wedgewood, Trent Miner

Blue Jackets:

Forwards: Dmitri Voronkov - Adam Fantilli - Kirill Marchenko, Boone Jenner - Sean Monahan - Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger - Charlie Coyle - Mathieu Olivier, Zach Aston-Reese - Brendan Gaunce - Mikael Pyyhtiä

Defense: Zach Werenski - Denton Mateychuk, Ivan Provorov - Damon Severson, Yegor Zamula - Dante Fabbro

Goalies: Elvis Merzlikins, Jet Greaves

How to Watch:

The game will be broadcast on ALT, ALT+ (Avalanche Broadcast Area), FDSNOH, ESPN+, and NHL Center Ice. Radio coverage will be available on Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM.

FAQs

Q: Who is starting in goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets?

Elvis Merzlikins is expected to start in goal for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Q: What was the score in the previous game between the Avalanche and Blue Jackets this season?

The Avalanche defeated the Blue Jackets 4-1 on October 16th.

Q: Which Avalanche players had four-point nights in their recent game against Ottawa?

Nathan MacKinnon and Josh Manson both recorded four points in the game against the Ottawa Senators.

Key Takeaways

The Avalanche are a strong home team and are looking to extend their winning streak.

The Blue Jackets face challenges due to several key players being injured.

Keep an eye on Nathan MacKinnon for the Avalanche and Zach Werenski for the Blue Jackets.

Elvis Merzlikins will be in goal for Columbus, presenting a key matchup against the Avalanche's high-powered offense.

Discussion

Do you think the Avalanche will continue their home winning streak? Or can the Blue Jackets, despite their injuries, pull off an upset? Let us know!

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