The Avalanche enter the game well-rested, having played only twice in the last seven days, which should allow them to capitalize on their speed.
Colorado's penalty kill is ranked second in the league (90.5%), a crucial asset against the Oilers' potent offense featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Scott Wedgewood is likely to start in goal for the Avalanche, while Stuart Skinner is confirmed to start for the Oilers.
Connor McDavid leads the Oilers in assists (17) and points (21), while Leon Draisaitl leads in goals (10).
The Oilers have struggled to hold leads this season, having blown six two-goal leads in their first 15 games. Why this matters: This could be a key area for the Avalanche to exploit.
The Avalanche are coming off a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Their power play is currently ranked 23rd in the league (17.0%), showing room for improvement. Sam Girard is out with an injury.
The Oilers, despite a slow start, are always a threat, especially with McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge. Edmonton has made significant offseason moves, including extending McDavid's contract. They've added Kasperi Kapanen, Curtis Lazar, and Jack Roslovic to bolster their roster.
This game marks the first of three meetings between the Avs and Oilers this season. The Avalanche are looking to maintain their top position in the Central Division, Western Conference, and the entire NHL.
Projected Lineups:
Avalanche:
Forwards: Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Nečas, Ross Colton - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin, Gabe Landeskog - Jack Drury - Victor Olofsson, Parker Kelly - Zakhar Bardakov - Gavin Brindley
Defense: Cale Makar - Devon Toews, Josh Manson - Brent Burns, Jack Ahcan - Sam Malinski
Goalies: Scott Wedgewood, Mackenzie Blackwood
Oilers:
Forwards: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Connor McDavid - Andrew Mangiapane, Vasily Podkolzin - Leon Draisaitl - Jack Roslovic, Matt Savoie - Adam Henrique - Trent Frederic, Isaac Howard - Noah Philp - David Tomasek
Defense: Mattias Ekholm - Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse - Jake Walman, Brett Kulak - Alec Regula
Goalies: Stuart Skinner, Calvin Pickard
Q: What time does the game start?
8:00 P.M. MST.
Q: Where can I watch the game?
ALT2, KTVD, ESPN+, CBC, SN+, and TVAS+.
Q: Who are the key players to watch?
Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid.
The Avalanche's rested squad aims to exploit their speed against the Oilers.
Edmonton's tendency to relinquish leads could be a critical vulnerability.
This game serves as a crucial test for both teams, potentially foreshadowing a deep playoff matchup.
Do you think this game will be a preview of the Western Conference Finals? Let us know!
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