Avalanche Seek Redemption Against Red-Hot Blues in St. Louis Showdown

about 1 year agoUS
Avalanche Seek Redemption Against Red-Hot Blues in St. Louis ShowdownSource: nhl.com
The Colorado Avalanche (47-26-4) head to the Enterprise Center in St. Louis tonight to face the surging St. Louis Blues (42-28-7). This matchup serves as a chance for redemption for the Avalanche, who recently saw their 11-game home winning streak snapped by these same Blues. St. Louis enters the contest riding an impressive 11-game winning streak of their own, while Colorado aims to build on their back-to-back victories.

Key Insights

Streaks on the Line:: The Blues are aiming for a franchise-record 12th consecutive win, currently holding the hottest streak in the NHL. The Avalanche look to halt that run and continue their own momentum after winning their last two games.

Recent History:: Just a week ago, the Blues defeated the Avalanche 2-1 in Denver, with goalie Jordan Binnington playing a starring role.

Playoff Picture:: St. Louis has surged into the top Western Conference Wild Card spot thanks to their streak. Colorado has already clinched a playoff berth but is still battling for seeding and individual accolades, with Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar in contention for major awards.

Makar's Milestone:: Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar recently became the first blueliner since 1989 (Paul Coffey) to record 30 goals and 60 assists in a season.

Why this matters:: This late-season game carries significant weight, impacting playoff positioning and featuring intense competition fueled by recent results and current streaks.

In-Depth Analysis

Following a comeback win earlier in the week, the Avalanche unleashed an offensive outburst, defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-3. Despite securing their playoff spot, Colorado remains motivated, particularly with Cale Makar chasing scoring milestones and Nathan MacKinnon in the hunt for the Hart Trophy.

The St. Louis Blues, under coach Jim Montgomery, have dramatically turned their season around, reminiscent of their 2019 Stanley Cup run. Their remarkable 11-game winning streak has solidified their playoff prospects. Goaltender Jordan Binnington has been instrumental in this success, including stellar performances against the Avalanche.

Injuries: The Avalanche may be without key players Jonathan Drouin (lower-body) and Martin Necas (upper-body), who missed the previous game, along with Samuel Girard (lower-body). Gabriel Landeskog (knee) and Josh Manson (upper-body) remain out. For the Blues, Dylan Holloway is sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury.

Projected Avalanche Lines:

Lehkonen - MacKinnon - Nichushkin

Vesey - Nelson - Colton

Wood - Coyle - Kiviranta

Kelly - Drury - O’Connor

Toews - Makar

Lindgren - Malinski

Middleton - Johnson

*Goalie:* Mackenzie Blackwood (Unconfirmed)

Projected Blues Lines:

Buchnevich - Thomas - Snuggerud

Neighbours - Schenn - Kyrou

Joseph - Sundqvist - Bolduc

Toropchenko - Faksa - Walker

Broberg - Faulk

Fowler - Leddy

Suter - Tucker

*Goalie:* Jordan Binnington (Unconfirmed)

The likely goaltending matchup pits Mackenzie Blackwood against Jordan Binnington, who has secured victories in his last two starts against Colorado.

FAQs

Q: When and where is the Avalanche vs. Blues game?

The game is on April 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM MT at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Q: How can I watch or listen to the game?

You can watch on Altitude, Altitude+, or ESPN+. Listen live on Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM.

Q: What makes this game particularly significant?

The Blues are chasing a team-record 12th straight win, the Avalanche are seeking revenge for a recent loss, and the game has playoff seeding implications for both teams.

Key Takeaways

High Stakes Hockey:: Expect a playoff-like atmosphere as both teams have much to play for – the Blues continuing their historic run and the Avs looking to spoil it and solidify their own game.

Key Players to Watch:: Keep an eye on Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, and St. Louis's goaltender Jordan Binnington and forward Robert Thomas.

Injury Impact:: The Avalanche's performance could be affected by potential absences of Drouin, Necas, and Girard.

Late Season Intensity:: This game provides a glimpse into the high-pressure hockey expected as the regular season winds down and playoffs approach.

Discussion

Can the Avalanche break the Blues' streak, or will St. Louis make team history tonight? Let us know your predictions!

*Share this article with fellow hockey fans gearing up for the playoffs!*

Sources & References

Source 1: Projected Lineup: April 5 vs. Avalanche target="_blank"

Source 2: Colorado Hockey Now Game Preview target="_blank"

Source 3: Mile High Hockey Game Preview target="_blank"

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