Preview: Avs search for answers in New York against the Rangers
Photo by Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images
Can Colorado end their three-game losing streak with a matinee victory? The Colorado Avalanche are on a skid and are desperate for wins and power play success after dropping the last three games and being one for their last 26 chances with a man advantage. It’s been a crazy 72 hours for Colorado, who will see the second installment of the new-look Avalanche and their freshly acquired forwards Martin Necas and Jack Drury. The Rangers are starting to find their game after a tumultuous start but are still 10 points out of third place in the division. Can Colorado seal the series sweep, or will the Rangers continue the mile-high suffering?
Colorado Avalanche
It’s almost impossible not to think or talk about who won’t be on the ice for the Avalanche today, but let’s try and focus on who will bear the burgundy and blue. The Colorado Avalanche activated Miles Wood today, and it appears he will return to the bottom six. Jack Drury was skating with the third line and the other two members of the “roaring 20s line,” and I think that will continue. That leaves a 4th line role for Miles Wood at 2.5M AAV.
There aren’t many ‘must-win’ games late in January, but this feels like one for the Avalanche. The trade is one thing, but should they follow it up by matching the season’s longest losing streak? That can’t happen.
Miles Wood has been activated from Injured Reserve. pic.twitter.com/UCbl8icFwz— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 26, 2025
Projected Lineup:
Jonathan Drouin — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin NecasJuuso Parssinen — Casey Mittelstadt — Artturi LehkonenRoss Colton — Jack Drury — Logan O’ConnorJoel Kiviranta — Parker Kelly — Chris Wagner
Devon Toews — Cale MakarSamuel Girard — Josh MansonKeaton Middleton — Sam Malinski
Ready to rebound against the Rangers #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/BF3p5TynKR— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) January 26, 2025
New York Rangers
Some might point to the Rangers as an example of what happens when you pay one player too much, as they have inked Igor Shestirken for a hefty price tag and aren’t the same team we’ve seen in years past. It’s been a tough year for Mika Zibanajed and Chris Kreider, who seemed poised to make another playoff push this past offseason. Now it feels like they will be very fortunate to steal a wild card spot in the east, and they might be sellers by the deadline.
Projected Lineup:
Artemi Panarin — Vincent Trocheck — Alexis LafrenièreWill Cuylle — Mika Zibanejad — Reilly SmithChris Kreider — Filip Chytil — Arthur KaliyevAdam Edstrom — Jonny Brodzinski — Matt Rempe
Ryan Lindgren — Adam FoxK’Andre Miller — Will BorgenUrho Vaakanainen — Braden Schneider
Goaltenders
It should be best on best, and that means Shesterkin vs. Blackwood! Hopefully, the Avs can solve Igor early and get out on the front foot. Let’s get Necas on the board too!
A Sunday well-spent watching the Avalanche. : https://t.co/i87cEcs6Up#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/MX13G9uN6G— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 26, 2025
...
Want the trending hockey news in your inbox daily?.
Just add your email, and we'll start sending you the most important hockey news of the day.
