Preview: Can Colorado sweep its California Back-to-Back?
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
The Avs head to Anaheim looking to clip the Ducks’ wings.
Led by a resurgent powerplay unit and surprising offense from Joel Kiviranta, the Colorado Avalanche did just enough to get by Alexandar Georgiev and the San Jose Sharks last night.
Tonight they face another old friend in Greg Cronin behind the Anaheim Ducks’ bench, and another plucky young team looking to defend home ice against a Western Conference power.
With new big-name players getting comfortable on both teams, the matchup should be interesting - and for Colorado, it should be a win too.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche came into San Jose 0 for their last 14 power plays but went 2-4 to keep pace with a young Sharks team that really took it to them in the second period. Getting that power play spark to catch will be a huge key to the rest of this season, so call that a key to this game and more going forward.
The lineup likely won’t change, unless Jere Innala slots in on the fourth line in place of Givani Smith. Josh Manson is on the trip but remains out injured, so Keaton Middleton should get another chance at NHL minutes on the backend.
In net, expect Scott Wedgewood to give Mackenzie Blackwood the night off.
Projected Lineup
Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Mikko RantanenRoss Colton — Casey Mittelstadt — Valeri NichushkinJoel Kiviranta — Parker Kelly — Logan O’ConnorJere Innala — Ivan Ivan — Chris Wagner
Devon Toews — Cale MakarSamuel Girard — Sam MalinskiKeaton Middleton — Calvin de Haan
Scott Wedgewood
Anaheim Ducks
With Jacob Trouba now in the fold and Cam Fowler off to St. Louis, the Ducks look a little different but probably not better on the blueline - though they’re definitely meaner when Trouba and Radko Gudas take the ice together.
Those two veteran leaders have been tasked with raising a crop of young defenders with a ton of upside, headlined by Pavel Mintyukov - an all-situations D-man who can skate with the best of them (well, not Cale, but definitely the rest of them), but despite playing well isn’t ready to be the dominant NHL player some say he can be.
Up front, the Ducks are led by DU alum Troy Terry - leading the team in both goals and assists while the Jr Ducks Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Mason McTavish suffer through some growing pains.
One young player is not struggling at all though, and he might be the most important - goaltender Lukas Dostal. He’s been incredible this season and will be a legitimately tough test for the Avalanche offense.
Projected Lineup
Frank Vatrano - Ryan Strome - Troy TerryBrock McGinn - Leo Carlsson - Alex KillornCutter Gauthier - Mason McTavish - Robby FabbriRoss Johnston - Isac Lundestrom - Jansen Harkins
Jackson Lacombe - Radko GudasJacob Trouba - Olen ZellwegerPavel Mintyukov - Brian Dumoulin
Lukas Dostal
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