Colorado Avalanche News

Blackwood has struggled immensely in recent games, but he will get a chance to redeem himself on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 29-year-old goalie allowed four goals on 15 shots (.733 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 7-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has an ugly 4.58 GAA and .791 SV% in his last four games (1-3-0). That said, Colorado enters Friday's contest as enormous -321 road favourites against a Blackhawks team that played last night and defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1.

Ivan has played in just seven NHL games this season, but is expected to draw into the Avalanche lineup on Wednesday night. He has seven goals and 12 assists in 55 AHL games this season.

Wedgewood will need to forget his performance in Monday's embarrassing 7-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, allowing three goals on five shots (.400 SV%), as he returns to the crease on Wednesday in a pivotal Central Division clash with the Dallas Stars. Before Monday's poor outing, the 33-year-old Wedgewood was excelling since returning from the Olympic break, posting an outstanding 1.26 GAA and .954 SV% in five appearances (5-0-0), including saving all 10 shots he faced in a relief performance in a 5-4 shootout win over Dallas two weeks ago. The Avalanche enter Wednesday's contest as -141 home favourites against a Stars team coming off of their first regulation loss in 16 games (14-1-1).

Wedgewood will need to forget his performance in Monday's embarrassing 7-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, allowing three goals on five shots (.400 SV%), as he returns to the crease on Wednesday in a pivotal Central Division clash with the Dallas Stars. Before Monday's poor outing, the 33-year-old Wedgewood was excelling since returning from the Olympic break, posting an outstanding 1.26 GAA and .954 SV% in five appearances (5-0-0), including saving all 10 shots he faced in a relief performance in a 5-4 shootout win over Dallas two weeks ago. The Avalanche enter Wednesday's contest as -141 home favourites against a Stars team coming off of their first regulation loss in 16 games (14-1-1).

O'Connor underwent hip surgery last June and has yet to play this season. He started practicing last week and could be targeting a return during Colorado's upcoming four-game road trip. The 29-year-old O'Connor has been a reliable bottom-six forward for several seasons with Colorado. He has 21 points (10G / 11A) in 80 games last season.

With Mackenzie Blackwood struggling in recent games, Colorado relied a bit more heavily on Wedgewood, who will return to the crease on Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 32-year-old Wedgewood saved 28 of 29 shots (.966 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 5-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. Since returning from the Olympic break, Wedgewood has a dazzling 1.26 GAA and .954 SV% in five appearances (5-0-0). The Avalanche enter Monday's contest as significant -223 home favourites against a Penguins team that will welcome Evgeni Malkin back into the lineup from a five-game suspension.

With Mackenzie Blackwood struggling in recent games, Colorado relied a bit more heavily on Wedgewood, who will return to the crease on Monday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 32-year-old Wedgewood saved 28 of 29 shots (.966 SV%) in his most recent outing, a 5-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. Since returning from the Olympic break, Wedgewood has a dazzling 1.26 GAA and .954 SV% in five appearances (5-0-0). The Avalanche enter Monday's contest as significant -223 home favourites against a Penguins team that will welcome Evgeni Malkin back into the lineup from a five-game suspension.

Stjernberg is an undrafted 23-year-old defenseman that has earned himself an entry-level contract after wrapping up collegiate hockey career. He had 10 points (6G / 4A) in 25 games with Bowling Green State University this season.

The Avalanche acquired Blankenburg from the Nashville Predators last Wednesday in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick. Blankenburg is a somewhat underrated, 27-year-old two-way defenceman who's put up career highs in goals (six) and assists (15) in just 49 games this season. He quarterbacked the Predators second power-play unit at times this season, but it's unclear where exactly he will slot in on the pecking order of an Avalanche blue-line that just recently swapped out Samuel Girard for Brett Kulak.

Colton was limited to only 8:15 time-on-ice in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, exiting the game with an upper-body injury. The 29-year-old Colton scored a goal before leaving the game, giving him 23 points (8G / 15A) through 60 contests this season. If he is unable to play on Thursday, his next chance to return to the lineup will be on Saturday afternoon against the Winnipeg Jets.

Mackenzie Blackwood has allowed eight goals on 35 shots (.771 SV%) in his last two games, paving the way for Scott Wedgewood to tend the twine on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken. The 33-year-old Wedgewood has been a pleasant surprise for Colorado all season, but has been exceptionally impressive since returning from the Olympic break, posting a stellar 1.33 GAA and .951 SV% in four games (4-0-0). Colorado enters the action on Thursday as sizable -208 road favourites against a Seattle team on a three-game losing streak (0-3-0).

Colton was limited to only 8:15 time-on-ice in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, exiting the game with an upper-body injury. The 29-year-old Colton scored a goal before leaving the game, giving him 23 points (8G / 15A) through 60 contests this season. An update on Colton should be provided before Colorado returns to action on Thursday against the Seattle Kraken.

O'Connor underwent hip surgery last June and has yet to play this season. He practiced on Tuesday, albeit in a non-contact jersey, an encouraging sign towards his impending season debut. The 29-year-old O'Connor has been a reliable bottom-six forward for several seasons with Colorado. He has 21 points (10G / 11A) in 80 games last season.

Blackwood had an awful performance in his most recent outing, allowing four goals on 11 shots (.636 SV%) before being replaced in the second period by Scott Wedgewood, who shut the door in an eventual 5-4 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars. The 29-year-old Blackwood will look to redeem himself on Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers, whom he has yet to face this season, but struggled against in two 2024-25 meetings (1-1-0), posting a 4.06 GAA and .855 SV%. The Avalanche enter Tuesday's contest as -170 home favourites.

Blackwood had an awful performance in his most recent outing, allowing four goals on 11 shots (.636 SV%) before being replaced in the second period by Scott Wedgewood, who shut the door in an eventual 5-4 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars. The 29-year-old Blackwood will look to redeem himself on Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers, whom he has yet to face this season, but struggled against in two 2024-25 meetings (1-1-0), posting a 4.06 GAA and .855 SV%. The Avalanche enter Tuesday's contest as -170 home favourites.