Mile High Hockey
Colorado Avalanche and all hockey coverage in the Mile High state
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Preview: Colorado primed for revenge against New Jersey
The Colorado Avalanche (6‑5‑1) head to Ball Arena on Oct. 28 to avenge a 4‑3 loss to the New Jersey Devils (8‑4‑0) from a week earlier. With forwards fully healthy except Zach L’Heureux, coach Jared Bednar lines up a refreshed roster, while goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is slated to start after eight appearances this season. The Devils, riding a four‑game winning streak and a league‑best 62.75% expected‑goals rate, will rely on Jake Allen after Connor Hellebuyck’s recent debut. The matchup pits Colorado’s identity crisis against New Jersey’s surge, offering a pivotal back‑to‑back showdown.
MHH Roundtable: Early Returns and Concerns
After 12 games, the Colorado Avalanche sit at 6‑5‑1, prompting a mixed review from the Mile High Hockey roundtable. Panelists praise the new third line—Jaden Schwartz, Fedor Svechkov and rookie TJ Hughes—for each scoring at least twice and showing unexpected chemistry. However, analytics reveal red flags: the Avs rank 21st in expected goals (47.24%) despite leading the league with a 14.23% shooting percentage, and their PDO sits at a lofty 1.054, suggesting luck fuels their standing. Defensively, they’ve allowed 24 goals on 29 expected, and recent losses to Nashville and Philadelphia expose lapses in effort and urgency. The consensus is that early-season inconsistencies must be addressed before they become chronic.
Weekly Cupcakes: Brady receives a NSFW welcome in Ottawa
In a dramatic homecoming, the Ottawa Senators steamroll the Florida Panthers 5-2 on October 21, 2026, as Brady Tkachuk returns to the Canadian Tire Centre to a chorus of NSFW chants from the crowd. While Ottawa celebrates the rivalry win, the roundup also notes T.J. Hughes impressing the Avalanche, an upcoming NHL expansion draft outlook, and Connor McDavid’s record‑chasing start, among other league updates.
Recap: Avalanche Fall Flat in Nashville
The Colorado Avalanche are stunned 6-2 by the Nashville Predators in Nashville on Oct. 25, 2026. Nashville opens the scoring with a power‑play goal from Filip Forsberg, adds a fluky strike by Steven Stamkos and a second PP tally later, while Ryan O’Reilly and Jack Drury extend the lead to 4‑0 before Forsberg tees it up to 5‑0. The Avs finally respond with Artturi Lehkonen’s 10th goal of the season, followed by Devon Toews’ knuckle‑puck in the third, but Stamkos caps the night with his second goal and fourth power‑play marker for a 6‑2 final. The recap highlights the Avs’ sluggish effort on a back‑to‑back road stretch and warns of concerning habits as they head into a home game against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 28.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche @ Nashville Predators (6:00 P.M. MDT)
The Colorado Avalanche (6-4-1) head to Nashville after snapping a two‑game skid with a 6‑3 win over Tampa Bay, highlighted by Nathan MacKinnon’s four‑point night (1G/3A) and Artturi Lehonen’s game‑winner. Starting goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood looks to build momentum against a Predators squad (3-3-4) that lost in overtime to Pittsburgh. Nashville may start rookie Justus Annunen in goal against his former club, while Juuse Saros remains unbeaten in three wins. The contest at 6 PM MDT could tighten the Central Division race, with both teams fielding projected lineups that feature stars like MacKinnon, Steven Stamkos and Roman Josi.
Preview: The Avs Travel to Nashville to Face the Predators Tonight
The Colorado Avalanche (6-4-1) head to Nashville tonight to face the Predators (3-3-4) after snapping a two‑game skid with a 6-3 win over Tampa Bay. Nathan MacKinnon leads the Avs with four points (1G/3A) in the recent victory, while Artturi Lehkonen’s ninth‑goal of the season proved decisive. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood earns his fifth win, and Logan O’Connor returns after a ten‑game injury layoff. Coach Jared Bednar notes the team is close to a full‑sixty‑minute effort but flags Nicolas Roy as questionable and Zachary L’Heureux as week‑to‑week. Nashville, now run by former Avalanche exec Chris MacFarland, seeks to rebound after a disappointing playoff run.
Morning Flurries: Landeskog from the driver’s seat
Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog stars in a light‑hearted video chat with host Lauren Gardner while driving to Ball Arena for his 800th career game on Oct. 3. The piece also teases the Avs’ new “Hometown Remix” alternate jersey—frosted blue—set to debut in November, and invites fans to name the team’s new mascot puppy, “Goal‑den.” Finally, it confirms the blockbuster trade that sent goalie Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for six assets, including forward Dawson Mercer, with the Devils slated to visit Denver next Wednesday.
Recap: Avalanche bring the thunder in 6-3 defeat of Lightning
The Colorado Avalanche dominate the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3 at Ball Arena on Oct. 23, 2026. Devon Toews opens the scoring, followed by a power‑play strike from TJ Hughes to Nazem Kadri. Fedor Svechkov adds a third‑minute goal in the second period, and Nathan MacKinnon caps the night with his fourth goal of the season in the third. Jake Guentzel nets two power‑play goals for Tampa, but Colorado’s third line—Svechkov, Jaden Schwartz, and Hughes—provides the offensive spark. New faces Logan O’Connor and Taylor Makar make their season debuts, and the Avs head to Nashville on Oct. 25.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m. MT)
The Colorado Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning at Ball Arena at 7 p.m. MT for their 11th game of the season. Tampa enters with a 7-2-0 record and a hot Nikita Kucherov, while Colorado sits at 5-4-1 after two recent losses. Coach Jared Bednar highlights the return of Logan O'Connor and the call‑up of brother duo Taylor and Cale Makar, who both make their 2026‑27 debuts. Nathan MacKinnon remains a question mark after recent criticism, and Vasilevskiy will tend the net for Tampa, holding a 7‑5‑1 record against the Avs. Projected lineups and broadcast info are provided for fans weighing the matchup.
Preview: Taylor Makar joins brother Cale, hoping to end Tampa Bay’s win streak
The Colorado Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 23, 2026, in their 11th game of the season. Tampa sits at 7-2-0 after a strong 7‑win start, while Colorado struggles at 5-4-1 following two recent defeats. Coach Jared Bednar recalls defenseman Taylor Makar from the Colorado Eagles, giving brothers Taylor and Cale Makar a chance to share the ice. The lineup also features Nathan MacKinnon, Logan O’Connor and veteran netminder Mackenzie Blackwood. Lightning star Nikita Kucherov pursues franchise‑record points and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy looks to improve his 7‑5‑1 record against the Avs. The game tips off at 7:00 p.m. MT on Altitude/ESPN+.
Beckman shining with opportunity for Eagles
Adam Beckman is emerging as a key player for the Colorado Eagles after captain Jayson Megna’s injury opened a spot on the first line. The 25‑year‑old winger, now playing center alongside Tristen Nielsen, Taylor Makar and Vinnie Hinostroza, has recorded three goals and three assists in six games, tying Makar for the team lead in goals and leading the squad with 24 shots on goal. Coming from a 51‑point season with the Bridgeport Islanders, Beckman signed a two‑year, two‑way deal with the Avalanche on July 1 and could earn a call‑up to Denver if his hot streak continues.
Injuries, Colorado’s Restored Power Play Approach Should Lengthen T.J. Hughes’ Stay
Rookie forward T.J. Hughes scores his first NHL goal and immediately lands on Colorado’s top power‑play unit, signaling a possible long‑term role despite a crowded forward depth chart. With Logan O’Connor set to return and contract constraints limiting moves for Zachary L’Heureux, Fedor Svechkov and others, Hughes could become a regular if he keeps producing net‑front scoring. Coach Jared Bednar’s revamped power‑play strategy—re‑balancing shot orientation by moving Martin Necas and adding Jaden Schwartz opposite Nathan MacKinnon—creates space for a left‑shot threat like Hughes. The article examines how injuries and roster constraints may extend Hughes’ Avalanche stay and reshape the team’s power‑play success.
Recap: Avalanche couldn’t run with the Devils in 4-3 defeat
The Colorado Avalanche fall 4-3 to the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 20, dropping both games of a two‑game East Coast swing. Luke Evangelista opens scoring, but Gabe Landeskog ties it after a slick Cale Makar play. The Devils seize control in the second and third periods, with goals from Declan Chisholm, Arseny Gritsyuk and an early empty‑net strike by Jesper Boqvist. Avalanche forward Artturi Lehnen nets two late garbage‑time goals, but the damage is done. New Jersey outshoots Colorado 41‑34, highlighting defensive lapses. Colorado heads home to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, Oct. 23.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche at New Jersey Devils (5:00 p.m. MT)
The Colorado Avalanche (5-3-1) head to a back‑to‑back showdown against the New Jersey Devils (4-4-0) on Oct. 20 at 5:00 p.m. MT in New Jersey. After a loss in Philadelphia, Colorado hopes to spark a quick turnaround, relying on its top line—Nathan MacKinnon (16 points, 6 goals), Artturi Lehkonen (6 goals, 9 points), and Martin Necas (11 points)—while keeping Zach L’Heureux, Nic Roy and Logan O’Connor sidelined. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood, who boasts a .902 save percentage, replaces Mackenzie Blackwood behind the crease. The Devils, led by Jack Hughes (9 points) and Nico Hischier (4 goals), are expected to start Jake Allen in net. Both teams seek momentum as the Avs aim to finish their road trip with a win.
Preview: Colorado needs a hot start in New Jersey
The Colorado Avalanche (5-3-1) head to the Prudential Center for a back‑to‑back showdown with the New Jersey Devils (4-4-0) on Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. MT, seeking to rebound from a loss in Philadelphia. Star forward Nathan MacKinnon leads Colorado with 16 points, while Artturi Lehkonen marks his 600th NHL game. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood replaces Mackenzie Blackwood behind the bench. New Jersey relies on Jack Hughes (9 points) and Nico Hischier (4 goals), with Jake Allen expected in net. Both teams aim to spark a strong start to the season.
Recap: Avalanche play ghost in 3-2 loss to Philly
The Philadelphia Flyers upset the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Oct. 19, 2026. Matvei Michkov starred with two goals, including the game‑tying tally, while the Avalanche’s only response came from Martin Necas and rookie T.J. Hughes, who netted his second straight goal. Colorado’s sluggish start and 16 giveaways plagued a team that should have dominated, prompting coach Jared Bednar to label the effort “sluggish and sloppy.” Netminder Mackenzie Blackhead kept the Avalanche in the game, but the team fell short as the Flyers held on with a late lead. Colorado now heads to New Jersey for the next night’s matchup.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche at Philadelphia Flyers (5:00 P.M. MT)
The Colorado Avalanche (5-2-1) travel to Philadelphia to face a struggling Flyers squad (1-6-3) on Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. MDT. After a five‑goal rally beat Pittsburgh and a split series with Dallas, the Avs look to capitalize on a new assistant coach, Brett McLean, and a revamped power play. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with 16 points, while former Flyer defenseman Noah Juulsen now dons Avalanche colors. The Flyers, fresh from a high‑profile off‑season (adding goalies Joseph Woll, Dan Vladar and forwards Noel Acciari, Garrett Wilson), aim to rebound from a dismal start. A win could thrust Colorado ahead of division‑leading Minnesota.
Preview: The Avs Face the Floundering Flyers in Philly Tonight
The Colorado Avalanche (5-2-1) travel to Philadelphia to face a struggling Flyers squad (1-6-3) at 7:00 PM EDT on Oct. 19. After a five‑goal comeback win over Pittsburgh and a split series with Dallas, the Avs are riding a surge led by Nathan MacKinnon (team‑leading 16 points, 6 goals, 10 assists) and Artturi Lehkonen. New assistant coach Brett McLean will look to revamp a sluggish power play, while forward T.J. Hughes celebrates his first NHL goal. Injuries sideline Zachary L’Heureux and Nicolas Roy; rookie Gavin Brindley replaces L’Heureux. A win could pull Denver ahead of Minnesota in the Central Division.
Weekly Cupcakes: T.J.. Hughes scores first goal
T.J. Hughes nets his first NHL goal in the second period of the Colorado Avalanche’s 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ball Arena on Oct. 16, 2026. The young forward celebrated with veteran Nazem Kadri as the Avalanche continue their offensive surge, while the team also announced Brett McLean as the new assistant coach. The article highlights the milestone goal and its impact on Colorado’s early season momentum.
Lost in the Avalanche: Spencer Martin
Besides Nathan MacKinnon, there is one other member of the Colorado Avalanche’s 2013 draft class still currently on a NHL roster, which may come as a surprise. The unfortunate season ending injury to New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin meant that Spencer Martin was recalled from the minors to serve as Dylan Garand’s backup until […]
Recap: Avalanche put Penguins on ice in 5-2 win
It’s a rare occasion when Sidney Crosby plays in Denver and this season the intriguing matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Pittsburgh Penguins came early in the season. It was an interesting tug-of-war in the early stages but settled into a 5-2 blowout in Colorado’s favor on two Artturi Lehkonen goals, a first career goal […]
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: (7:00 p.m. MT)
After completing a back-to-back against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night, the Colorado Avalanche take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in Denver tonight. This will be the first of two regular-season matchups between these two teams. Colorado Avalanche(4-2-1) The Avs enter this game after a 3-2 shootout loss to the Stars, which came on the second […]
Preview: Colorado Welcomes the Penguins to Town
After completing a back-to-back against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night, the Colorado Avalanche take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in Denver tonight. This will be the first of two regular-season matchups between these two teams. Colorado Avalanche The Avs enter this game after a 3-2 shootout loss to the Stars, which came on the second […]
Breaking: Dave Hakstol leaves Avalanche for Arizona State
It was heavily rumored earlier in the week but now it is official that Colorado Avalanche’s assistant coach Dave Hakstol has left the organization to take the head coach position at Arizona State. The Avalanche tend to hold on to their assistant coaches for quite a while but the start of the 2026-27 season was […]
Recap: Colorado loses 3-2 in a shootout to Dallas
Tonight, the Colorado Avalanche took on the Dallas Stars for the second night of a back-to-back, and ultimately lost 3-2 in a shootout. It was a wild ride which saw two Avalanche goals called back, another shorthanded goal given up and another game against Dallas decided in a shootout. Let’s take a look at all […]
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