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Avalanche vs. Oilers: NHL’s Top Scorers Collide
The Colorado Avalanche (33-15-4) face off against the Edmonton Oilers (31-17-1) on Friday night in a Western Conference showdown featuring the NHL’s top two point producers, Nathan MacKinnon (83 points) and Leon Draisaitl (81 points).
Both teams enter the game on winning streaks, setting up a high-intensity battle before the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off break (Feb. 12-20).
Colorado Avalanche: On the Rise
✅ Recent Form: 3-1-0 in last 4 games
✅ Last Game: 4-2 win vs. Flames
✅ Standings: 2nd in Central Division
The Avalanche are coming off a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames, with Martin Necas leading the charge with two goals and an assist. Necas, acquired in a three-team deal from Carolina, has been electric for the Avs, tallying eight points (3G, 5A) in seven games.
Cale Makar also continues to make history, becoming the first defenseman since Brian Leetch (1993-94) to record three 20-goal seasons before turning 27.
Key Avalanche Players to Watch:
- Nathan MacKinnon: 83 points (27G, 56A) – Leads the NHL in points
- Cale Makar: 20 goals, 41 assists – NHL’s top offensive defenseman
- Martin Necas: 8 points in 7 games since joining Avs
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Edmonton Oilers: Back-to-Back OT Thrillers
✅ Recent Form: 2-0-0 in last 2 games
✅ Last Game: 4-3 OT win vs. Blackhawks
✅ Standings: 3rd in Pacific Division
The Oilers are coming off back-to-back overtime wins, including a 3-2 OT win over the St. Louis Blues and a 4-3 OT victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Leon Draisaitl continues to lead the NHL in goals (38) and is just two points behind MacKinnon in the Art Ross Trophy race. Zach Hyman was the OT hero against Chicago, scoring on the power play to secure the win.
Goaltender Calvin Pickard has been outstanding, going 10-1-0 over his past 11 starts, helping Edmonton stay competitive despite some defensive struggles.
Key Oilers Players to Watch:
- Leon Draisaitl: 81 points (38G, 43A) – Leads NHL in goals
- Connor McDavid: 69 points (19G, 50A) – 42 career OT points (3rd all-time)
- Zach Hyman: 30 goals, 26 assists – OT hero vs. Blackhawks
- Calvin Pickard: 10-1-0 in last 11 starts
Head-to-Head: Avalanche vs. Oilers (Season Series)
| Date | Winner | Score | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov. 30, 2023 | Oilers | 4-1 | Nugent-Hopkins (1G, 1A) |
| Jan. 16, 2024 | Oilers | 4-3 (OT) | Evan Bouchard (GWG) |
This is the final regular-season meeting between the teams, with the Oilers leading the season series 2-0.
Keys to Victory
Colorado Avalanche:
✅ Limit Draisaitl & McDavid: Edmonton’s dynamic duo is lethal in transition. The Avs must shut down their speed through the neutral zone.
✅ MacKinnon’s Playmaking: MacKinnon leads the NHL in points for a reason—Colorado needs to control possession and generate high-danger chances.
✅ Makar’s Impact: Makar is a game-changer on the blue line. His offensive skillset and defensive awareness will be critical.
Edmonton Oilers:
✅ Capitalize on Power Plays: Edmonton’s 5th-ranked power play (26.5%) has been a difference-maker. Special teams could decide this game.
✅ Solidify Goaltending: Pickard has been hot (10-1-0) and must continue his strong play against Colorado’s potent offense.
✅ Defensive Structure: The Oilers must tighten up defensively, especially late in games, after blowing a 3-1 lead to Chicago.
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📍 Game: Colorado Avalanche vs. Edmonton Oilers
📅 Date: Friday, February 9, 2024
🕘 Time: 9:00 PM ET
📺 TV: ESPN+, Sportsnet
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