Avalanche Aim to Sweep Homestand Against Young Blackhawks

Avalanche Look to Finish Homestand Strong Against Blackhawks

The Colorado Avalanche (41-20-5) are firing on all cylinders, riding a five-game win streak as they close out a perfect homestand opportunity against the Chicago Blackhawks (20-40-6) on Monday night in Denver.

Colorado has used the NHL trade deadline to bolster its roster for a deep playoff run, adding Brock Nelson, Charlie Coyle, Ryan Lindgren, and Jimmy Vesey. The moves have already paid off, with Nelson, Coyle, and Lindgren each recording an assist in Saturday’s 7-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.

While the Avalanche are firmly in win-now mode, Chicago is focused on the future, recently calling up top defensive prospect Artyom Levshunov, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks will feature two 19-year-olds in their lineup, as Connor Bedard continues to shine in his rookie season.

MacKinnon Leading Avalanche Charge Toward Playoffs

Colorado’s biggest star remains Nathan MacKinnon, who became the first player in the NHL to reach 100 points this season after scoring two goals against Toronto.

• MacKinnon leads the league in assists (73) and ranks among the top scorers with 27 goals.
• Cale Makar is the NHL’s highest-scoring defenseman, with 75 points (24 goals, 51 assists).
• Artturi Lehkonen (26 goals) and Valeri Nichushkin (15 goals in just 26 games) provide additional offensive firepower.

MacKinnon’s consistent dominance has impressed coach Jared Bednar:

“When I first came here, he was battling to hit 100 points,” Bednar said. “He’s grown a lot as a player, as a leader. He’s dangerous every time he touches the ice.”

Following Monday’s game, Colorado will hit the road for five of its next six contests, with all but one matchup coming against playoff-positioned teams.

Blackhawks Looking to Build on Future, Stay Competitive

While the Blackhawks won’t be in the playoffs this season, their rebuild is taking shape, with Bedard leading the charge.

• Bedard, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, has 52 points (17 goals, 35 assists) in his rookie season.
• Teuvo Teravainen (50 points) and Ryan Donato (23 goals) provide veteran support.
• Chicago is 3-0-2 in its last five games, showing signs of improvement.

Chicago added a key piece for the future at the trade deadline, dealing defenseman Seth Jones to Florida for goaltender Spencer Knight and a first-round pick.

Knight, 23, has won both of his first two starts in Chicago and has impressed teammates.

“He’s good at handling the puck,” fellow goalie Arvid Soderblom said. “He’s taking his time and looking for options.”

The Blackhawks have been surprisingly competitive against the Avalanche this season, winning two of three meetings and having the chance to take the season series with a win Monday.

Skate to Victory

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Key Players to Watch

Colorado Avalanche

• Nathan MacKinnon – Leads the NHL with 100 points, the driving force of Colorado’s attack.
• Cale Makar – The highest-scoring defenseman in the NHL, providing elite offense from the blue line.
• Valeri Nichushkin – Coming off a hat trick against Toronto, he has 15 goals in just 26 games.

Chicago Blackhawks

• Connor Bedard – The rookie sensation leads the team in points (52) and assists (35).
• Artyom Levshunov – The No. 2 overall pick will make his highly anticipated debut.
• Spencer Knight – 2-0 since joining Chicago, looking to continue his strong start.

Game Outlook & Prediction

The Avalanche are in top form and have more firepower than Chicago can handle, especially at home.

However, Chicago has played Colorado well this season, and Bedard’s growing confidence makes them dangerous.

Expect MacKinnon and Makar to control the game, with Colorado finishing a perfect homestand before heading on the road.

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Prediction: Avalanche 5, Blackhawks 2

Can Chicago’s young stars steal a win, or will Colorado finish its homestand unbeaten? Monday’s matchup will show how far each team has come.