Colorado Avalanche vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions November 15th 2024

Ageless Alex Ovechkin Excelling as Capitals Face Avalanche

Alex Ovechkin continues to amaze the hockey world as he closes in on Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. At 39 years old, Ovechkin is defying age and expectations, scoring 10 goals in 15 games this season. As his Washington Capitals face the Colorado Avalanche on Friday night in Denver, all eyes will be on Ovechkin as he seeks to inch closer to history.

Ovechkin is now just 31 goals behind Gretzky’s record of 894, and his recent performances suggest he could realistically achieve this milestone by season’s end. His eight goals in the last eight games, including two multi-goal outings, have left teammates and coaches in awe.

Ovechkin’s Remarkable Run

“I would not think he’s 39,” said Capitals coach Spencer Carbery. “You can’t even wrap your head around the age and being able to play in the best league in the world and the pace of play nowadays.”

Teammates, too, have voiced admiration for Ovechkin’s longevity and impact.

“I know I can’t imagine doing it at 39,” Tom Wilson said. “I don’t think there’ll ever be anybody like him again.”

Ovechkin’s leadership will be crucial as the Capitals embark on a three-game road trip, beginning with this high-stakes clash against Colorado. The teams will meet again in Washington on Nov. 21.

Capitals Look to Bounce Back

Washington enters Friday’s game on the heels of a frustrating 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday. The Capitals squandered a two-goal lead entering the third period and allowed the game-winner with just 47 seconds remaining in overtime.

“The way that that game played out, just embarrassing,” Carbery said. “Flat out. That’s unrecognizable from our team.”

Washington will need a better effort against an Avalanche team that has been firing on all cylinders during their current homestand.

Avalanche Riding Momentum and Reinforcements

The Avalanche are coming off a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, powered by a natural hat trick from Mikko Rantanen and a three-assist performance from Nathan MacKinnon. With a chance to sweep their four-game homestand, Colorado is bolstered by the return of key players.

• Valeri Nichushkin: Returning from suspension under the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
• Jonathan Drouin: Activated after suffering an upper-body injury in the first game of the season.
• Miles Wood: Back from an upper-body injury that has sidelined him since Oct. 28.

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar is optimistic about integrating these players into a lineup that has been clicking recently.

“We’re all excited to add guys back in the line, especially the caliber players that are coming back in,” Bednar said. “But I’m more excited like the way our team’s been playing over the last half a dozen games.”

Key Matchups to Watch

Alex Ovechkin vs. Avalanche Defense: Can Colorado contain the red-hot Ovechkin as he continues his march toward history?

Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon: The dynamic duo is in top form, and their offensive chemistry will test Washington’s defense.

Returning Avalanche Players: Nichushkin, Drouin, and Wood add depth and skill to an already potent Avalanche lineup.

Capitals’ Resilience: Washington will need to recover quickly from their overtime collapse against Toronto to compete against a confident Colorado team.

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Outlook

Both teams have plenty to prove in this matchup. For Washington, a win would help erase the sting of their recent loss and solidify their playoff aspirations. For Colorado, this game is an opportunity to maintain momentum and integrate returning stars into a team already playing at a high level. With Ovechkin chasing history and the Avalanche looking to build on their strong form, this promises to be an exciting clash in Denver.