Avalanche Seek Offensive Spark After Loss to Predators

The Colorado Avalanche returned from the 4 Nations Face-Off break with a strong effort against the Nashville Predators on Saturday, but the results didn’t follow. Despite outshooting Nashville 32-17, the Avalanche couldn’t convert their chances in a 2-1 loss.

Defenseman Sam Malinski scored the only goal for Colorado, while Nathan MacKinnon was kept off the scoresheet despite firing eight shots on goal.

“If I take the result out of it, then I’m actually really happy with the way that we played,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “We had a tough time scoring tonight, and we checked hard. We limited the chances against.”

The Avalanche also saw 21 of their shots blocked, something they will need to adjust against a St. Louis team known for its physical defense.

“We did a good job of creating a good amount of chances,” forward Ross Colton said. “But we’ve just got to bear down and take the eyes away and keep working.”

Colorado will look to repeat its dominant performance from Jan. 31, when it shut out the Blues 5-0 behind Jonathan Drouin’s two goals and an assist and a perfect game from Mackenzie Blackwood, who stopped all 19 shots he faced.

With Scott Wedgewood starting in goal against Nashville, it’s likely Blackwood will get another start on Sunday in St. Louis.

Blues Searching for Consistency After Shootout Loss

The St. Louis Blues have struggled over the last month, going 2-5-1 in their final eight games before the break. However, they showed fight in their return to action Saturday, battling back from a 2-1 deficit to take a 3-2 lead in the third period against the Winnipeg Jets.

Despite the comeback, the Blues surrendered a late goal and ultimately fell 4-3 in a shootout, earning just a single point.

“Looking at the glass half-full, we came back in the third period,” coach Jim Montgomery said. “That’s the positive. When you come out of a long stretch (of not playing) like this, you want to get better every period.”

One bright spot was the play of the Blues’ top line. Robert Thomas led the way with two goals and an assist, while Pavel Buchnevich recorded a goal and two assists.

“They had a really good week of practice,” Montgomery said. “They practiced really hard all three days. They were invested in practice, and they were rewarded with how well they played.”

With Joel Hofer starting against Winnipeg, the Blues are expected to turn to Jordan Binnington, who recently helped Team Canada win the 4 Nations tournament.

Key Matchup and Playoff Implications

The Avalanche enter Sunday without key players Valeri Nichushkin and Josh Manson, both sidelined with lower-body injuries. However, Colorado remains in a strong position in the Western Conference standings, while St. Louis needs every point to stay in the playoff hunt.

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Will Colorado’s offense bounce back after a frustrating loss, or can the Blues take advantage of home ice to get a much-needed win? This matchup could be critical as both teams push for postseason positioning.