The Colorado Avalanche are set to face the Buffalo Sabres tonight in a matchup that promises to be intriguing. The game, part of a four-game homestand for the Avalanche, will commence at 7:08 p.m. MT.
Lineup Adjustments for the Avalanche
The Avalanche, currently holding a record of 11-1-5, will see several key changes to their roster. Valeri Nichushkin is sidelined due to a lower-body injury sustained during a recent game against Anaheim. In his absence, Gavin Brindley has been promoted to the second line. Additionally, Taylor Makar has been called up to reinforce the fourth line.
Exciting news for Avalanche fans is the return of Samuel Girard. After missing 15 games since the home opener on October 9, Girard will play alongside Sam Malinski on the third defensive pairing. Mackenzie Blackwood is set to start as the goaltender for the Avalanche, marking his third start of the season and his first on home ice.
Sabres Struggling in Eastern Conference
The Buffalo Sabres are currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, with a record of 5-7-4. Despite a decent home performance of 5-3-2, they have struggled on the road, achieving an unsettling 0-4-2 record in their last six away games. Their most recent setback occurred in Utah.
Injury Report
- Valeri Nichushkin: Lower body, TBD
- Logan O’Connor: Hip, week-to-week
- Joel Kiviranta: Lower body, indefinitely
Projected Lines for the Avalanche
| Forward Lines |
|---|
| Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas |
| Ross Colton — Brock Nelson — Gavin Brindley |
| Gabriel Landeskog — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson |
| Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov — Taylor Makar |
| Defensive Pairings |
|---|
| Devon Toews — Cale Makar |
| Josh Manson — Brent Burns |
| Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski |
Upcoming Milestones
- Gabriel Landeskog: Needs 1 goal for 250
- Brock Nelson: Needs 8 points for 600
- Devon Toews: Needs 10 games for 500
Viewing Information
Fans can catch the game on Altitude TV or listen live on 950 AM. As the Avalanche look to continue their strong form, this matchup against the Sabres could be crucial in maintaining their momentum.
