The Colorado Avalanche are set to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in a highly anticipated matchup. This game will be held on October 12, 2023, at Nationwide Arena, starting at 5 p.m. MT. It is the first of two meetings between the teams this NHL season. Their next encounter will be in Denver on January 10, 2024.
Current Team Performances
The Avalanche come into this game with a record of 3 wins, 0 losses, and 1 overtime loss (3-0-1). They recently defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-1, marking a successful outing in Western New York. Nathan MacKinnon was particularly impressive, scoring two goals during the match. Meanwhile, Scott Wedgewood saved 28 out of 29 shots, showcasing his strong performance in goal.
- Latest Result for Avalanche: COL 3, BUF 1
- Latest Result for Blue Jackets: NJD 3, CBJ 2
Avalanche Highlights
MacKinnon opened the scoring early in the game, demonstrating his skill with a no-look backhand shot from the left slot. Cale Makar later extended the Avalanche’s lead with his first goal of the season, assisted by Valeri Nichushkin. The team showcased strong offensive capabilities, which could pose challenges for the Blue Jackets.
Currently, MacKinnon is in a solid position in the league rankings, tied for third in points (8) with 4 goals. Notably, Makar is excelling among defensemen, also ranking high with 5 points and 4 assists.
Blue Jackets Performance
The Columbus Blue Jackets hold a record of 1 win and 2 losses (1-2-0). They faced a setback in their last game, losing to the New Jersey Devils 3-2 at home. The game saw Kirill Marchenko momentarily tie the match, but the Blue Jackets ultimately fell short.
- Scoring Leaders for Blue Jackets:
- Marchenko – 4 goals
- Voronkov – 2 goals, tied for team lead in assists (2)
- Werenski – 1 goal, 2 assists
Historical Context
The Avalanche have a strong history against the Blue Jackets, boasting a 44-19-6 record in 69 previous meetings. Last season, they split the two-game series against Columbus, with each team claiming one victory.
Key Player Matchup
Nathan MacKinnon has been particularly effective against the Blue Jackets, amassing 26 points (7 goals, 19 assists) in 21 games. Cale Makar has also shown prowess, scoring 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in just 8 contests against Columbus.
Upcoming Milestone
Cale Makar is approaching a significant milestone, as he is set to play in his 400th NHL game on October 12. In his first 399 games, he has recorded an impressive 433 points (117 goals, 316 assists).
Fans can expect a thrilling event as the Avalanche and Blue Jackets clash in this intense confrontation at Nationwide Arena. The showdown marks a noteworthy challenge for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the early season standings.
