Avalanche vs. Wild: Projected Lineups and Game Preview

The Colorado Avalanche are set to face off against the Minnesota Wild at the Grand Casino Arena today. This matchup features the league-leading Avalanche (25-2-7) against a surging Wild team (22-9-5) that has won seven straight games.

Team Performance

• Colorado Avalanche: The Avalanche have been on a historic pace this season and are looking to break the NHL record for total points in a season. They are currently leading the league in points and holding first place in the Central Division. The Avalanche have been dominant, especially at home, with a 14-0-2 record at Ball Arena.
• Minnesota Wild: After a slow start to the season, the Wild have turned things around and are now one of the hottest teams in the NHL. They are currently on a seven-game winning streak and have been playing exceptionally well at home, with a 12-0-2 record at Grand Casino Arena since November 1.

Projected Lineups

Here are the projected lineups for both teams:

Colorado Avalanche:

• Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
• Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
• Victor Olofsson — Ross Colton — Gavin Brindley
• Parker Kelly — Jack Drury — Joel Kiviranta
• Devon Toews — Cale Makar
• Josh Manson — Brent Burns
• Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
• Mackenzie Blackwood
• Scott Wedgewood

Minnesota Wild:

• Kirill Kaprizov — Ryan Hartman – Mats Zuccarello
• Marcus Johansson — Joel Eriksson Ek — Matt Boldy
• Yakov Trenin — Danila Yurov — Vladimir Tarasenko
• Marcus Foligno — Nico Sturm – Vinnie Hinostroza
• Quinn Hughes — Brock Faber
• Jonas Brodin — Jared Spurgeon
• Jake Middleton — David Jiricek
• Jesper Wallstedt
• Filip Gustavsson

Goaltending Matchup

Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start for the Wild, while the Avalanche's starting goaltender has not been specified. Filip Gustavsson is available for the Wild after making 28 saves in their recent win against the Oilers. Scott Wedgewood made 20 saves in the Avalanche's 3-2 win over the Jets.

Team News and Injuries

• Colorado Avalanche: Logan O'Connor is out with a hip injury. Josh Manson has been playing exceptionally well after recovering from past injuries, contributing both defensively and offensively.
• Minnesota Wild: Zach Bogosian and Daemon Hunt are injured. The Wild have been alternating goalies, with Jesper Wallstedt expected to start.

Key Notes

• The Wild and Avalanche last met on November 28, where the Wild won 3-2 in a shootout.
• The Avalanche's power play has been struggling, ranking 28th in the league. However, their penalty kill is ranked number one.
• Matt Boldy has been on a scoring streak for the Wild, tying Kirill Kaprizov for the team lead in goals.
• The Wild have been limiting opponents to very few goals during their winning streak.
• Nathan MacKinnon leads the NHL in points.
• The Wild have acquired Quinn Hughes, and their offense has surged since his arrival.

This game promises to be an exciting contest between two of the hottest teams in the NHL. The Avalanche will look to continue their dominant season, while the Wild aim to extend their winning streak and climb further in the Central Division standings.