Sat Feb 01 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Avalanche Aim for Consistency Against Struggling Blues in Home Opener
**DENVER, CO** – The Colorado Avalanche return to home ice tonight, hoping to regain their footing after a disappointing road trip and the recent trade of Mikko Rantanen. They face the St. Louis Blues, a divisional rival they’ll meet for the first time this season, in a crucial matchup with playoff implications.
The Avalanche, currently three games behind both the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild in the Central Division, are looking to build momentum before a two-week break. A win against the struggling Blues is paramount to their playoff hopes.
The Blues, boasting a 23-24-4 record and sitting 25th overall in the NHL, have endured a turbulent season. A coaching change – replacing Drew Bannister with Jim Montgomery – hasn’t yielded the desired results. Their recent three-game homestand saw them outscored 11-4, further highlighting their struggles. Adding to their woes is the recent mutual contract termination with former Avalanche forward Brandon Saad.
Despite their overall struggles, the Blues have found some bright spots. Offseason acquisitions Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway, both signed after offer sheets to the Edmonton Oilers, have significantly contributed, with Holloway ranking second on the team in goals, assists, and points.
Despite the Blues’ inconsistency, the Avalanche aren’t taking them lightly. The game promises a challenging matchup for Colorado, with both teams expected to start their top goalies, Mackenzie Blackwood for the Avalanche and Jordan Binnington for the Blues. The Avalanche will need to find a consistent offensive and defensive game to secure a victory and head into their break on a positive note.
First Piper 