Wed Mar 26 00:40:00 UTC 2025: **Avalanche Host Red Wings in Crucial Four-Game Homestand**
DENVER, CO – The Colorado Avalanche return home after a successful road trip to begin a crucial four-game homestand against their rivals, the Detroit Red Wings, at Ball Arena tonight at 7 p.m. MT. The game will be televised on My20, Altitude, and Altitude+, and broadcast on Altitude Sports Radio (92.5 FM).
The Avalanche enter the matchup riding high after a 5-4 shootout victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Brock Nelson scored the shootout winner and also tallied a goal in regulation, while Martin Necas, Ryan Lindgren, and Sam Malinski also found the back of the net for Colorado. The Avs’ performance builds on their recent success, having earned four out of a possible six points on their road trip.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings are coming off a 5-1 victory over the Utah Hockey Club. Their offensive firepower was on display, with goals coming from Elmer Soderblom, Marco Kasper, Austin Watson, Alex DeBrincat (empty net), and Tyler Motte.
The Avalanche boast impressive individual performances, with Nathan MacKinnon leading the NHL in points (105) and assists (77), and Cale Makar leading all NHL defensemen in points (81), goals (26), and assists (55). Artturi Lehkonen is second on the Avalanche in goals with 27.
The Red Wings counter with a strong offensive presence of their own. Dylan Larkin leads the team in goals (28) and is second in points (62). Alex DeBrincat leads in goals (33), while Lucas Raymond leads in points (70) and assists (46).
The history between these two teams is rich, with 89 previous regular-season matchups resulting in a near even split. The Avalanche won the earlier meeting this season 2-1 in Detroit. Adding intrigue, the two teams have also clashed six times in the playoffs, most notably in the 1996 Western Conference Final, which the Avalanche won en route to their first Stanley Cup. MacKinnon has excelled against Detroit in his career, with 30 points in 20 games against them; Makar boasts 17 points in eight games.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar revealed his strategy for the winning shootout goal, crediting Jonathan Drouin’s suggestion to send Nelson out for the decisive shot.
The four-game homestand represents a significant opportunity for the Avalanche to solidify their playoff position. Their strong recent defensive performance—allowing the fewest goals in the NHL since February 1st (2.11 per game)—and their impressive March performance (.850 points percentage, best in the NHL) indicate they are poised for a strong finish to the season.
First Piper 