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The Colorado Avalanche will look to sweep their home-and-home series against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night after a wild 4-2 win in Dallas on Tuesday. The game saw multiple fights, including Nathan MacKinnon's second bout in six games and Fedor Svechkov's first career NHL fight, showcasing his potential in a bottom-six role.
Both teams dealt with late lineup changes. The Avalanche were without Cale Makar, who left to be with his wife for the birth of their twins, and Zachary LHeureux was a late scratch with an upper-body injury. The Stars lost Wyatt Johnston to an illness, and he will miss the second game as well. Dallas does expect Joel Kiviranta back in the lineup after an injury; it will be his first game against Colorado since April 2023.
The standout performer was Avalanche goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, who bounced back from a rough outing against Toronto with a 24-save effort. He made several key stops, including a highlight-reel save on Roope Hintz after a Sam Malinski turnover. With less than 10 games played, it was a crucial win for Blackwood's confidence and for the team.
Key Analysis
Scott Wedgewood will get the start for Colorado in the second game, his second of the season. He faces a tougher challenge than his debut against Calgary, but with the Stars tired and missing Johnston, the Avalanche have an opportunity to secure a valuable divisional win. Dallas will counter with Casey DeSmith, who played well in his season debut despite a loss to Nashville. The Avalanche are not the Predators, and DeSmith is not on the same level as Jake Oettinger, so Colorado should feel confident if they can replicate their Game 1 performance.
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:38 p.m. MT and will be broadcast nationally on TNT.
Projected Avalanche Lines (Subject to Change):
Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Necas
Gabriel Landeskog - Brock Nelson - Nazem Kadri
Jaden Schwartz - Fedor Svechkov - T.J. Hughes
Zachary LHeureux - Nicolas Roy - Parker Kelly
Devon Toews - Cale Makar
Brett Kulak - Sam Malinski
Josh Manson - Brent Burns
Scott Wedgewood - Mackenzie Blackwood
Projected Starters (Subject to Change):
Confirmed: Mackenzie Blackwood (COL)
Confirmed: Jake Oettinger (DAL)