Mile High Hockey
Colorado Avalanche and all hockey coverage in the Mile High state
Total reads
2,443
This week
0
Rank
#103 of 466
Published
636 posts
Last 12 weeks
Most read posts
Featured on Sportsblogs
Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.
Latest Entries
2026-27 Avalanche of Injuries: Part One
The Avalanche’s 2026-27 campaign already shows a string of injuries. Defenseman Josh Manson suffered a twisted ankle on Oct. 28 against New Jersey, sidelining him for eight weeks and potentially keeping him out of the Winter Classic in Salt Lake City. Forward Zach L’Heureux has been on LTIR since Oct. 23 after an unclear upper‑body issue, missing the required 10 games and 24 days with no rehab progress reported. Meanwhile, goaltender Nic Roy and forward Logan O’Connor have returned after short stints on the injured list, with O’Connor now tallying five games since his Oct. 23 debut. The piece tracks who’s out, who’s back, and what the lineup looks like heading into the holiday stretch.
Recap: Avs outdueled in 3-2 overtime loss to Nashville
The Colorado Avalanche fall 3-2 in overtime to the Nashville Predators at Ball Arena on November 6, 2026. Nashville snaps a one‑goal deficit twice, with Ross Colton scoring the go‑ahead goal and Vitali Pinchuk netting his first NHL goal, while Colorado's Parker Kelly ties late in the second. Both goalies shine, but a power‑play penalty puts the Avs on the box; Steven Stamkos scores the winning power‑play marker, tying Luc Robitaille for fifth‑all‑time in PP goals. Former Avs like Ryan O’Reilly and Alex Kerfoot feature for Nashville, and the loss follows Colorado’s recent 7‑2 drubbing by Columbus.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Nashville Predators (7:30 p.m. MT)
After a 6-2 defeat to Columbus, the Colorado Avalanche (9‑6‑1) host the Nashville Predators (6‑4‑5) on Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. MT. Nashville leads the season series 1‑0, having won the first meeting 6‑2, and arrives on a two‑game winning streak after a shootout win over Tampa Bay and a victory at Carolina. Colorado must rebound offensively and tighten defense, with a projected lineup featuring MacKinnon, Landeskog, and Makar in goal behind Blackwood and Wedgewood. Nashville counters with star‑forward Steven Stamkos, Roman Josi on defense, and Juuse Saros in net. The game could flip the series narrative as both clubs seek momentum.
Reading the Room: Drifting between contender and question mark
Colorado Avalanche stave off criticism with a 5-2 home win over the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 29, 2026, despite lingering disjointed play. Nathan MacKinnon’s highlight goal, Jaden Schwartz’s rebound and Nazem Kadri’s third‑period tally spark the comeback, while Connor Brown nets a shorthanded goal for New Jersey. Captain Gabe Landeskog, wearing the player‑of‑the‑game chain, says the team finally “stuck with it,” and coach Jared Bednar praises the defensive effort after a slow first period. The victory raises the question: is this a solid all‑around performance or a win boosted by a tired opponent?
Preview: Colorado looks to bounce back against Nashville
After a crushing 6-2 defeat to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Colorado Avalanche (9‑6‑1) aim to rebound at home against the Nashville Predators (6‑4‑5) on Nov. 5, 2026, 7:30 p.m. MT. Nashville leads the season series 1‑0 after a 6‑2 win, but the Predators enter on a two‑game streak, fresh from shootout victories over Tampa Bay and Carolina. Colorado must sharpen both offense and defense, with Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen and Cale Makar anchoring the projected lineup, while goaltender Juuse Saros backs Nashville. The matchup promises a test of whether the Avs can erase the earlier loss and even the scoreline.
Preview: Colorado looks to bounce back agianst Nashville
After a crushing 6-2 defeat to Columbus, the Colorado Avalanche (9-6-1) aim to rebound at home against the Nashville Predators (6-4-5) on Nov. 5, 2026. Nashville, riding a two‑game winning streak and fresh off a 6-2 victory over Colorado earlier this season, will look to extend its dominance, with Juuse Saros guarding the net. The Avs must improve offensively and defensively to avoid another shutout, relying on stars Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen and goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. Game tips out at 7:30 p.m. MT on ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu, with live radio on Altitude Sports 92.5 FM.
Morning Flurries: Hometown Remix Jersey Revealed
The Colorado Avalanche unveil their new Hometown Remix jersey—dubbed the “fully frosted” design with icy blue tones and gradient numbers—ending NHL’s longest teaser saga. Premium player jerseys cost $300, blanks $260, and authentic editions $550. The team will debut the kit in six games, starting against Detroit on Nov. 7, 2026. A teaser tweet urges fans to mark the date, while the post also recaps recent Halloween events with newcomers Fedor Svechkov and Zach L’Heureux. The article gives full details on pricing, release timing, and visual highlights.
Recap: Former Avs get revenge in Columbus
The Colorado Avalanche suffer a 7-2 defeat in Columbus, snapping a road losing streak with a blowout loss to the Blue Jackets on Nov. 3, 2026. Former Avs Charlie Coyle and Val Nichushkin each score twice, while Colorado’s only goal comes from Nazem Kadri on the power play. Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon provide a brief spark, but defensive lapses and goaltending changes fail to stem the onslaught. Sam Malinski registers a point amid the chaos, and the Avalanche head home for a rematch with Nashville on Nov. 5.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche at Columbus Blue Jackets (5:00 p.m. MT)
The Colorado Avalanche continue their road swing on Nov. 3, 2026, facing the Columbus Blue Jackets at 5:00 p.m. MT after a 5-2 win over Chicago. Avalanche (9‑5‑1) likely stick with last night’s lineup, adding Keaton Middleton and keeping Noah Juulsen on the third defensive pair despite back‑to‑back fatigue. Columbus (5‑7‑0) seeks to climb from the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with Val Nichushkin debuting against his former club and Cam Talbot in goal. Key players to watch include Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar for Colorado and Kent Johnson, Zach Werenski for Columbus. The game streams on Altitude/ESPN+ and airs on Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM.
Preview: Avalanche make quick visit to Columbus
The Colorado Avalanche continue their brief road swing with a 5 p.m. MT showdown against the Columbus Blue Jackets in Columbus. Riding a 5-2 win over Chicago and sitting 9‑5‑1, the Avs keep the same lineup from the night before, adding Keaton Middleton but retaining Noah Juulsen in the third pair. Columbus, 5‑7‑0 and anchored at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, will debut Val Nichushkin after his cap‑dump trade from Colorado. Goaltending sees Scott Wedgewood between the pipes for Colorado and Cam Talbot for the Jackets. Both teams look to prove their recent moves as the Avs aim to extend their surge.
Recap: Kadri and Schwartz each score twice; propel Colorado past Chicago
The Colorado Avalanche rallied from an early 2-0 deficit to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 on Nov. 2, 2026. Nazem Kadri and Jaden Schwartz each netted two goals — Kadri’s second coming on a power‑play deflection and Schwartz’s on a short‑side strike — powering Colorado’s middle‑six surge. Chicago’s goals came from a fluky Cale Makar deflection and Roman Kantserov’s two‑on‑one finish. Devon Toews capped the win with an empty‑netter in the third. The win showcases the Avs’ resilience as they head into a back‑to‑back with the Columbus Blue Jackets the following night.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks (6 p.m. MT)
The Colorado Avalanche host the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at 6 p.m. MT in the first matchup of the 2026-27 season. The Avs enter on a two‑game winning streak (8‑5‑1) and look to extend it despite recent injuries to defensemen Josh Manson (out 8 weeks) and the uncertainty around Logan O’Connor. Key players include Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas and the returning Nic Roy, while Artturi Lehkonen races toward a 30‑goal season. Chicago (4‑9‑1) tries to snap a two‑game skid without former Avs defenseman Bowen Byram; Connor Bedard returns after missing six games and will be paired with Patrick Kane. Goaltenders likely are Mackenzie Blackwood vs. Spencer Knight. The game streams on Altitude/ESPN+ and airs on Altitude Sports Radio.
Preview: Blackhawks to debut Hometown Remix jerseys tonight against the Avs
The Chicago Blackhawks debut their new Hometown Remix jersey tonight as they face the Colorado Avalanche at 6:00 p.m. MT. The Avs enter the game on a two‑game winning streak (8‑5‑1) and look to extend it, while the Hawks sit at 4‑9‑1 after two straight losses. Key storylines include Connor Bedard's return, Patrick Kane’s reunion with the lineup, and the absence of former Avs defenseman Bowen Byram for Chicago. Colorado’s projected line features Nathan MacKinnon, Martin Necas and Artturi Lehkonen, while Chicago rolls out Roman Kantserov, Bedard and Frank Nazar. Goaltenders likely are Mackenzie Blackwood for Colorado and Spencer Knight for Chicago.
Weekly Cupcakes: Manson out up to 8 weeks
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (42) is sidelined for up to eight weeks after suffering an ankle injury in the third period of a Jan. 8 game against the Ottawa Senators. The loss comes as the Avalanche, early-season Stanley Cup favorites, battle a recent slump and rely on stars like Cale Makar, who tallied four assists in Saturday’s win over Calgary. The article also notes other league headlines, including Nikita Kucherov’s trade request, Dylan Larkin’s suspension, and a Kraken‑Predators trade. Manson’s absence will test Colorado’s depth as they aim to regain momentum.
Recap: Avs snuff Flames in 5-2 triumph
The Colorado Avalanche defeat the Calgary Flames 5-2 on Halloween night at Ball Arena. Nathan MacKinnon opens the scoring early, but Artturi Lehkonen ignites a hot streak with two goals, ending the night with 12 on the season, while Cale Makar records a season‑high four assists. Martin Nečas adds a power‑play goal, and Martin Pospisil scores on a Brent Burns turnover. Calgary’s lone highlight comes from Joel Farabee’s first‑period goal. The win propels Colorado forward as they head into a back‑to‑back road trip, opening against Chicago on Nov. 2.
Open Thread: Calgary Flames @ Colorado Avalanche 8:00 P.M. MDT)
The Colorado Avalanche host the Calgary Flames tonight at 8:00 PM MDT for the first Halloween game in 24 years. Colorado (7‑5‑1) rides a 5‑2 win over New Jersey, with Nathan MacKinnon leading the league in points (22) and Artturi Lehkonen topping the Avs in goals (10). Goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to start after recent strong play. Calgary (6‑7‑0) has surged, winning five of its last six games, highlighted by a 6‑2 victory over Seattle and Dustin Wolf’s first win in weeks. Injuries linger for both clubs, including Flames’ goaltender Devin Cooley (week‑to‑week) and Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (out eight weeks). A win pulls Colorado within one point of second‑place Utah in the Central Division.
Preview: The Avs Host Calgary for a Spooktacular Saturday Night Spectacle!
The Colorado Avalanche host the Calgary Flames on Halloween for their first home game in 24 years, tipping off at 8 p.m. MDT. The Avs (7-5-1) look to even the series after a 5-2 win over New Jersey, while the Flames (6-7-0) ride a four‑game winning streak despite recent goalie injuries. Key injuries for Colorado include defenseman Josh Manson (out eight weeks), boosting Noah Juulsen’s role. Calgary’s net is unsettled after Devin Cooley’s injury; Dustin Wolf earned a 6-2 win over Seattle, with backup Arsenii Sergeev called up. A victory could bring the Avs within one point of second‑place Utah in the Central Division. Projected lineups feature Nathan MacKinnon, Artturi Lehkonen and Cale Makar for Colorado, and Nazem Kadri, Brock Nelson and goaltender Wolf for Calgary.
Colorado Eagles’ October 3 Stars
Colorado Eagles dominate the AHL Pacific division after a hot October, posting a 6-3-1 record through ten games. Goaltender Ilya Nabokov earns the First Star with a 2.16 GAA, .931 save percentage and a 32‑save shutout in his debut, while fellow netminder Trent Miner returns with a 27‑save shutout. Right wing Gavin Brindley, despite missing two games for an Avalanche call‑up, leads the team with nine points (2 G, 7 A). Left wing Adam Beckman caps the month as the Eagles’ top goal‑scorer, netting five. Their strong start positions Colorado at the top of the Pacific standings.
Rinkside Recap: Avalanche redeemed with a 5-2 win over New Jersey
The Colorado Avalanche bounce back with a dominant 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils at Ball Arena on Oct. 28, 2026. Returning forward Nicolas Roy sparks the offense, while Gabe Landeskog nets his fifth of the season and Nazem Kadri adds a third‑period marker. Nathan MacKinnon and Jaden Schwartz each score in the third, extending the lead to 5-1 before Connor Brown tallies a late goal for New Jersey. The win follows early setbacks, including a shorthanded goal by the Devils and an injury to defenseman Josh Manson. Coach Jared Bednar’s lineups shake up the forward group, with Kadri back at center and Roy on the wing.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. New Jersey Devils (7:00 p.m. MT)
The Colorado Avalanche (6‑5‑1) host the New Jersey Devils (8‑4‑0) at Ball Arena on Oct. 29, 2026, seeking revenge for a 4‑3 loss in New Jersey. Colorado returns a full forward roster with Nic Roy cleared, while veteran defensemen stay steady; Mackenzie Blackwood is slated to start in goal after eight appearances this season. The Devils, now on a four‑game streak and second in the Metropolitan, will rely on Jake Allen after Connor Hellebuyck’s recent debut in a 5‑1 win over Dallas. Key players include Nathan MacKinnon, Jack Hughes (14 points), and a projected line‑mix for both teams.
Preview: Colorado primed for revenge against New Jersey
The Colorado Avalanche (6‑5‑1) head to Ball Arena on Oct. 28 to avenge a 4‑3 loss to the New Jersey Devils (8‑4‑0) from a week earlier. With forwards fully healthy except Zach L’Heureux, coach Jared Bednar lines up a refreshed roster, while goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is slated to start after eight appearances this season. The Devils, riding a four‑game winning streak and a league‑best 62.75% expected‑goals rate, will rely on Jake Allen after Connor Hellebuyck’s recent debut. The matchup pits Colorado’s identity crisis against New Jersey’s surge, offering a pivotal back‑to‑back showdown.
MHH Roundtable: Early Returns and Concerns
After 12 games, the Colorado Avalanche sit at 6‑5‑1, prompting a mixed review from the Mile High Hockey roundtable. Panelists praise the new third line—Jaden Schwartz, Fedor Svechkov and rookie TJ Hughes—for each scoring at least twice and showing unexpected chemistry. However, analytics reveal red flags: the Avs rank 21st in expected goals (47.24%) despite leading the league with a 14.23% shooting percentage, and their PDO sits at a lofty 1.054, suggesting luck fuels their standing. Defensively, they’ve allowed 24 goals on 29 expected, and recent losses to Nashville and Philadelphia expose lapses in effort and urgency. The consensus is that early-season inconsistencies must be addressed before they become chronic.
Weekly Cupcakes: Brady receives a NSFW welcome in Ottawa
In a dramatic homecoming, the Ottawa Senators steamroll the Florida Panthers 5-2 on October 21, 2026, as Brady Tkachuk returns to the Canadian Tire Centre to a chorus of NSFW chants from the crowd. While Ottawa celebrates the rivalry win, the roundup also notes T.J. Hughes impressing the Avalanche, an upcoming NHL expansion draft outlook, and Connor McDavid’s record‑chasing start, among other league updates.
Recap: Avalanche Fall Flat in Nashville
The Colorado Avalanche are stunned 6-2 by the Nashville Predators in Nashville on Oct. 25, 2026. Nashville opens the scoring with a power‑play goal from Filip Forsberg, adds a fluky strike by Steven Stamkos and a second PP tally later, while Ryan O’Reilly and Jack Drury extend the lead to 4‑0 before Forsberg tees it up to 5‑0. The Avs finally respond with Artturi Lehkonen’s 10th goal of the season, followed by Devon Toews’ knuckle‑puck in the third, but Stamkos caps the night with his second goal and fourth power‑play marker for a 6‑2 final. The recap highlights the Avs’ sluggish effort on a back‑to‑back road stretch and warns of concerning habits as they head into a home game against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 28.
Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche @ Nashville Predators (6:00 P.M. MDT)
The Colorado Avalanche (6-4-1) head to Nashville after snapping a two‑game skid with a 6‑3 win over Tampa Bay, highlighted by Nathan MacKinnon’s four‑point night (1G/3A) and Artturi Lehonen’s game‑winner. Starting goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood looks to build momentum against a Predators squad (3-3-4) that lost in overtime to Pittsburgh. Nashville may start rookie Justus Annunen in goal against his former club, while Juuse Saros remains unbeaten in three wins. The contest at 6 PM MDT could tighten the Central Division race, with both teams fielding projected lineups that feature stars like MacKinnon, Steven Stamkos and Roman Josi.
Displaying items 1-25 of 636 in total