No, a matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings isn’t quite what it used to be, but with Detroit actually looking like a potential playoff team this year, it should at least be an entertaining matchup. And on Thursday night, it’ll be a reunion of sorts.
J.T. Compher, who signed a big contract with the Red Wings over the summer, will play against the Avalanche for the first time in his career. The 28 year old center has picked up 33 points in 50 games with the Red Wings, and has points in four straight games, so the Avalanche will have to keep an eye on him. He’s currently centering Alex Debrincat and Lucas Raymond, so not a bad gig for him.
Compher played seven seasons for the Avalanche from 2016 to 2023.
On Colorado’s side, the Avalanche will get Logan O’Connor back against the Red Wings. The winger has missed the last four games due to a lower-body injury, but will get back in on Thursday night. It’s unsure who exactly he’ll play with, but my initial guess would be that Bednar reunites the “Roaring 20’s” line. Andrew Cogliano may be the one coming out of the lineup, as he’s feeling under the weather and is a game-time decision.
It will not be Alexandar Georgiev in net for Colorado, as Bednar is turning to Justus Annunen. The young Finnish goaltender hasn’t played poorly for the Avalanche when given a chance, but has given up four goals in each of his three starts this season. Alex Lyon will be in net at the other end.
Expected Colorado Avalanche Lines
Jonathan Drouin – Nathan MacKinnon – Mikko Rantanen
Miles Wood – Ross Colton – Logan O’Connor
Artturi Lehkonen – Ryan Johansen – Zach Parise
Fredrik Olofsson – Chris Wagner – Joel Kiviranta
Defense
Devon Toews – Cale Makar
Sam Girard – Josh Manson
Jack Johnson – Bowen Byram
Goalies
Justus Annunen
Expected Detroit Red Wings Lineup
Rasmussen – Larkin – Kane
Debrincat – Compher – Raymond
Perron – Copp – Veleno
Fabbri – Fischer – Sprong
Defense:
Walman – Seider
Chiarot – Petry
Maatta – Gostisbehere
Goalies:
Alex Lyon
Special Teams
Colorado Avalanche Power Play: 23.4%, 9th in NHL
Colorado Avalanche Penalty Kill: 81.8%, 10th in NHL
Detroit Red Wings Power Play: 23.2%, 10th in NHL
Detroit Red Wings Penalty Kill: 82%, 9th in NHL
How to Watch
TV: ESPN+, Altitude 2
Radio: 950 AM
Game Time: 5:00 PM MST