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