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Game Preview: Avalanche Face the Music Against the Predators

bailey curtis
·2 min read

The Nashville Predators are back in Denver for the second time, their third of four matchups against the Colorado Avalanche. The series is split so far, with each team having secured a win at their home arena.

This will be the first time Justus Annunen returns to Colorado following his trade to Nashville, though whether or not he will start in net remains unknown. Scott Wedgewood will back up Mackenzie Blackwood, who will make his team debut tonight.

Blackwood was acquired in a trade on Monday, 12/9, a transaction that sent Alexandar Georgiev, Nikolai Kovalenko, and a couple of draft picks back to the San Jose Sharks. The Avalanche also got forward Givani Smith in the trade.

The trade came nine days after the Avalanche also acquired Scott Wedgewood from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Justus Annunen. This full factory reset in net marks the fastest time frame in NHL history an organization has completely reset its tandem.

A Close Matchup at Mile High

The last time these teams met (November 11), neither team could get things done in regulation. Samuel Girard closed things down with the game-winning goal in overtime. Interestingly enough, the last (and only other )overtime goal the defenseman has scored was also against the Nashville Predators.

Colton Sissons of the Nashville Predators scored the game-tying goal against the Avalanche during their last meeting. The forward has 19 points (10G, 9A) in 28 games played against the Avalanche.

Mikko Rantanen had a goal during their last meeting as well. The forward is currently tied for fourth among the league in goals at 18. He is also tied for third in the league in points at 43. Rantanen and his linemate Nathan MacKinnon are both in the top five among league points leaders.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) waits to shoot during warmups before the game against the Nashville Predators at Ball Arena.<p>Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images</p>
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (29) waits to shoot during warmups before the game against the Nashville Predators at Ball Arena.

Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Where/How to Watch:

Puck drop is slated for 7:08 pm mountain time.

Local broadcasts will host the game for both teams tonight. Coloradans can find the broadcast on Altitude+ with Marc Moser and Mark Rycroft holding the fort down. Conor McGahey will bring you the play-by-play on Altitude Sports Radio.

Nashville fans can find the broadcast on their local FanDuel Sports Network.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Colorado Avalanche site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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