Tuesday night’s game against the Vancouver Canucks is gaining extra significance for the Colorado Avalanche. Despite battling various illnesses within the team, the Avalanche are set to play at Ball Arena, with one of their star players possibly making a comeback.
Captains Gabe Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon, and Parker Kelly were absent from Monday’s practice due to illness. MacKinnon, especially, has been struggling with symptoms since Saturday but still played in Colorado’s 7-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, even managing to score three points despite clearly being unwell. His performance under such conditions highlights his exceptional talent. In the fast-paced, physically demanding NHL, scoring any points while ill is impressive—scoring three is extraordinary.
MacKinnon’s role is critical, and the Avalanche are hopeful he will be well enough to participate on Tuesday. Currently, he leads the NHL with 20 goals and 44 points, and his 24 assists trail only Connor McDavid’s 25. MacKinnon is on a swift path to potentially achieve hockey’s rare Triple Crown by leading the league in goals, assists, and points—a feat last accomplished by Mario Lemieux in 1996 before his first retirement.
After a slow start, including an unusual concession of four goals, Landeskog has regained his form during a consistent stretch, tallying four goals and four assists in the past nine games, reinforcing his role as the team’s guiding force. His absence would be notable both on the ice and in the locker room.
Parker Kelly has also emerged as a positive surprise with his high energy, cheerful attitude, and unexpected scoring ability. His affection for Taylor Swift’s “Ophelia” adds a unique spark to the team dynamics.
There is some hopeful news as well. Valeri Nichushkin has removed his non-contact jersey and took part fully in practice, with head coach Jared Bednar suggesting he could return Tuesday if all goes well. Although Nichushkin looked steady, he occasionally appeared stiff, indicating some caution might be warranted before returning to full gameplay. Still, his near return is a promising sign.
Nichushkin, 30, had recorded five goals and seven assists in 17 games before being sidelined with a lower-body injury on November 6 during a game against the Anaheim Ducks, after blocking a shot. He has missed the last eight games.
Other injury updates include Logan O’Connor still out with an unspecified issue unrelated to his offseason hip surgeries. Meanwhile, Gavin Brindley returned to skating after a lower-body injury from November 20 but remains far from his usual explosive form, suggesting a longer recovery ahead.
The Avalanche, currently leading the NHL with an 18-1 record and undefeated in six road games, aim to extend their winning streak to two when they host Quinn Hughes and the Vancouver Canucks, who have lost their last two matches. The game begins at 7 p.m. local time.
Fan Take: This news is important for hockey enthusiasts as it highlights the resilience and depth of the Avalanche amid adversity. If MacKinnon and Nichushkin return strong, it could propel the team even further, sparking thrilling moments that push the boundaries of the sport’s competitive spirit.
