Avalanche vs. Red Wings Game Information And Preview

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche return to Ball Arena on Saturday night looking to put an end to a two-game losing streak when they host the Detroit Red Wings.

Colorado has dropped its last two games, including a 3-2 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators, and will be looking to get back in the win column against a Detroit team dealing with similar struggles.

The Avalanche have had the upper hand in this matchup for quite some time, winning 14 of their last 16 meetings with the Red Wings while outscoring them 66-29 over that stretch. Detroit did manage to get the better of Colorado in their most recent meeting, however, earning a 2-0 shutout victory at Little Caesars Arena on February 2.

Colorado will have Mackenzie Blackwood between the pipes Saturday. He has been a difficult goaltender for Detroit to solve, winning three of his last four starts against the Red Wings. In eight career appearances against Detroit, Blackwood has a 4-3 record, a 2.54 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage.

Offensively, Nathan MacKinnon continues to lead the way for Colorado. He has nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points through 17 games, while also recording three goals and two assists in his last five games against Detroit. MacKinnon has been unusually quiet in the goal column recently, going without a goal over his last three outings. Artturi Lehkonen has picked up some of that scoring responsibility, leading the Avalanche with 12 goals.

Colorado has plenty of offensive firepower, but its recent defensive struggles have contributed to the team’s current skid. The Avalanche will need a more complete performance at both ends of the ice, particularly against a Detroit team that has shown it can capitalize when given opportunities.

The Red Wings arrive in Denver with a 7-7-3 record after consecutive losses to Tampa Bay and Vegas. Their latest setback was a 2-1 defeat at home against the Golden Knights on Thursday. Detroit has struggled to generate consistent offense, and that will be a concern against an Avalanche team capable of turning defensive mistakes into scoring chances.

Alex DeBrincat leads Detroit with seven goals and nine assists for 16 points in 17 games. With Dylan Larkin currently away from the team amid his ongoing trade situation, DeBrincat has become an important presence for the Red Wings as they try to navigate the uncertainty surrounding their captain.

Detroit’s biggest advantage may come from its younger players. The Red Wings’ rookies have combined for 23 points through 17 games, leading the NHL in rookie scoring. They will need that production to continue if Detroit hopes to keep up with Colorado.

In goal, Daniil Tarasov is expected to get the start for Detroit. He has been one of the team’s most dependable players early in the season, posting a 1.79 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Tarasov stopped 32 of 34 shots in Thursday’s loss to Vegas, giving his team a chance despite the lack of offensive support.

Saturday’s matchup presents an opportunity for both clubs to put their recent struggles behind them. Colorado will look to take advantage of home ice and its success against Detroit, while the Red Wings will try to find some offensive momentum as they begin a five-day road trip. The Avalanche have controlled this series in recent years, but Detroit’s shutout win in February serves as a reminder that Colorado cannot take this matchup lightly.