Preview: Avalanche Look to Put Ugly Flyers Loss Behind Them Against Devils

If the Colorado Avalanche were hoping for a little time to forget about Monday night, they’re out of luck.

After a rough loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado is right back at it Tuesday, wrapping up its road trip against the New Jersey Devils with little time to catch its breath.

The loss in Philadelphia was frustrating for a few reasons. The Flyers came in with just one win in nine games, yet the Avs struggled to find their footing and finished the night with 16 turnovers. Nathan MacKinnon was held without a point for the third time in four losses, and even Martin Necas couldn’t escape the bad luck. He scored a goal, then took a puck to the mouth after an Artturi Lehkonen shot bounced off goaltender Joseph Woll’s shoulder and the post.

Not exactly Colorado’s finest night.

The good news? There’s another game to play, and not much time to dwell on the last one. The bad news is that New Jersey has had several days to rest while the Avalanche are playing their second game in as many nights. If Colorado comes out flat again, it could be in for another long evening.

One thing to look forward to is Scott Wedgewood getting the start in net. Mackenzie Blackwood took the loss against Philadelphia, so a change makes sense on the back-to-back. Wedgewood has also been solid in limited action, posting a 2.40 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage through his first two appearances.

Game Details

Colorado’s top players are still putting up numbers, even if the results haven't always followed. MacKinnon leads the way with 16 points and six goals. Artturi Lehkonen also has six goals and nine points, while Necas has 11 points. Cale Makar has chipped in nine.

The problem lately hasn't been a lack of talent. It's been putting everything together for a full game. Giving the puck away 16 times against Philadelphia is a tough way to win, and the Devils have enough firepower to make Colorado pay for those mistakes.

The lineup should look much the same as it did Monday. Zach L’Heureux and Nic Roy remain unavailable, while Logan O’Connor is still on long-term injured reserve. Colorado also traveled without an extra player, so there likely won't be any surprise additions.

Forwards

Artturi Lehkonen – Nathan MacKinnon – Nazem Kadri

Gabe Landeskog – Brock Nelson – Martin Necas

Jaden Schwartz – Fedor Svechkov – T.J. Hughes

Parker Kelly – Gavin Brindley – Noah Juulsen

Defense

Devon Toews – Cale Makar

Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski

Josh Manson – Brent Burns

Goaltenders

Scott Wedgewood

Mackenzie Blackwood

The Devils enter at 4-4-0 after falling to the Washington Capitals on Saturday. They'll have a rest advantage Tuesday, and they'll be looking to take advantage of an Avalanche team that might still be feeling the effects of Monday's game.

Jack Hughes leads New Jersey with nine points in eight games, with Jesper Bratt close behind at seven. Nico Hischier has scored four goals to lead the team.

Goaltending has been a sore spot for the Devils early on. Both of their options have a goals-against average above 3.00 and a save percentage below .900. Jake Allen is expected to start after getting five appearances, while Nico Daws is the other option. Luke Evangelista is also expected back after missing time.

Forwards

Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Dawson Mercer

Arseny Gritsyuk – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt

Anthony Mantha – Evan Rodrigues – Stefan Nosen

Luke Evangelista – Cody Glass – Jesper Boqvist

Defense

Luke Hughes – Brett Pesce

Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton

Declan Chisholm – Jonathan Kovacevic

Goaltenders

Jake Allen

Nico Daws

Colorado doesn't need to reinvent its game overnight. It needs to take better care of the puck, avoid digging itself an early hole, and give Wedgewood a decent chance to do his job.

The Devils won't make things easy, especially with the extra rest on their side. Still, the Avalanche have more than enough talent to respond. After the way things went in Philadelphia, a win in New Jersey would be a welcome way to close out the trip and head home with something positive.