Colorado has outscored their opposition 10-0 in their last three games (3-0-0), with two shutouts from Mackenzie Blackwood and one from Scott Wedgewood. The 33-year-old Wedgewood has been sensational for Colorado this season, and he will return to the crease on Friday against a Minnesota Wild team on a six-game winning streak. Wedgewood, a career backup, has never won more than 16 games in a season, but already nearing that total through 17 starts in 2025-26 (13-1-2), posting a solid 2.09 GAA and .918 SV%.

Scott Wedgewood has been the main story between the pipes for the Avalanche this season, stealing the spotlight from Blackwood, who has played well since making his debut at the beginning of the month. The 28-year-old Blackwood is coming off his best performance of the season, saving 35 shots in a 3-0 shutout win over the Nashville Predators. He has a 2.47 GAA and .911 SV% in four games (3-0-1) and will return to the crease on Wednesday against his former team, the San Jose Sharks. Colorado enters Wednesday's contest as enormous -374 home favorites against a Sharks team that defeated them 3-2 in overtime earlier this month.

Scott Wedgewood has been the main story between the pipes for the Avalanche this season, stealing the spotlight from Blackwood, who has played well since making his debut at the beginning of the month. The 28-year-old Blackwood is coming off his best performance of the season, saving 35 shots in a 3-0 shutout win over the Nashville Predators. He has a 2.47 GAA and .911 SV% in four games (3-0-1) and will return to the crease on Wednesday against his former team, the San Jose Sharks. Colorado enters Wednesday's contest as enormous -374 home favorites against a Sharks team that defeated them 3-2 in overtime earlier this month.

Ivan played a prominent role with the Avalanche during the 2024-25 season, making his NHL debut and scoring eight points (5G/3A) in 40 games. That said, the 23-year-old Czech forward has played exclusively in the AHL through 2025-26, scoring six points (2G / 4A) in 18 games with the Eagles.

Kiviranta has not played since October 16th, recovering from a lower-body injury, but is officially ready to return to the lineup after practicing on Wednesday. The 29-year-old Kiviranta had a career-high 23 points (16G / 7A) in 79 games last season.

Polin has nine NHL games to his name and will be hopefully to make his Avalanche debut this season after being recalled from the AHL. The 26-year-old right winger spent the majority of last season with the Colorado Eagles (AHL) where he had 11 goals and 19 points in 39 games played.

Wedgewood continues to impress this season, earning regular starts despite the return of Mackenzie Blackwood, and will return to the crease on Thursday against the New York Rangers. The 33-year-old Wedgewood has a solid 2.17 GAA and .917 SV% in 15 appearances this season (11-1-2). He has allowed two or fewer goals in five straight games (5-0-0), posting a dazzling 1.40 GAA and .949 SV%. Colorado enters Thursday's contest as sizable -209 home favorites against a Rangers team that has scored two or fewer goals in three straight (1-2-0).

Wedgewood continues to impress this season, earning regular starts despite the return of Mackenzie Blackwood, and will likely return to the crease on Thursday against the New York Rangers. The 33-year-old Wedgewood has a solid 2.17 GAA and .917 SV% in 15 appearances this season (11-1-2). He has allowed two or fewer goals in five straight games (5-0-0), posting a dazzling 1.40 GAA and .949 SV%. Colorado enters Thursday's contest as sizable -209 home favorites against a Rangers team that has scored two or fewer goals in three straight (1-2-0).

Nielsen made his NHL debut earlier this month and could potentially draw into the Avalanche lineup again after being recalled on Thursday. The 25-year-old forward is having a productive season at the AHL level, scoring 14 points (9G / 5A) in 16 games with the Colorado Eagles.

Nichushkin exited last Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks due to a lower-body injury after only 12:57 time-on-ice. The 30-year-old Nichushkin has 12 points (5G / 7A) in 17 games this season, and has been more productive lately, with nine points (3G / 6A) in his last 10 games. Nichushkin has played fewer than 55 games in each of the previous four seasons due to injuries and could be headed down that same path in 2025-26, as he is out week-to-week.

Nichushkin exited Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks due to a lower-body injury after only 12:57 time-on-ice. The 30-year-old Nichushkin has 12 points (5G / 7A) in 17 games this season, and has been more productive lately, with nine points (3G / 6A) in his last 10 games. Nichushkin has played fewer than 55 games in each of the previous four seasons due to injuries and could be headed down that same path in 2025-26, as he is out week-to-week.