Preview: Blues at Avalanche

Key Highlights

  • The St. Louis Blues face off against the first-place Colorado Avalanche on New Year’s Eve in a crucial matchup.
  • This is part of a three-game series with upcoming matches scheduled for April 5 and April 7.
  • Brayden Schenn leads the Blues, while Nathan MacKinnon headlines the Avalanche.
  • The Blues have won three straight against the Avalanche recently.

New Year’s Eve Showdown: St. Louis Blues vs Colorado Avalanche

The New Year’s Eve clash between the St. Louis Blues and the first-place Colorado Avalanche is set to take place at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. This game marks the start of a three-game series that will also see the teams face off on April 5 and April 7. The match is more than just a regular-season encounter; it’s an opportunity for the Blues to disrupt the division hierarchy before the calendar turns.

When & Where

When: Wednesday, December 31 at 8 p.m. CT

Where: Ball Arena in Denver, CO

Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest

Listen: 101 ESPN, Blues App

The Stats Speak Volumes

The Blues enter the game with a record of 15-17-8 and have struggled in recent games, with only an 18.4 percent power play rate and a goal differential of -0.88 per game. Their defense has been solid, but they face an uphill battle against the Avalanche.

The Colorado Avalanche come into the game with a formidable record of 29-2-7 and are riding an impressive eight-game winning streak. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team in goals, assists, and total points, while Cale Makar ranks high among NHL defensemen in points. Their goal differential is significantly better at +1.82 per game, and their shot differential stands at 34.4 shots for to 27.1 against.

Recent History

The Blues have had some recent success against the Avalanche, having won three straight games, including a 2-1 victory in Denver. Robert Thomas was particularly impressive last season, contributing six assists and seven points against Colorado. The Blues’ captain, Brayden Schenn, is riding a two-game goal streak and has added to his consistency with a career milestone of reaching 700 NHL points.

General Manager Doug Armstrong will be serving his 1,200th game in the role for the Blues, making him only one of 20 individuals to serve that many games as GM with a single franchise. Colton Parayko’s recent performance has also been noteworthy, tying Rob Ramage for fourth-most assists among defenseman in Blues history.

Upcoming Games

The season series will continue on April 5 at Ball Arena and April 7 at the Scottrade Center. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early as these matchups are likely to draw significant interest from hockey enthusiasts across the region.

Key Highlights

  • The St. Louis Blues will face the Colorado Avalanche on New Year’s Eve in a crucial three-game series.
  • Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar lead the Avalanche, while Brayden Schenn is key for the Blues.
  • The Blues have won three straight against the Avalanche recently.
  • General Manager Doug Armstrong will serve his 1,200th game in the role on Wednesday.

This match not only holds significant implications for both teams’ standings but also serves as a high-stakes battle between two of the league’s most competitive squads. Stay tuned to witness the drama unfold at Ball Arena this New Year’s Eve!