Familiar Faces, High Stakes as Avalanche Meet Flames
DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche open a pivotal final stretch Monday night against the Calgary Flames, with playoff positioning tightening and little margin for error.
The Avalanche enter a critical stretch of their season, beginning their final 10 games with this matchup against Calgary. Every point carries added weight—and this three-game season series could prove pivotal. The teams will meet again in Denver on April 9 before closing out their regular-season meetings in Calgary on April 14.
Advertisement
Colorado comes into the contest looking to rebound from a 4–2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets at Ball Arena on Saturday.
Despite the defeat, there were notable moments. Cale Makar reached a major milestone, recording his 500th career NHL point with an assist—further cementing his place among the league’s elite defensemen.
Goals from Brock Nelson and Parker Kelly kept the Avalanche within reach, but Winnipeg pulled away late with a third-period surge, including an empty-netter from Kyle Connor.
Even in the loss, Colorado’s offensive firepower remains undeniable—largely driven by Nathan MacKinnon. The superstar center continues to lead the NHL in goals with 48 while sitting near the top of the league in both points and assists. Alongside him, Makar’s production from the blue line remains among the best in hockey, and Martin Necas has emerged as another key contributor, ranking among the league’s top scorers.
Victor Olofsson may bring some more steam with the Flames. Credit: Sergei Belski
It will mark Nazem Kadri’s first game against Calgary since being traded on March 6. On the other side, Victor Olofsson will face Colorado for the first time since being dealt to Calgary as part of that same trade, giving both teams a firsthand look at familiar faces in new roles.
Advertisement
Historically, the Avalanche have held the edge in this matchup, posting a 66-54-8-6 record over 134 regular-season meetings. The two teams have only met once in the playoffs, when…
