Avalanche vs. Wild, Preseason Game 1: Lines, Starting Goalies & How to Watch

And just like that, Colorado Avalanche hockey has returned. On Sunday afternoon, the Avalanche will take on the Minnesota Wild in the first preseason game of the year.

Preseason hockey is hit or miss for everyone, but it’s an important part of the evaluation process for the coaching staff and the management. This is their opportunity to see if some of these players can play in the system, as well as with or against NHL players. That’s a little tougher to do early in the preseason when teams don’t dress a lot of NHL caliber players, however.

Sunday will be our first look at the new-look third line for the Avalanche, which includes Ross Colton centering Tomas Tatar and Miles Wood. Beyond that, it looks like the Dallas trio will be a line, but we won’t know for sure until warmups start.

With Pavel Francouz out with no timeline for a return, don’t be surprised if Justus Annunen plays the entire game. They want to get a good idea of where he’s at with his game.

The Avalanche and Wild are expected to be two of the top three teams in the Central Division this season.

Lineups

Here are lineups for today’s #mnwild preseason game against Colorado at 2:00 p.m. on @kool108radio. pic.twitter.com/OBWflsm1Cl

— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) September 24, 2023

Special Teams (Last Season)

Colorado Avalanche Power Play: 24.5%

Colorado Avalanche Penalty Kill: 79%

Minnesota Wild Power Play: 21.4%

Minnesota Wild Penalty Kill: 82%

How to Watch

TV: ESPN+, Altitude

Radio: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5

Game Time: 1:00 PM MST