Deen’s Daily: Kovalenko on the Top Line; Avalanche Back at Home

The Avalanche are back at home and ready for two games in front of Ball Arena faithful for the first time since Nov. 30. While the team is excited to welcome new goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, neither of the injured skaters is expected back anytime soon, according to Jared Bednar. The Avs’ bench boss spoke about each of the missing reinforcements during his weekly Wednesday morning segment on Altitude Sports Radio.

Bednar also touched on the road trip, which ended with a strong victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Colorado led 3-0 before giving up two goals in the second period. In the third, the Avs scored three times before Pittsburgh had a chance to tie things up, winning 6-2 to increase their winning streak to three games. The Avalanche have outscored the opposition 12-3 during the stretch. Catch 10 stats-related observations from the road trip finale here, available to CHN+ subscribers.

Around the NHL

San Jose Hockey Now: Nikolai Kovalenko and Alexandar Georgiev practiced with the San Jose Sharks for the first time on Wednesday. While it’s unclear when Georgiev will get his first start, Kovalenko, who made his San Jose debut on Tuesday, received a promotion. The former Avs winger skated on the Sharks’ top line alongside No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini and veteran forward Tyler Toffoli.

Kovalenko is going to be an intriguing player to follow for the next several years. I don’t think he did anything wrong with the Avs and they likely didn’t prefer to trade him. But you have to give to get and this was a player they could afford to trade, especially for a piece as crucial as a starting goalie. Wishing him all the best with the Sharks.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are slowly becoming one of the most apathetic teams in the NHL, at least for me. And it’s unfortunate. For a roster that was hungry for a playoff spot a year ago, they’ve taken what seems like five steps back in their rebuild. Perhaps it’s time to play the young guys more? At least they’re getting their starting goalie back soon. I still wonder why they haven’t made a coaching change yet.

Montreal Hockey Now: Which Habs players are the most likely to be traded before the deadline in March? Should the Avs check in on one of their centers, who is a pending unrestricted free agent?

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: 5 Thoughts from the Penguins loss to the Avalanche on Tuesday.