Avalanche Game 63 vs San Jose Sharks: Georgiev Returns to Ball Arena, Lines, Notes & How to Watch

The Colorado Avalanche (36-24-2) continue their six-game homestand against the San Jose Sharks (17-37-9). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. MT.

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The Avalanche are riding a three-game winning streak entering this contest, winning each game in the first half of their season-long homestand.

Their last game against the Pittsburgh Penguins looked ugly compared to the first two, but they still managed two points and a regulation win. Casey Mittelstadt was set up by Valeri Nichushkin for the game-winning power-play goal late in regulation before a couple of empty netters gave the Avs a 4-1 victory.

They’ve let in just one goal in each of the last three games ahead of a matchup against one of the worst offensive teams in the league.

They’re also getting an upgrade on the blueline with the return of Josh Manson. The right-shot blueliner hasn’t played since before the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

Ryan Lindgren is coming off a night where he played 20:33 in his Avalanche debut. The other piece of that trade with New York, Jimmy Vesey, is set to make his debut.

Bednar wouldn’t say who would be coming out for Vesey or Manson.

Mackenzie Blackwood is also getting the nod in goal after backing up for Scott Wedgewood on Tuesday.

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San Jose is last place in the NHL but riding a two-game winning streak. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who the Avs traded to the Sharks on Dec. 9 is set to make his return to Colorado. Georgiev led the league with 79 wins in his two full seasons with the Avalanche.

He has taken over the crease for the Sharks following an injury to Yarslav Askarov and the recent trade that sent Vitek Vanecek to the Florida Panthers.

Georgiev is 4-12-1 with his new club. He recently opened up to San Jose Hockey Now‘s Sheng Peng about his time in Colorado. The story, which touches on how management lost faith in him, is behind the SJHN+ paywall. If you’re subscribed to CHN+, your same login could be used to read this story.

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The Sharks are led offensively by William Eklund and Macklin Celebrini, who have 46 and 45 points, respectively. Celebrini is in the running for Rookie of the Year less than a year after being drafted No. 1 overall.

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