Avalanche Game 65 vs Chicago Blackhawks: Erik Johnson Is In, Lines, Notes & How To Watch

The Colorado Avalanche (38-24-2) close out their six-game homestand against the Chicago Blackhawks (20-35-9). Puck drop is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. MT.

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The Avalanche are looking for perfection at Ball Arena. Defeating the Blackhawks means they’ll have gone 6-0-0 during the homestand, which began after a bad set of losses on the road coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break.

What a difference the trip has been as a whole. It started with a lineup that looks much different than the one the Avs will roll with tonight, thanks to a combination of good health and an aggressive week of trades ahead of the deadline.

In their first game with Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle, Jared Bednar’s club dominated the Toronto Maple Leafs. They fell behind 4-2 before climbing back to win in the third period. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Colorado had a 12-2 advantage in scoring chances in the second period after an already-great showing in the first. The ice was tilted towards the Leafs’ end for the majority of the night.

Nelson, Coyle, and fellow newcomer Ryan Lindgren each recorded their first points. The size, grit, and two-way play that the pair of centers put into the lineup make it easier for Bednar to roll all four lines.

Judging by what we saw at morning skate, there are two expected changes up front. Parker Kelly and Logan O’Connor are both coming out of the lineup while Mile Wood and Jimmy Vesey are coming in. Bednar has said several times that he’s going to rotate in as many guys as he can to keep everyone fresh. It’s not at all an indication that he’s unhappy with either of their games.

“There’s no use having the depth if you’re not going to use it,” Bednar said.

Another change is coming on defense. Erik Johnson makes his return after getting reacquired from the Flyers on Friday. Johnson hasn’t dressed for the Avs since Game 7 vs Seattle in 2023. He’ll likely slot in on a pair with his old running mate and good friend Samuel Girard.

Scott Wedgewood gets the nod in goal, which saves Mackenzie Blackwood for tomorrow’s battle at Minnesota.

READ MORE: Erik Johnson Will ‘Bring a Good Balance’ to Avs

The Blackhawks are going to finish as a lottery team again. They didn’t sell off as many pieces as expected at the deadline but made a big trade in the days leading up to it.

In that deal, Seth Jones was shipped to Florida, and goalie Spencer Knight was acquired as part of the package. Knight has been excellent with the Blackhawks, winning his first two games while allowing just four goals on a whopping 81 shots.

Those wins came against a strong L.A. Kings team and Utah Hockey Club, who is still fighting for a playoff spot. Knight is expected to start again and looking to go 3-0-0 with his new team.

The Blackhawks also called up No. 2 draft pick Artyom Levshunov. He enters the lineup, making his NHL debut at 19 years old.

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