Game Preview: Nichushkin Returns, Avalanche’s Top Six is Back Intact

Valeri Nichushkin makes his return to the lineup for the Avalanche on Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks after missing eight consecutive games with a lower-body injury.

Not that Colorado needed the extra help, but Nichushkin, who has five goals and 12 points in 17 games, is joining a top six that looks a lot more dangerous than the one the Avs had when he was healthy three weeks ago.

READ MORE: Avalanche Game 26 vs Vancouver Canucks: Nichushkin Returns, Lines, Notes & How To Watch

The expectation is that Nichushkin will reunite with the second line that started the season. That would see him playing with captain Gabe Landeskog and center Brock Nelson. Both Landeskog and Nelson had slow offensive starts, which eventually led to Ross Colton getting elevated to the second line in place of No. 92.

But since Nichushkin went down, Landeskog and Nelson have found their games. Landeskog has four goals and eight points in his last nine games, while Nelson has five goals and 11 points in that same stretch, which began in the game that Nichushkin went down with an injury.

Could this finally be the dangerous second line Colorado has yearned for? Perhaps. The added size, skill, and two-way play elements that you get with Nichushkin can make this the best top six the team has had in years.

The Avs will go with Scott Wedgewood between the pipes, as he looks to bounce back from a shootout loss in Minnesota in his last start. Following this game, Colorado is on the road for four straight, which includes a weekend back to back. Both Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood will be needed in that stretch.

Vancouver has struggled this season in basically every aspect of their game. With first year coach Adam Foote at the helm, the Canucks are on the outside of the playoff picture and can’t seem to get consistent defense. They are a middle of the pack team in goals for, but the 95 goals they’ve allowed is tied for the most in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers.

Kevin Lankinen is expected to start in goal.