As the Colorado Avalanche host the Vegas Golden Knights in their first preseason game, here are three questions we want answered.
The Colorado Avalanche are hosting the Vegas Golden Knights for their first preseason game. The game is meaningless — except to the prospects.
The game is also meaningful to us fans who have been waiting since April for some Avalanche hockey. No, this is not exactly the real deal tonight. But it’s pretty close.
In fact, according to coach Jared Bednar, both MacKinnon’s and Compher’s lines are playing, as well as Tyson Barrie, Erik Johnson, and Ian Cole. Semyon Varlamov will be in net.
Of course, you know the top line is comprised of Nathan MacKinnon centering Mikko Rantanen and captain Gabriel Landeskog. In training camp, Compher centered newbie Matt Calvert and prospect Logan O’Connor.
Ahem. The Knights signed former Av Paul Stastny over the summer. According to the Knights, he will be skating tonight. He’s still wearing #26.
VGK is coming off a 7-2 trouncing of the Arizona Coyotes Sunday, which is when some teams started their preseason (which is weird that the Avs got two extra camp days).
Let’s move on to the three questions for tonight.
How to Enjoy the Game
Game time: September 18, 7:00 pm MT
TV Networks: Altitude (Avs feed), NHLn-US (Knights feed)
Radio: Altitude Radio (FM 92.5)
Which Prospects will Distinguish Themselves?
At the time of writing, the Avalanche hadn’t released the full list of prospects playing in the game. However, we know for sure that O’Connor will be in the lineup on Compher’s line.
Tonight represents the first time the prospects get to prove their mettle. Sure, they had the Rookie Faceoff and training camp. But tonight they’ll be playing with NHLers and against NHLers.
I don’t know if Martin Kaut or Brandon Saigeon will make an appearance tonight. When they do eventually show up — and they will — you’ll want to keep your eyes on them. Saigeon is trying to earn his entry-level contract, while Kaut is trying to earn an NHL roster spot.
How Good is JT Compher?
To my mind, that question might already be answered — very good. He was solid last season. Judging by training camp, Compher took that necessary next step. He looked fast, agile and capable in all the drills. I was so impressed.
However, tonight we’ll get to see that development put into game-day form. I’m confident it will translate well.
What’s more, we’ll get to see if Compher is developing any chemistry with Matt Calvert, whom the Avalanche signed in free agency. Calvert is also a skilled skater who has some soft hands. I’d like to see if the two have a future together on the third line.
How Hard will Varly Battle?
Goalie Semyon Varlamov is fighting for the starting position. In my mind, it’s his job to lose. However, Philipp Grubauer is gunning for the job.
Varlmov plays well when he’s under pressure. Will he consider tonight a pressurized situation? He should. Coach Jared Bednar has at least two other goalies — Grubauer and Pavel Francouz — he’ll want to see in the preseason. Maybe Spencer Martin as well.
If Varlamov wants to earn that opening night roster spot, tonight might be the time to do it.
The Colorado Avalanche also started their 2017-18 preseason against the Golden Knights. They split the two-game preseason series, with each team winning on the road. Naturally, we’re hoping that’s not the case tonight.