Avalanche notes: Game day, the Wedge-wall, roster notes

The Colorado Avalanche head into December looking to build on a fantastic month of November. The Avs are the toast of the NHL with an 18-1-6 mark for 42 points. They are six points clear of the second-place Dallas Stars in the Central Division.

Beyond that, the offense and defense are coming along very well. The Avalanche have scored 103 goals so far and allowed 55. That’s good for a league-best +55 goal differential. Most importantly, injuries have not derailed the club like they did last season.

With December looking promising, let’s jump into this edition of the Avalanche notes.

Game day against Canucks

The Colorado Avalanche will square off against the Vancouver Canucks at Ball Arena on Tuesday night. The Canucks enter this matchup reeling. They have lost two straight and are 2-5-3 in their last 10 matchup. They are second-last in the Pacific Division, one point ahead of the Calgary Flames.

The Canucks have a -16 goal differential, as they’ve been decimated by injuries. Vancouver will be looking to get their offense going, but faces a formidable challenge in Colorado. This matchup marks the second meeting of the season between these two clubs. The Avalanche handed Vancouver a 5-4 overtime loss back on November 9. Nathan MacKinnon had five points in that affair.

The final meeting between the Avs and Canucks will take place on April 1.

The Wedge-Wall

The word is out around the NHL that Scott Wedgewood is the real deal. This season, the Avalanche netminder stepped in during MacKenzie Blackwood’s absence and has run with the role.

Blackwood’s return hasn’t diminished Wedgewood’s role or tapered his performance. In fact, he’s now being called the “Wedge-wall,” thanks to his brilliant outings.

But one save in particular looks to be on the docket for save of the year. Here’s a look at the scintillating stop, as shown on the Avalanche’s official X channel:

The fantastic save came during the Islanders-Avalanche game on November 16. Wedgewood thwarted an Islanders power play opportunity, helping guide the Avs to a 4-1 win on home ice.

Colorado Roster notes

In some mildly concerning roster news, three players did not practice on Monday. Parker Kelly, captain Gabe Landeskog, and Nathan MacKinnon were off the ice due to an illness. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the flu bug making the rounds in the Avalanche locker room. After all, ‘tis the season to catch a cold.

All three forwards figure to be game-time decisions on Tuesday. If any or all three miss the matchup against the Canucks, the club may be able to recall someone on an emergency basis for the game.

Additionally, Victor Olofsson did not practice on Monday due to maintenance. Likely, the Avalanche winger just needed an extra day. He might be dealing with a little something that requires a break from the ice. There is no indication that’s the case, so here’s hoping it’s just a case of rest.