The Colorado Avalanche will take on the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final on Wednesday night at Ball Arena. Expectations will be running high as both clubs look to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final.
The last time the Avalanche went to the Cup Final was back in 2022. The Golden Knights last made it there in 2023. So, there will be plenty on the line.
The Avs will hopefully have numerous injured players back in the lineup. The biggest absence could be Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar. The official narrative is that Makar is day-to-day and should be in the lineup.
However, some comments by fellow blueliner Sam Malinski alluded to Makar potentially missing Game 1.
"I don’t know what to tell them. Obviously, it would be great to have him out here. You can’t replace him, and we’re going to miss him out there. Yeah, hopefully we can still get it done without him.”
Malinski’s comments were directed at fans. Taken at face value, they seem to indicate that Makar won’t be in the lineup. But since no one in the organization has confirmed that, it remains unclear.
As for the other wounded warriors, Josh Manson, Brent Burns, Artturi Lehkonen, and Malinski should all be back despite missing practice over the last couple of days.
So, let’s take a look at the forward lines, assuming everyone is 100%.
- Lehkonen-MacKinnon-Necas
- Landeskog-Nelson-Colton
- Nichushkin-Kadri-Roy
- Kelly-Drury-O’Connor
Lehkonen’s return would have a trickle effect throughout the lineup. The likeliest player to get squeezed out is Joel Kiviranta. He’s pretty much the 13th forward at this point. So, unless someone can’t go, Kiviranta will be the odd man out.
Now, there’s a look at the defense pairs:
- Toews-Makar
- Kulak-Burns
- Malinski-Manson
These pairings are under the assumption that Malinski and Makar will be in the lineup. If one of Makar or Malinski can’t go, Nick Blankenburg should get the call. Jared Bednar went with Jack Ahcan for the last two games. However, Ahcan has seen very limited ice time. With the importance underscoring Game 1, Blankenburg should see action in Malinski’s place.
If Makar can’t go, Burns should move up to the top pairing with Toews. Here’s what the pairings could look like without both Makar and Malinski.
- Toews-Burns
- Kulak-Manson
- Ahcan-Blankenburg
Fans should also keep an eye on Alex Gagne. He was recalled from the AHL over the weekend. He was in the Colorado Eagles’ lineup against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. But he could get a shot should the Avs be significantly shorthanded on the blue line. But that’s something that also remains to be seen.
Lastly, Scott Wedgewood should get the call in the crease. Given the way he came in relief of MacKenzie Blackwood in Game 5 against Minnesota, there’s a good chance it’ll be Wedgewood against the Golden Knights.
Puck drop is set for 6 pm MST at Ball Arena. The winner will take an all-important 1-0 series lead.
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