Preseason Preview: The Colorado Avalanche face the Vegas Golden Knights

The Colorado Avalanche hit the ice at Ball Arena on Tuesday night looking for their first preseason win. The Avs will be facing the Vegas Golden Knights in a Western Conference clash that promises to be an entertaining contest.

The Avalanche have seemingly struggled this preseason as they are winless. However, they are yet to ice a lineup consisting of most regulars. So, it’s fair to assume that the Avs have played well based on the prospects and non-roster players on the ice.

So, let’s take a look at three key points for Tuesday night’s Colorado Avalanche-Vegas Golden Knights tilt.

Three key points ahead of the Colorado Avalanche preseason matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights

Calum Ritchie should be in the lineup

Ritchie continues to be a question mark thanks to his outstanding play. He’s scored in every game he’s played this preseason. Moreover, he’s hardly seemed out of place on the ice.

Had Ritchie struggled, the decision to send him back to the OHL would have been easy. However, his strong play has made it tough to cut him. My guess is that Ritchie will stick with the main club, getting a nine-game audition before heading back to the Oshawa Generals.

Another strong performance against Vegas will go a long way toward cementing Ritchie’s place on the team.

Avalanche unlikely to face Vegas’ regulars

Like the Avs, the Golden Knights will most likely ice a lineup consisting of non-roster players and prospects. The Knights have several roster battles this season, especially after a number of key departures.

The biggest battle seems to be in goal. While Vegas has Adin Hill penciled in as their starter, newcomers Ilya Samsonov and Akira Schmid are vying for the backup role.

The Knights look like a team in transition at this point. Still, they’ve played well throughout the preseason, racking up a 2-1 record. So, a spirited game is in order from both sides.

Annunen-Miner tandem likely to get the call

It’s doubtful that Alexander Georgiev gets the call against Vegas. Instead, Justus Annunen and Trent Miner should get the nod on Tuesday night.

Both netminders are still competing for the backup role. Annunen has the inside track, but his last outing could have opened the door just a bit for Miner to stick his foot in. There’s a good chance Miner gets some playing time against Vegas.

Again, I don’t see Miner swooping in as the backup. But it’s important to have him as a strong third-stringer. Injuries don’t call in advance. So, it’s always a good option to have an NHL-ready goalie waiting in the wings.