Sunday night preview: Colorado Avalanche look to continue rolling against Ottawa Senators

The Colorado Avalanche will take on the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night at Ball Arena. The Avs have won four in a row and seemed to have shaken off their 0-4 start. The offense has been clicking while the defense and goaltending have come together.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators head into town after losing 6-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights last Friday. The Senators have played relatively well so far this season as they look to get back into the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference.

Here’s a look at three points heading into Sunday night’s matchup.

Key points heading into Colorado Avalanche-Ottawa Senators Sunday night tilt

Injury bug plaguing the Avs

Ross Colton left the Avs’ last outing against the Utah Hockey Club with an apparent upper-body injury. Colton did not practice on Saturday and looks like a game-time decision for Sunday. There’s no indication that Colton could miss any time at this point. However, the Avs could manage the situation with caution.

Similarly, Miles Wood has been going through an upper-body injury. It appears the injury may be related to an issue sustained in the game against the Boston Bruins about a week ago. Wood missed practice on Saturday and looks to be a game-time decision, as well.

Line shuffling at practice

Here’s a look at the lines on Saturday’s practice, according to Denver Post reporter Corey Masisak:

It was great to see Artturi Lehkonen back at practice, skating on the top line. While Lehkonen is still nowhere near returning, it’s encouraging to see him back in action.

Now, it’s curious to note Oliver Kylington on the forward group, playing with Parker Kelly and Joel Kiviranta. No, Kylington is not going to suit up at forward. It seems he’s merely a placeholder for Wood.

However, the absence of Wood and Colton could mean further line shuffling for coach Jared Bednar if either or both cannot go on Sunday against the Sens.

Annunen to get the call

The Avs have been rolling with Justus Annunen in the crease. The Avs play back-to-back games on Sunday and Monday. So, there’s a very good chance Annunen gets the crease on Sunday against the Sens and Georgiev gets back in net against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night.

Otherwise, Bednar could switch things up and start Georgiev on Sunday. No offense to the Blackhawks, but it would make more sense to see Georgiev on Monday versus a seemingly weaker team than on Sunday against a much faster and stronger club.