Denver, Colo. - The Colorado Avalanche have four games remaining in their regular season. They begin this stretch by returning home for the first of two times left before playoffs start to play the Vegas Golden Knights.
Most of this year's playoff attendees have already been determined, and the point of the season where teams will begin clinching home ice has begun. In tonight's game, for example, the Golden Knights can secure home ice in the first round if they earn at least a point against the Avalanche.
Seeing as the Dallas Stars also have a chance to secure home ice for themselves, this is a game the Avalanche want to come out on top of in regulation if they want any chance of catching up to their rivals and want better odds down the playoff stretch.
While Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said a few weeks ago that he doesn't pay much attention to the standings, Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy said this morning that it is something he likes to look at, especially at this point in the season.
We definitely keep an eye on it. I think coaches are our guys that look at the standings a lot. I don't talk to our players much about the standings all year. Now, you have to address it, because there is something on the line and at this time of year, I think players are looking toward the finish line. I think it's human nature after six long months. So, we have to keep focused in the day-to-day and remind them what's at stake. Now is probably when we discuss it a little more.- VGK head coach Bruce Cassidy on paying attention to the standings.
Morning Skate Updates for the Avalanche
Optional morning skate for the #GoAvsGo ahead of tonight game vs. the Vegas Golden Knights.
— Bailey Curtis (@baileyycurtis) April 8, 2025
🏒 Scott Wedgewood is in the starter’s crease
🏒 Valeri Nichushkin and Brock Nelson wearing 1st line practice sweaters (subject to change)
🏒 Sam Girard is the only one here from… pic.twitter.com/hV5WKPiDU9
Coach Bednar confirmed following today's optional morning skate that Scott Wedgewood will start tonight against the Golden Knights. Since joining the Avalanche, Wedgewood is 11-4-1. In his last 10 starts, the netminder is 7-2-1.
During his morning presser, Bednar also mentioned that none of the injured guys who he considers day-to-day (Martin Necas, Jonathan Drouin, Josh Manson, Sam Girard) will play in tonight's game, but he still expects them to make a lineup appearance at some point this week. The team has another home game on Thursday, and then they head to Los Angeles for a game on Saturday.
Players to Keep an Eye On:
Nathan MacKinnon, 115 points, is currently tied with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov for first in the league in points. He's recorded at least one point in his last 25 games at home, earning a total of 16 goals and 26 assists for 42 total points. He currently holds a seven-game point streak, tied for the second-longest active streak in the league.
Cale Makar currently rides a four-game point streak with 3 goals and 4 assists. In Colorado's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, Makar became the first defenseman since Mike Green in the 2008-09 season to hit 30 goals in a single season. On the season, Makar is currently at 91 total points on the season, with 61 assists complementing his 30 goals.
Cale Makar can do it all. #GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/jbWcyEgBX9
— x - Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 4, 2025
Brock Nelson is one goal away from 300 career goals. In 15 games with the Avalanche since being traded from the New York Islanders, the forward has 4 goals and 7 assists. He's been a prominent presence on the power play and has slotted into the center spot on the second line since arriving in Colorado.
Where/How to Watch the Game
Puck Drop: 7:45 pm Mountain Time
T.V. Broadcast: ESPN (national)
Radio Broadcast: Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 (Colorado), Vegas Golden Knights Radio Network 98.9 (Vegas)