On Sunday afternoon, the Colorado Avalanche will face the Dallas Stars at Ball Arena in a crucial matchup for both teams. This game holds extra significance for two reasons.
First, it marks the first time the Avalanche will play against their former player, Mikko Rantanen, since his trade to the Stars. After leaving Colorado, Rantanen played for two different teams, eventually landing in Dallas at the trade deadline. This game will be particularly intriguing as Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon, who were once close friends and linemates, will now be opponents. While it’s likely that their friendship remains strong off the ice, on the ice, they will be rivals, adding a layer of tension to the matchup.
The emotional aspect of this game is expected to be high, especially early on. Playing against an old friend in such a significant game adds pressure, and both teams are currently competing for positioning in the Central Division. Both are battling for the second seed and home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
The Avalanche come into the game three points behind the Stars for second place in the division. A regulation win would close the gap to just one point. While moving into second place wouldn’t directly change the playoff standings, it could provide a mental boost for Colorado as they head into what could be one of the most exciting first-round matchups in recent memory.
Looking ahead, a potential playoff series between Dallas and Colorado would generate significant interest and could become one of the most-watched series of the season.
As for the Avalanche’s lineup for Sunday’s game, they are expected to field a lineup similar to the one that defeated the Calgary Flames on Friday night, but with a few changes. Notably, defenseman Erik Johnson will replace Sam Malinski in the lineup. Johnson’s inclusion is likely a strategic move to bring some added physicality and experience against the Stars, a team he has a history with.
Additionally, Miles Wood and Jimmy Vesey will be healthy scratches for Sunday’s game. Both players are expected to be rotated into the lineup at some point in the coming games, as coach Jared Bednar likely aims to keep the bottom six fresh as the postseason nears.
Finally, starting goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood is dealing with an illness, so Scott Wedgewood, who has a history with the Stars, will take over in net. This presents an interesting opportunity for Wedgewood to face his former team, and he will likely be motivated to perform well against them.