Ball Returns with a Bang

Bassyonni

ago 17 hours

The Ottawa Senators will clash with the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena in Denver at 7 p.m. MT. This game marks the beginning of a significant seven-game homestand for the Avalanche and the first of two encounters this season, with the next meeting set for January 28 in Ottawa.

Recent Performances

The Avalanche recently faced the Tampa Bay Lightning, suffering a 4-2 defeat. In that match, Parker Kelly and Brock Nelson scored for Colorado. The Avalanche started strong, tying the game through Kelly in the second period.

Latest Result (Colorado): Lost 4-2 to Tampa Bay
Latest Result (Ottawa): Lost 1-3 to Utah Mammoth

In the Senators’ game against the Utah Mammoth, they conceded two early goals and ultimately lost 2-1. Ridly Greig managed to score for Ottawa but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

Top Players to Watch

Nathan MacKinnon is a standout for the Avalanche, leading the NHL with 35 goals and ranking second with 74 points overall. Cale Makar is also performing well, leading NHL defensemen in points (48) and assists (36).

Key Statistics

MacKinnon’s home goals: 17 (tied for first in NHL)
Colorado’s goals per game at home: 4.53 (best in NHL)
Avalanche win percentage when trailing first: .600

For the Senators, Tim Stutzle leads the team with 19 goals and 26 assists, while Drake Batherson follows closely with 16 goals and 23 assists.

Historical Context

In their last 43 regular-season meetings, the Avalanche holds a record of 25 wins, 14 losses, and 2 ties against the Senators. MacKinnon has notably performed against Ottawa, totaling 34 points in 21 games.

Quote from Avalanche Coach

After the recent defeat to the Lightning, Colorado’s head coach Jared Bednar stated, “We played hard and created chances, but fell short. I can’t fault the guys for their effort.”

As the two teams face off tonight, both will look to turn their fortunes around and gain momentum for the rest of the season. The Avalanche aims to capitalize on their home advantage, while the Senators seek to bounce back from their recent struggles.