Game Preview: Avalanche at Oilers

COLORADO AVALANCHE (55-16-6) AT EDMONTON OILERS (45-26-6)
7:00 PM MT | ROGERS PLACE WATCH: ALTITUDE 2LISTEN: 92.5 AM
Continuing the final extended road trip of the regular season, the Colorado Avalanche head north to Edmonton to take on the Oilers for the final time. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. MT.

Most recently, the Avs fell to the Kraken in Seattle by a score of 3-2. Cale Makar and Artturi Lehkonen were responsible for the two goals, while Nazem Kadri, J.T. Compher, Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin all posted one assist each.
Following the contest in Edmonton, Colorado will face the Winnipeg Jets on the road before returning to Denver for the final two home games of the regular-season games.

COLORADO-EDMONTON CONNECTIONS

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar is from Alberta and played for the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League from 2014-2017… Colorado assistant coach Nolan Pratt is from Fort McMurray, Alberta, and spent part of his childhood in Edmonton... Avs assistant Coach Ray Bennett is from Innisfail, Alberta... Edmonton has two former Avs on its current roster in Tyson Barrie (2011-19) and Derick Brassard (2018-19).

HISTORY

The Avalanche maintain an 80-75-13 record against the Oilers all-time. This includes a 68-45-11 mark since moving to Colorado in 1995. The teams have faced off twice so far this season, with Colorado securing both victories, one in overtime and one in a shootout.

ROSTER REPORT

Nazem Kadri, who hasn't played for the Avs since March 31, returned against the Kraken and posted an assist in his first contest back.
AVALANCHE VS OILERS
AVALANCHE ARTICLES
Game Recap: Colorado's Comeback Falls Short to Seattle
Valeri Nichushkin's Impact
Makar Sets Franchise Record with Most Points by a Defenseman
GAME EXTRAS
Avalanche 360
Avalanche Tickets

SCOUTING THE OILERS

Edmonton has won their last three games, two of which were shutouts. The
Oilers hold the second seed in the Pacific Division, eight points behind the first-place Calgary Flames and four ahead of the third place Los Angeles Kings. They have yet to clinch a playoff spot.
The Oilers rank third in the league in power play percentage (25.8%) and 20th in the league in penalty kill (78.7%).

(OPPOSING) PLAYER TO WATCH: Mike Smith

Goalie Mike Smith has allowed just two goals in the past three contests, posting a shutout on the road in Nashville and at home against the Vegas Golden Knights.

NUMBERS GAME

27
With 27 goals this season, Cale Makar is tied for the third most goals by an NHL defenseman since 2002-03
56
Mikko Rantanen is one assist away from tying his career high in assists at 56. With his assist against Seattle, Nazem Kadri is eight assists shy of reaching 300 assists for his career.
8
With his assist against Seattle, Nazem Kadri is eight assists shy of reaching 300 assists for his career.

NOTEBOOK

Mikko Rantanen, with career highs in goals and points this season, is on track to set a career high in plus/minus. His previous best is +30 last season and currently stands at +38.