The Colorado Avalanche are set to welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins this evening for a late-night, nationally televised contest at Ball Arena in downtown Denver.
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It hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but Sidney Crosby was a full participant at this morning’s skate and could return to the lineup after missing time with an injury suffered during the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina in a collision with Radko Gudas.
Where to catch the game tonight ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pNzxi2gc9X
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 16, 2026
This also would have marked the first game against his former club for Sam Girard since the trade that sent him to Pittsburgh. Girard, who helped Colorado capture the Stanley Cup in 2022, is expected to be in the building but not in the lineup tonight.
The Avalanche are looking to rebound after dropping their last game to the Winnipeg Jets — a frustrating result against a team that has struggled to find consistency for much of the season. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has quietly climbed the Metropolitan Division standings and currently sits in second place.
Will the Penguins continue building momentum, or will the league-leading Avalanche remind them how tough it is to leave Denver with two points?
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado didn’t undergo the full-scale facelift we saw last season ahead of the trade deadline, but there are still a few new faces settling in after some mid-season roster maneuvering.
Brett Kulak has effectively slid into the lineup following the Girard deal, while Victor Olofsson was moved as part of the package that brought Nazem Kadri back to Denver. Kadri, of course, needs little time to get comfortable in burgundy and blue — the veteran center already looks right at home alongside Nathan MacKinnon.
Colorado’s additions have contributed early as well. Nicolas Roy has chipped in with a couple of power-play goals since arriving, giving the Avalanche another net-front option on a unit that already ranks among the league’s most dangerous.
Keep an eye on the new guys again tonight.
Scott Wedgewood in starters net. #GoAvsGopic.twitter.com/AVrx0MkFef
— Colleen Flynn (@FerPucksSake) March 16, 2026
What began as a clear plan to have MacKenzie Blackwood handle the starter’s workload has shifted in recent weeks. Blackwood is still working his way back into form after offseason surgery, while Scott Wedgewood has quietly seized the opportunity and run with it.
Wedgewood has been excellent lately, posting strong numbers and giving Colorado a chance to win almost every night he’s in the crease. At this point, it’s hard to argue against riding the hot hand.
Projected Lineup:Martin Necas — Nathan MacKinnon — Nazem Kadri
Joel Kiviranta — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
Parker Kelly — Nicolas Roy — Gavin Brindley
Zakhar Bardakov — Jack Drury
Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Josh Manson — Brent Burns
Brett Kulak — Sam Malinski
Nick Blankenburg
Scott Wedgewood
MacKenzie Blackwood
Pittsburgh Penguins
As mentioned earlier, the Penguins have continued to pick up wins since the Olympic break — and they’ve done it despite being without their captain.
Good teams find a way, and this Pittsburgh group has done exactly that. The Penguins have steadily climbed the standings and look increasingly likely to secure a playoff spot in what remains a tight — and at times underwhelming — Metropolitan Division race.
Let’s be honest: the NHL is simply a better place when Sidney Crosby is playing meaningful games in the spring.
Back in Denver, Girard could receive a tribute video tonight despite likely watching from the press box. Some fans may grumble, but there’s no debating Girard’s role in Colorado’s success during his time with the organization. The smooth-skating defenseman was a key part of the Avalanche blue line during the 2022 championship run and throughout his tenure in burgundy and blue.
He’s earned his moment.
Crosby did skate in full contact gear this morning, leaving open the possibility that he could return to the lineup tonight — potentially setting up another matchup between the Nova Scotia natives Crosby and MacKinnon.
Looks like Sid the kid might give it a go as he’s a full participant at morning skate! #GoAvsGo | 🎥: @OHaraSportspic.twitter.com/SB8jQoRri5
— Mile High Hockey (@MileHighHockey) March 16, 2026
That’s always must-watch hockey.
Projected Lineup:Anthony Mantha — Rickard Rakell — Bryan Rust
Egor Chinakhov — Tommy Novak — Evgeni Malkin
Ville Koivunen — Ben Kindel — Justin Brazeau
Elmer Soderblom — Connor Dewar — Noel Acciari
Parker Wotherspoon — Erik Karlsson
Ryan Shea — Kris Letang
Ilya Solovyov — Connor Clifton
Arturs Silovs
Stuart Skinner
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