The Colorado Avalanche did not undergo a major roster overhaul near the trade deadline, but several midseason moves have introduced new faces to the lineup. As the Avalanche prepare to host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ball Arena on March 16, 2026, they come into the game with a strong record of 44-12-9, placing them first in the Western Conference.
The Penguins, on the other hand, hold a record of 33-18-15, currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference. This matchup is highly anticipated, especially with the national broadcast on ESPN and streaming available on Amazon Prime.
Nathan MacKinnon has been a standout player for Colorado this season, recording 109 points over 64 games played. His performance will be crucial as the Avalanche look to maintain their position at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Scott Wedgewood has been solid in goal, boasting a goals-against average of 2.2 and a .918 save percentage.
On the Penguins’ side, veteran Sidney Crosby has also been performing well, with 59 points over 56 games played this season. His experience and leadership will be vital for Pittsburgh as they aim to climb the standings.
In terms of player availability, the Avalanche will be missing Gabriel Landeskog due to a lower body injury, while Ross Colton is day-to-day with an upper body injury. Additionally, Artturi Lehkonen and Logan O’Connor are also out with injuries, and Samuel Girard is day-to-day.
Notably, this game will mark the first matchup against his former club for Sam Girard since being traded to Pittsburgh. It is expected that Girard will receive a tribute video during the game, recognizing his role in Colorado’s 2022 championship run and his contributions during his time with the organization.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Crosby’s participation in the morning skate, which raises the possibility of his return, but it is not confirmed. As the game approaches, both teams will be looking to secure valuable points in their respective playoff races.
With the stakes high and both teams eager to prove themselves, the upcoming game promises to be an exciting encounter for hockey fans.
