Avalanche Host Penguins on ESPN as Crosby’s Return Remains Possible
Pittsburgh’s post‑Olympic surge tests Colorado’s response to a recent stumble.
Overview
- Colorado faces Pittsburgh tonight at Ball Arena in a late-night, nationally televised game on ESPN with streaming on Amazon Prime.
- Sidney Crosby took full-contact reps at morning skate after his Winter Olympics injury, but his status for the lineup remains unconfirmed.
- Former Avalanche defenseman Sam Girard is expected to be in the building after his trade to Pittsburgh, though he is not slated to play.
- Scott Wedgewood is projected to start for Colorado as he outperforms MacKenzie Blackwood, who is still working back to form following offseason surgery.
- Colorado’s midseason tweaks include Nazem Kadri’s return, Brett Kulak replacing Sam Girard on defense, and Nicolas Roy contributing early, while Pittsburgh has climbed to second in the Metropolitan Division.