{"id":429289,"date":"2026-01-26T18:40:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T18:40:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/429289\/"},"modified":"2026-01-26T18:40:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T18:40:19","slug":"colorado-avalanche-week-ahead-schedule-storylines-nelsons-hot-streak-bouncing-back-injuries-and-more-the-hockey-writers-colorado-avalanche","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/429289\/","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Avalanche Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Nelson’s Hot Streak, Bouncing Back, Injuries and More – The Hockey Writers – Colorado Avalanche"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Colorado Avalanche are entering a critical stretch of the season, facing a demanding road trip immediately following a mix of blowout losses and dominant wins. Here are the key storylines and their upcoming schedule for the week of Jan. 26 \u2013 Feb. 2, 2026.<\/p>\n

Brock Nelson\u2019s \u201cOtherworldly\u201d Tear<\/p>\n

The biggest immediate story is the offensive dominance<\/a> of Brock Nelson. He recorded a hat trick in Sunday\u2019s 4-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, bringing his season total to 27 goals. His chemistry with Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen has given the Avalanche an elite second line that is driving possession and scoring at a rate typically seen from top lines.<\/p>\n

Bouncing Back from Inconsistency<\/p>\n

The team is currently trying to stabilize after a volatile week. Before defeating Toronto, they suffered a heavy 7-3 loss<\/a> to the Philadelphia Flyers and a shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks. The victory against Toronto was seen as a critical \u201cresponse game\u201d to prevent a longer slide.<\/p>\n

Goaltending Situation<\/p>\n

While goaltending has been a strength for much of the season, it is currently in flux.<\/p>\n

Mackenzie Blackwood rebounded nicely<\/a> with 32 saves against Toronto after giving up 11 goals in his previous two starts combined.<\/p>\n

Scott Wedgewood is currently away from the team for personal reasons (birth of his second child), meaning the depth chart is being tested.<\/p>\n

Injury & Roster Notes<\/p>\n

Ross Colton is listed as day-to-day after an injury against Anaheim.<\/p>\n

Gabriel Landeskog and Devon Toews remain sidelined with injuries, leaving holes in leadership and defense that the depth players are working to fill.<\/p>\n

Nathan MacKinnon continues an MVP-caliber season, currently leading the NHL with 38 goals<\/a> and battling Connor McDavid for the league points lead.<\/p>\n

Avalanche Schedule Jan 26 \u2013 Feb 2<\/p>\n

DateTime (ET)OpponentLocationWed, Jan 287:30 PM@ Ottawa SenatorsCanadian Tire CentreThu, Jan 297:00 PM@ Montreal CanadiensBell CentreSat, Jan 311:00 PM@ Detroit Red WingsLittle Caesars ArenaMon, Feb 29:00 PMvs. Detroit Red WingsBall Arena (Home)<\/p>\n

AI tools were used to support the creation or distribution of this content, however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of The Hockey Writers editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards<\/a> page.<\/p>\n

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