Colorado Avalanche Playoffs Lineup Predictions for Game 1

I expect Lehkonen and Nichushkin to play alongside MacKinnon on the Avalanche’s top line. While the Necas-MacKinnon chemistry has been outstanding, Lehkonen, despite his struggles during the regular season, has always been a clutch performer in the playoffs and keeping him with MacKinnon makes sense. Like Nichushkin, who had only four points in his last six games, I appreciate his size and style of play, which complements both MacKinnon and Lehkonen.

Acclimating Nelson to the offensive system over the past weeks has been crucial for his readiness for the playoffs following the 2-2025 Trade Deadline. Necas and Nelson can help each other become more comfortable with the offensive system, while Drouin’s stick handling and positioning work well with their size. Since Necas and MacKinnon have similar skill sets, Necas should be able to effectively drive the second line and produce results.

This is where the asterisks come into play. Landeskog looked solid with the Colorado Eagles in the American Hockey League (AHL) during his two-game conditioning stint and should return to the Avalanche for the playoffs. However, the smart move would be for him to make his debut in Game 3.

Another week of practicing and rehabbing would be beneficial, as he has only played in his first two professional hockey games in the past three years last week. This would allow him to make a significant impact on his return for one of the most significant games of the series. If he does enter the series later, I have Joel Kiviranta taking his place to start Games 1 and 2. Charlie Coyle finished with 11 points in his last six games and has looked great with Kiviranta and Colton on his wings.

The fourth line had a solid regular season and remains unchanged. They excel at shutting down the opposition’s top lines and applying pressure in the neutral zone. Parker Kelly and Logan O’Connor have provided solid depth scoring, and Jack Drury is excellent in the faceoff circle. This has been the team’s most consistent line this season.

Miles Wood and Jimmy Vesey are the extra forwards who can make an impact when called upon. Bednar always makes sure that everyone gets playing time, so they’ll see action. Vesey brings a formidable veteran presence to the bottom six, and he will be in the lineup if the Avalanche decides to adopt a more physical style of play. Wood will replace either Kiviranta or Kelly as needed, since he has good chemistry with Colton.

Avalanche Defense Pairs

There’s no question about the top pairing. Cale Makar is the first defenseman in 16 years to score 30 goals and only the ninth to reach this milestone. He has set career-highs in both goals and points this season and should win another Norris Trophy. While Toews struggled last year and earlier this season, he has returned to elite status. This is arguably the best defensive pair in the league.

Most would expect Manson to be paired with Lindgren instead of Malinski on the second pairing, but their play styles are too similar. Lindgren and Malinski have played well together recently, especially Malinski, who has found his rhythm and has been excellent over the past few weeks, while Lindgren’s big-body defensive game complements Malinski’s offensive style.

For most of this season, the second pair consisted of Girard and Manson, and I expect them to stay together. Despite what many fans have observed, these two play very well as a pair. Manson’s feast-or-famine style can be frustrating, but his ability to change the course of a game is undeniable, while Girard has been there to back Manson up and excels at reading the play and knowing when to pinch or fall back.

The extra defensemen are Keaton Middleton and Erik Johnson. Both have received plenty of playing time lately and occupy the seventh and eighth spots on the roster. Middleton, with only 40 NHL games under his belt, performed well this season and has been effective in a role similar to Jack Johnson‘s, but it’s clear he has limitations. Johnson has understandably lost a step and is likely on his final quest for a Stanley Cup, but he can still contribute and provide valuable minutes on the ice.

Avalanche Goaltenders

Mackenzie Blackwood is the starting goalie, with Scott Wedgewood serving as his backup. Although Blackwood has been a bit off his game lately, he won’t lose his starting job. Nevertheless, Wedgewood has inspired a lot of confidence – he’s been the most reliable backup since Pavel Francouz – in his ability to jump into the game and seal a win.

The Avalanche and Stars are well-matched. Both teams possess substantial offensive and defensive depth, complemented by excellent goaltending. Colorado’s depth, particularly at center, is significantly better than it has been in years. If the Avalanche can stay healthy, they can hold off the Stars, who will be missing top defenseman Miro Heiskanen in Game 1, and it’s unclear when he might return. Additionally, key forward Jason Robertson left their final regular-season game last night early due to an injury and was spotted leaving the arena with a knee brace.

We have seen Bednar “throw out the blender” by shifting lines on the fly when the team was down in games, hoping to see more of an offensive push. This past week has been important in determining how the Avalanche can potentially experiment with different lines and play around various matchups that may favor them. Lines always switch; the Avalanche will lead in games and be down in games, but a fully-healthy squad can take a serious depth advantage with enough preparation, and this team has it going into Game 1.