Colorado Avalanche set to gear up for playoff push after 4 Nations break

DENVER (KDVR) — After the 4 Nations Face-Off break, the Colorado Avalanche is looking forward to returning to the ice.

Their playoff push will begin with back-to-back road games at Nashville and St. Louis this weekend.

Meghan Angley from Guerilla Sports told ‘Colorado Sports Night’ that she feels “optimistic” about the team as the season takes its final turn toward the playoffs. But everything hinges on their health.

“I think we can start really evaluating the health of the team coming out of this weekend after the Four Nations players have returned. I think we’ll have a clearer picture on how Val Nichushkin really is feeling,” Angley said.

“With everything we’ve heard around Nichushkin, that really tells a different story for what the second line for the Avs can be that we haven’t seen fully realized just yet. And so, I’m still holding some optimism because the NHL trade deadline is just a couple weeks away,” Angley continued. “It’s important for the front office to get a full picture of what this team looks like. And that’s going to mean getting some guys back into the lineup.”