Deen’s Daily: Will Nichushkin Return Tonight?; Georgiev Loses to Annunen

The Avalanche host the Winnipeg Jets looking to salvage a winning record during an underwhelming homestand. Will Valeri Nichushkin play? A new team has emerged in the J.T. Miller sweepstakes. Also, Alexandar Georgiev and Justus Annunen went head-to-head in a — you guessed it — high-scoring game.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — January 22.

Colorado Hockey Now

Tuesday was an off day for the Avs as they prepare for the finale of their five-game homestand tonight against the Winnipeg Jets. Colorado is 2-2-0 through the first four but has looked underwhelming in three of those games.

Jared Bednar was unhappy with the team’s performance against Minnesota and it was even more frustrating to see them lack the energy they had just two days prior against the Stars.

The most pressing question heading into a matchup against the Jets is the health of Nichushkin. By the time you’re reading this, the Avalanche may have already had morning skate and determined if Nichushkin will play. But as of now, it’s hard to predict how this play out.

The two matinee games meant no morning skates, which eliminated two opportunities for him to be on the ice with the team. But during Sunday’s practice, Nichushkin skated on the fourth line.

Getting him back and paired with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen would be a massive boost.

Catch the latest episode of my podcast, Rinkside with Aarif Deen — Escrow Payments & Salary Cap Outlook | January 21, 2025

Around the NHL

Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs keep finding ways to win. This time, they erased a two-goal deficit against Tampa Bay and got the job done in regulation. They’ve improved to 13-3-1 in their last 17 games.

San Jose Hockey Now: An epic meltdown for the Sharks, blowing a 5-1 lead to the Nashville Predators. Georgiev was in goal the entire way, losing to Annunen, who saved the Preds after a brutal start for Juuse Saros. Annunen only let in one goal.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The latest report from Pierre LeBrun states that the Devils are a late entrant in the Miller sweepstakes. On an unrelated note, how great a fit would Miller be on the Avs? I know it’s unlikely to happen but man, that’s the exact type of player this team needs.

Detroit Hockey Now: Todd McLellan wants to give the youth a shot. Which means Elmer Soderblom was inserted into the lineup against the Flyers on Tuesday. Unfortunately for McLellan, the Wings still lost in OT.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights are struggling. You’d be surprised to hear they’re still optimistic.