Event Preview
Overview
The Colorado Avalanche are set to host the Chicago Blackhawks at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM Mountain Time. This Central Division matchup carries significant implications for both teams as they vie for positioning in the Western Conference standings.
Season Snapshot
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche have demonstrated exceptional performance this season, leading the Western Conference with a record of 38 wins, 10 losses, and 9 overtime losses. Their offensive prowess is evident, averaging 3.81 goals per game, the highest in the league. Defensively, they are also top-tier, allowing only 2.46 goals per game. Special teams have been a mixed bag, with a power-play conversion rate of 15.14% (32nd in the league) and a penalty kill rate of 83.85% (3rd in the league). (fsr920.iheart.com)
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have faced challenges this season, holding a record of 22 wins, 27 losses, and 9 overtime losses. Offensively, they average 2.65 goals per game, ranking 24th in the league, while defensively, they allow 3.16 goals per game, placing them 17th. Their power-play efficiency stands at 19.1% (21st in the league), and their penalty kill is at 85.7% (1st in the league). (fsr920.iheart.com)
Recent Form
Colorado Avalanche
In their last five games, the Avalanche have a record of 3 wins and 2 losses. Notably, they have been strong at home, with a 21-3-4 record at Ball Arena. Their recent performances have been marked by high-scoring games, reflecting their offensive capabilities. (espn.com)
Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games. Their away record stands at 10-12-4, indicating difficulties in road games. Offensively, they have been inconsistent, failing to score more than two goals in several recent outings. (espn.com)
Talking Points
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Avalanche's Offensive Dominance: Can Colorado's high-scoring offense continue to overpower opponents, especially against a Blackhawks team struggling defensively?
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Blackhawks' Road Woes: Will Chicago find a way to improve their performance on the road, where they have faced significant challenges this season?
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Special Teams Battle: With Colorado's power play ranked last in the league and Chicago's penalty kill ranked first, which special teams unit will prevail?
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Injury Impacts: How will the absence of key players like Shea Weber for the Blackhawks and Logan O'Connor for the Avalanche affect the dynamics of the game?
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Playoff Implications: Given the standings, how crucial is this game for both teams' playoff aspirations?
Players to Watch
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Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche): Leading the team with 40 goals and 53 assists, MacKinnon is a central figure in Colorado's offensive strategy. (foxsports.com)
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Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks): As the team's leading scorer with 23 goals and 30 assists, Bedard is pivotal to Chicago's offensive efforts. (foxsports.com)
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Tyler Bertuzzi (Chicago Blackhawks): With 25 goals and 17 assists, Bertuzzi provides significant scoring depth for the Blackhawks. (foxsports.com)
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Mackenzie Blackwood (Colorado Avalanche): Expected to start in goal, Blackwood has been a reliable presence, contributing to the team's strong defensive record. (fsr920.iheart.com)
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Spencer Knight (Chicago Blackhawks): As the Blackhawks' goaltender, Knight will be crucial in attempting to contain Colorado's potent offense. (foxsports.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Solidity: Colorado's top-ranked offense faces Chicago's middle-of-the-pack defense. Will the Avalanche's scoring prowess overwhelm the Blackhawks' defense?
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Special Teams Showdown: Colorado's struggling power play against Chicago's top-ranked penalty kill presents a critical battleground.
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Goaltending Duel: Blackwood's consistency versus Knight's potential will be a key factor in determining the game's outcome.
Fun Facts
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The Avalanche have scored at least three goals in 45 games this season, boasting a record of 35-4-6 in those matchups. (fsr920.iheart.com)
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Colorado's penalty kill is ranked third in the league at 83.85%. (fsr920.iheart.com)
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The Blackhawks' penalty kill is ranked first in the league at 85.7%. (espn.com)
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In their previous meeting on November 23, 2025, the Avalanche secured a 1-0 victory over the Blackhawks. (thescore.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can the Avalanche's offense keep up their high-scoring ways against the Blackhawks?"
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"Will the Blackhawks find a way to improve their road performance?"
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"Which special teams unit will dominate the game?"
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"How will the absence of key players impact the game's dynamics?"
Prediction
Given the Avalanche's superior offensive capabilities and the Blackhawks' struggles on the road, Colorado is favored to secure a decisive victory. However, Chicago's strong penalty kill could limit the Avalanche's power-play opportunities. Overall, the Avalanche's depth and home-ice advantage make them the likely winners in this matchup.