Colorado Avalanche Aim to Extend Win Streak Against Columbus Blue Jackets

Colorado Avalanche visit Columbus Blue Jackets with three-game win streak on the line

The Colorado Avalanche put their three-game win streak on the line Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena, taking on the Columbus Blue Jackets in an inter-conference matchup. EST in Columbus, Ohio, marking the first meeting between the two teams this season.

Colorado enters the contest with a 9-5-1 record overall and a 2-4-0 mark on the road. The Avalanche have lit the lamp 64 times this season, averaging 4.3 goals per contest to rank first in the NHL. Their recent stretch includes a 6-3-1 record over their last 10 games, during which they have averaged 3.8 goals against 2.7 goals allowed.

Columbus counters with a 5-7 record overall and a 4-3-0 mark on home ice. The Blue Jackets hold a 4-6-0 record over their past 10 outings, averaging 2.1 goals per game while giving up 2.9. According to data provided by Sportradar and Data Skrive, the Blue Jackets have struggled when staying out of the box, posting a 2-4-0 record in games where they serve more penalty minutes than their opponents.

Lehkonen and Necas drive Avalanche offense past Blue Jackets

Artturi Lehkonen leads the Avalanche with 12 goals and five assists. Teammate Martin Necas has added five goals and eight assists over his last 10 games, helping drive an offense that averages 7.2 assists per contest over that span.

On the other side, Zachary Kenneth Werenski has anchored the Columbus attack with 10 assists. Forward Kent Johnson has provided a recent spark for the Blue Jackets, collecting six goals and four assists across his last 10 appearances.

Both squads manage notable absences heading into the puck drop. The Blue Jackets play without Isac Lundestrom, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. The Avalanche report two players out of the lineup: Zachary L’Heureux due to an upper-body injury and Josh Manson with a lower-body issue.

Avalanche enter matchup as favorites against Blue Jackets

Betting markets have installed the Avalanche as -135 favorites, with the Blue Jackets listed at +111. The over/under for total goals is set at 6.5. WVnews.com noted the teams' current trajectories as they meet for the initial time this season.

While Colorado looks to translate its league-leading goal-scoring pace into a fourth victory away from home, Columbus aims to use its home-ice winning record to disrupt the Avalanche momentum.