Avalanche vs Canucks: Nichushkin's Return, Lineup Changes, and Preview for Game 26 (2025)

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Avalanche vs Canucks: Nichushkin Returns, Lineups, and How to Watch

The Colorado Avalanche (18-1-6) face the Vancouver Canucks (10-13-3) with puck drop at 7:08 p.m. MT. For fans eager to catch every moment, this matchup promises a collection of notable storylines and milestones.

Key Storylines

• Nichushkin returns to the Avalanche lineup after eight games sidelined by a lower-body injury. He’s anticipated to skate on the second line alongside Brock Nelson and captain Gabe Landeskog. Colorado went 7-0-1 without him.
• Scott Wedgewood is back between the pipes for Colorado, aiming to rebound after a shootout loss to Minnesota in his previous appearance.
• Vancouver has only two wins in its last ten games but remains above .500 on the road, highlighting their resilience away from home.
• Colorado previously defeated Vancouver in a 5-4 overtime win on Nov. 9. That victory stands as the Avs’ sole overtime win this season in seven OT attempts.

Season Series Timeline

• Nov. 9: at Vancouver Canucks — Avalanche win 5-4 in OT
• Dec. 2: vs Vancouver Canucks
• Apr. 1: vs Vancouver Canucks

Avalanche Injuries

• Logan O’Connor (hip) — week-to-week
• Gavin Brindley (lower body) — week-to-week

Projected Avalanche Lines (Subject to Change)

• Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
• Gabriel Landeskog — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
• Ross Colton — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson

• Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov — Joel Kiviranta

  See Also

  Wild's Wallstedt Shuts Out Jets: Yurov's Goal, Goalie Rotation, and MoreOvechkin's Fun Side: Watch as He Cheers on His Teammates in a Youth GameAlexandar Georgiev Leaves NHL for KHL: Shocking Contract Termination with Buffalo SabresBruins Roster Update: Lindholm Returns, McAvoy Out with Facial Injury

• Devon Toews — Cale Makar

• Josh Manson — Brent Burns

  See Also

  Olympic Ice Rink Controversy: Smaller Than NHL Rinks - Safety Concerns Explained

• Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski

• Scott Wedgewood

• Mackenzie Blackwood

Projected Starters (Subject to Change)

• Confirmed: Scott Wedgewood (COL)
• Expected: Kevin Lankinen (VAN)

Milestones to Watch

• Devon Toews needs 2 more games to reach 500
• Nathan MacKinnon needs 5 more games to reach 900
• Victor Olofsson needs 5 more games to reach 400
• Brock Nelson needs 7 more assists to reach 300

How to Watch

• TV: Altitude TV
• Radio: 92.5 FM

If you’ve got a stake in the game, what line combination do you think gives Colorado the best chance to exploit Vancouver’s road struggles, and where do you see Nichushkin making the biggest impact in his comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments and let the discussion begin.