Apr 9, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Calgary Flames right wing Matt Coronato (27) attempts a shot as Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Blankenburg (37) defends in the first period at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J.

Downing-Imagn Images The Avalanche are likely still getting into the swing of the day after their SO victory in Edmonton last night. Still, the NHL schedule is relentless, even for game 81, as they will face the Flames tonight in Calgary on the second of a back-to-back.Tune in tonight 📺📻 pic.twitter.com/QDdhgqE3zK— P – Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) April 14, 2026That means MacKenzie Blackwood in the net, but will we see the Avalanche rest more key fixtures in the lineup, or are they going with the pedal-to-the-metal approach? The @Avalanche won their 53rd game, the 2nd most victories in a single season in franchise history.

Colorado's 117 points are now just 2 shy of tying the 2021-22 team (119) for the highest total in a single season in franchise history pic.twitter.com/vtpjJ2cIS2— Brendan McNicholas (@bmcnich) April 14, 2026The Flames didn’t realize the typical revenge victory last time and have lost to the Avalanche twice in the last 10 days. Will they face defeat a third time and be swept altogether?Colorado Avalanche: 53-16-11The Opponent: Calgary Flames (33-38-9)Time: 7:00 p.m. MTWatch: Altitude, Altitude+, ESPN+Listen: Altitude Sports Radio, 92.5 FMColorado AvalancheBrock Nelson’s 1,000th game played out as a bit of a snoozer, that is, until the end.

A 2-1 SO victory is nothing to scoff at when you consider all that was on the line for the Oilers on home ice. Sam Malinski is still on fire, having scored as many goals in the last 11 games (5) as he did in all of his 2024-25 campaign. Jack Achan and Nick Blankenburg did just fine against McDavid and the Oilers and should stay in the lineup tonight as well to avoid rushing any of the key and injured guys (like Makar) back before there’s something to play for.I’m hoping this game marks Martin Necas’ crossing of the 100-point mark, and would love it even more if he also reached 40 goals.

Wouldn’t it be nice to see Marty Necas get to both 100 points and 40 goals tonight? #GoAvsGo— Adrian Hernandez (@AdoHernandez27) April 14, 2026Projected Lineup:Artturi Lehkonen — Nathan MacKinnon — Gabriel LandeskogValeri Nichushkin — Brock Nelson — Martin NecasRoss Colton — Nicolas Roy — Joel KivirantaParker Kelly — Jack Drury — Logan O’ConnorDevon Toews — Sam MalinskiBrett Kulak — Brent BurnsNick Blankenburg — Jack AhcanNote: Still no update on Josh Manson. We did see Cale Makar skating yesterday morning, but he did not play. I’m not even certain Nazem Kadri is on the road trip.MacKenzie BlackwoodScott WedgewoodCalgary FlamesIf the Flames were to topple the Avalanche this season, tonight’s game might be the night.

Colorado should be pretty worn out from the SO victory over Edmonton, and will go without Cale Makar, Nazem Kadri, or Josh Manson yet again.We meet again 👀#Flames | @TELUS🔗: https://t.co/rFay8AfNpQpic.twitter.com/2N7EE1BytI— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) April 14, 2026When your season has been over for quite some time, as is the case in Calgary, it’s about the little things and moral victories/habits you can take into next season. Let’s see what shows up for the Flames.Projected Lineup:Joel Farabee — Mikael Backlund — Blake ColemanVictor Olofsson — Morgan Frost — Matt CoronatoConnor Zary — Ryan Strome — Adam KlapkaAydar Suniev — Tyson Gross — Yegor SharangovichZayne Parekh — Zach WhitecloudOlli Maatta — Hunter BrzustewiczAbram Wiebe — Brayden PachalDustin WolfDevin Cooley