
Colorado Avalanche News

It looks like Nelson will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday with Mikhail Grabovski returning to the lineup from an upper-body injury. Nelson has just one goal and no assists in his last 12 games.

Landeskog cross-checked Ducks’ defenseman Simon Despres in the head during Wednesday’s win and has been suspended for the next three games. With Landeskog suspended, Andreas Martinsen will return to the lineup. The Avalanche captain is eligible to return to the lineup next Sunday in Edmonton.


Nichushkin was scratched from last night’s game because of a lower-body injury, but will get back in the lineup tonight. There was no indication on who would come out to make room for Nichushkin, but we will find out in warmups. Nichushkin has just 13 points (4G / 9A) this season and hasn’t registered a point since December 15th.






Landeskog was scratched in Wednesday's game against the Penguins. Landeskog was expected to play but did not come out for warmups and ended up being scratched with Mikhail Grigorenko returning to the lineup. Consider Landeskog as day-to-day until the Avalanche release more information.

After serving a two game suspension, Landeskog will be back on the Avs’ top line with Nathan MacKinnon and Matt Duchene on Thursday. Landeskog’s return means less minutes for Mikhail Grigorenko—Colorado’s captain has 12 points (5G / 7A) in 16 games.

Manson missed Monday’s game with an illness and head coach Bruce Boudreau said that he will be a “game-time decision at best” tonight. Korbinian Holzer replaced Manson last night and could play there again tonight.




Nichushkin served as a healthy scratch in the last two games, but with injuries to Patrick Eaves, Curtis McKenzie and Travis Moen, the Stars will put Nichushkin back in the lineup on Saturday. The 20-year-old winger, who had five shots on goal in the first two games, will skate on the second line with Jason Spezza and Colton Sceviour vs. the Panthers.

Nichushkin played just 10:38 on Saturday and so far this season he has no points and five shots through two games. With Nichushkin expected to sit, look for Colton Sceviour to make his season debut.

McKinnon has played the majority of his young career on the wing, but if they use MacKinnon in the middle it allows the Avalanche to give 18-year-old Mikko Rantanen a shot in the NHL and opens the door for Curtis Glencross and Jack Skille a chance to make the team on PTO’s. If MacKinnon indeed ends up on the third line, look for Rantanen and Blake Comeau to play on his wings.

Nelson, 23, had two goals in Game 1, but has been held off of the scoresheet, while only recording two shots and a minus-2 rating in the last three games. With Mikhail Grabovski coming back tonight, Nelson will get a chance to watch the game from the press box.
