Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes clash in a game that’s more than just hockey—it’s a reunion, a rivalry, and a race to the top. Game 40 marks the second face-off between these powerhouses this season, and the stakes are higher than ever. But here’s where it gets controversial: Martin Necas, the star traded from Carolina to Colorado last January, returns to Raleigh, sparking debates about loyalty, impact, and what could’ve been. Will he haunt his former team, or will the Hurricanes prove they made the right call? And this is the part most people miss: both teams will don their vintage Nordiques and Whalers jerseys, adding a nostalgic twist to this high-stakes matchup.
The Avalanche (30-2-7) kick off a three-game road trip against the Hurricanes (24-13-3), with puck drop set for 5:08 p.m. MT. Colorado is riding a nine-game winning streak, boasting just nine losses all season—only two in regulation. One of those rare defeats? A shootout loss to Carolina at Ball Arena. Now, the Hurricanes have a chance to become the first team to beat the Avs twice this season. But Carolina isn’t in top form, having dropped two straight games in regulation. Rod Brind’Amour’s squad welcomes back Shayne Gostisbehere after a three-game absence, though Seth Jarvis and Jaccob Slavin remain sidelined.
Key storylines to watch:
- Goalie Shuffle: Colorado’s Mackenzie Blackwood is on injured reserve, leaving Scott Wedgewood likely to start, with Trent Miner backing him up. For Carolina, Brandon Bussi is expected to get the nod despite a six-goal outing against the Habs last Thursday.
- Homecoming Heroes: Necas, Jack Drury, and Brent Burns return to Carolina in Avalanche jerseys, but all eyes are on Necas—the centerpiece of the Mikko Rantanen trade. Will he silence the doubters or fuel the critics?
- Milestone Watch: Samuel Girard needs 3 assists for 200, Parker Kelly is 4 games away from 300, and Devon Toews is 9 points shy of 300. Who’ll hit their mark first?
Projected Lines (Subject to Change):
Avalanche:
- Gabriel Landeskog — Nathan MacKinnon — Martin Necas
- Artturi Lehkonen — Brock Nelson — Valeri Nichushkin
- Ross Colton — Jack Drury — Victor Olofsson
- Taylor Makar — Parker Kelly — Zakhar Bardakov
Defense:
- Devon Toews — Cale Makar
- Josh Manson — Brent Burns
- Samuel Girard — Sam Malinski
Goalies: Scott Wedgewood, Trent Miner
Hurricanes’ Starter: Brandon Bussi (unconfirmed)
Injury Report (Avalanche):
- Logan O’Connor (undisclosed, TBD)
- Joel Kiviranta (lower body, day-to-day)
- Gavin Brindley (upper body, day-to-day)
- Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body, IR)
How to Watch:
- TV: Altitude TV
- Radio: 92.5 FM
Thought-Provoking Question: With Necas’s return to Carolina, does this game prove trades are about more than just stats? Share your take in the comments—are the Hurricanes better off without him, or did Colorado strike gold?
READ MORE: Avalanche Place Mackenzie Blackwood on IR (https://coloradohockeynow.com/2026/01/02/avalanche-place-mackenzie-blackwood-on-ir/) | Brock Nelson Lands Spot on Team USA Olympic Roster (https://coloradohockeynow.com/2026/01/02/brock-nelson-lands-spot-on-team-usa-olympic-roster/) | Two Avalanche Forwards Will Represent Team Finland at 2026 Winter Olympics (https://coloradohockeynow.com/2026/01/02/two-avalanche-forwards-will-represent-team-finland-at-2026-winter-olympics/)
