Avalanche: Key Insights on Timing Player Rest
The Colorado Avalanche will close the regular season at home against the Seattle Kraken on April 16 at 8:30 p.m. That contest is the final game on the NHL calendar before the playoffs start two days later.
Schedule context and rest questions
Last season, the Avalanche played their final game on April 13. This year’s finale comes later and right before the postseason. The postseason opens on April 18, so Colorado likely will not play on the first playoff day.
That raises timing and player rest questions for coach Jared Bednar. The team must decide how many days off veterans and younger players will receive before the postseason begins.
Coaching approach and priorities
Bednar has said the staff will balance several factors when setting the lineup. Players returning from injury need reps. Others could benefit from a rest day.
Avs leadership also wants to avoid unnecessary injury risks. The goal is clear: enter the playoffs healthy and prepared.
Balancing minutes and milestones
Some players are chasing personal milestones. The staff must weigh those targets against team health and rhythm. Bednar plans to gather input from players before finalizing roles.
Injury updates and expected returns
Defenseman Cale Makar appears likely to play at least once before the postseason. That would help him regain game rhythm after missing time.
Forward Nazem Kadri remains under evaluation. It is unclear if he will be available for any of the final four games.
Projected lineup choices
- Logan O’Connor is expected to play in the remaining contests.
- Artturi Lehkonen, Valeri Nichushkin, and Ross Colton are also likely candidates for the lineup.
- Brent Burns is not expected to sit voluntarily.
Goaltending plans and recent performance
Mackenzie Blackwood delivered a strong outing recently. He made several key saves and helped stabilize the crease.
Blackwood’s shutout bid ended with 2:52 remaining in regulation. An offside challenge wiped out a second goal later in the game. The coaching staff expects the goalies to alternate starts. Each netminder should start two more games before the playoffs.
Scoring races and player form
Nathan MacKinnon has set a new career high with 52 goals. He is a contender for the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy.
Montreal’s Cole Caufield reached 50 goals recently, keeping the scoring race competitive. Martin Necas has 38 goals and 98 points and is close to both 40 goals and 100 points.
Gabriel Landeskog has played 41 games since his slow start. During that stretch he has 13 goals and 17 assists, totaling 30 points.
Road trip implications
The team faces a two-game road trip before the season ends. Decisions remain on whether top scorers will play both games or sit selectively. The club must manage fatigue while protecting form.
Final considerations
Bednar must walk a fine line between rest and preparation. Avoiding injury remains the top priority. The team will use player feedback and medical input to finalize the plan.
These are the key insights into timing player rest and lineup choices as Colorado closes the regular season. Filmogaz.com will continue coverage as the Avalanche transition to the playoffs.
