Open Thread: Colorado Avalanche vs. Calgary Flames (7:00 P.M. MT)

The Colorado Avalanche are set for the second leg of their first back-to-back of the season in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the home of both Cale Makar and Logan O'Connor. Speaking of LOC, tonight could mark his 2026-27 debut with the Colorado Avalanche as he returns from a brief stay on the injured reserve list. The Calgary Flames have had a timultuous, winless start to their season.

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The Avalanche come to Calgary after their first loss of the season last night in Winnipeg. Last night's defeat echoed the same patterns we've seen in Colorado's more devastating losses over the years. The team dominated in the SOG department, but couldn't beat Stuart Skinner to capitalize on their chances. It's getting harder to stomach defeats like this, but I expect the Avalanche to right the ship against a lowly Flames club.

This back-to-back scenario should mean we see goalie Scott Wedgewood between the pipes for the first time this season. Wedgewood essentially became Colorado's starter after Blackwood's early-season rehab. It would be nice to see Scott back at that level this year, especially after a loss.

Fedor Svechkov and Jaden Schwartz gave us a bit of a silver lining in last night's defeat. The Avs seem to struggle in Winnipeg for whatever reason, but Svechkov and Schwartz played well and are building confidence with their new club, each with a goal and a helper. Can they expand on that tonight?

Another element to note tonight is that if Logan O'Connor returns to the lineup, as reports suggest, rookie T.J. Hughes would likely draw the healthy scratch. I'd bet Hughes plays with the Eagles this weekend.

The Flames have been making headlines early in the season, but not because they're living up to their namesake and setting the hockey world on fire. Quite the opposite: the Flames are the only winless team in the NHL with three games played. Additionally, the Flames' front office and forward Connor Zary seem at odds over his surprising waiver placement earlier in the week.

All this could culminate in a perfect storm: the Flames are due a win, and the Avalanche won't be 100% fresh after playing just last night. Calgary will look to start fast, but Colorado's talent could be too effective despite heavy legs.

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