Evan Rawal
@evanrawal.bsky.social
Lead Avalanche beat writer for the Denver Gazette. PWHA member. evanrawal@gmail.com, evan.rawal@gazette.com
Another comeback win for the Avalanche. They’re never out of any game.
4 goal third period and they’ll win their 31st game of the season.
4 goal third period and they’ll win their 31st game of the season.
January 4, 2026 at 2:45 AM
Another comeback win for the Avalanche. They’re never out of any game.
4 goal third period and they’ll win their 31st game of the season.
4 goal third period and they’ll win their 31st game of the season.
That was the prettiest PP goal of the season for the Avs. What passing.
4-3, Nelson again.
4-3, Nelson again.
January 4, 2026 at 2:23 AM
That was the prettiest PP goal of the season for the Avs. What passing.
4-3, Nelson again.
4-3, Nelson again.
This Avs team is just ridiculous.
January 4, 2026 at 2:14 AM
This Avs team is just ridiculous.
Holy cow. That was some 2019 power forward Gabriel Landeskog stuff right there.
1-1
1-1
January 4, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Holy cow. That was some 2019 power forward Gabriel Landeskog stuff right there.
1-1
1-1
With Devon Toews in the box, the Avalanche cycled through their 5 other defensemen on the ensuing penalty kill.
Just a sign of how comfortable they are with their top 6 on the blueline.
Just a sign of how comfortable they are with their top 6 on the blueline.
January 4, 2026 at 12:20 AM
With Devon Toews in the box, the Avalanche cycled through their 5 other defensemen on the ensuing penalty kill.
Just a sign of how comfortable they are with their top 6 on the blueline.
Just a sign of how comfortable they are with their top 6 on the blueline.
Reposted by Evan Rawal
Avs coach Jared Bednar said Mackenzie Blackwood’s injury popped up at practice Thursday. Joel Kiviranta is also not on the trip. Gavin Brindley is but is not playing tonight. Taylor Makar is in.
No timelines, but Bednar hopes Blackwood/Kiviranta can return after the trip.
No timelines, but Bednar hopes Blackwood/Kiviranta can return after the trip.
January 3, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Avs coach Jared Bednar said Mackenzie Blackwood’s injury popped up at practice Thursday. Joel Kiviranta is also not on the trip. Gavin Brindley is but is not playing tonight. Taylor Makar is in.
No timelines, but Bednar hopes Blackwood/Kiviranta can return after the trip.
No timelines, but Bednar hopes Blackwood/Kiviranta can return after the trip.
Mackenzie Blackwood is headed to IR. He was on the ice before practice yesterday but left once practice started.
Trent Miner and Taylor Makar recalled.
Trent Miner and Taylor Makar recalled.
January 2, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Mackenzie Blackwood is headed to IR. He was on the ice before practice yesterday but left once practice started.
Trent Miner and Taylor Makar recalled.
Trent Miner and Taylor Makar recalled.
Avalanche forwards Brock Nelson, Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta chosen for Olympics
www.denvergazette.com/2026/01/02/a...
www.denvergazette.com/2026/01/02/a...
Avalanche forwards Brock Nelson, Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta chosen for Olympics
The Colorado Avalanche will be well represented in Italy at the Olympic Games. Center Brock Nelson was named to Team USA on Friday. The 34-year-old center played for the U.S. in the 4 Nations Face-Off...
www.denvergazette.com
January 2, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Avalanche forwards Brock Nelson, Artturi Lehkonen and Joel Kiviranta chosen for Olympics
www.denvergazette.com/2026/01/02/a...
www.denvergazette.com/2026/01/02/a...
There’s disappointment from Wedgewood and Blackwood that they didn’t make Team Canada. But they seem more bummed for their partner than themselves.
That’s what makes their relationship special.
“He probably deserved it.”
“I’m a little gutted for him.”
www.denvergazette.com/2026/01/01/o...
That’s what makes their relationship special.
“He probably deserved it.”
“I’m a little gutted for him.”
www.denvergazette.com/2026/01/01/o...
Olympics snubs reveal special relationship between Avalanche goaltenders | NHL Insider
Both Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood were disappointed they didn’t make Team Canada. Was each man more disappointed for himself — or for his goaltending partner? That’s not as clear. And that’...
www.denvergazette.com
January 1, 2026 at 11:20 PM
There’s disappointment from Wedgewood and Blackwood that they didn’t make Team Canada. But they seem more bummed for their partner than themselves.
That’s what makes their relationship special.
“He probably deserved it.”
“I’m a little gutted for him.”
www.denvergazette.com/2026/01/01/o...
That’s what makes their relationship special.
“He probably deserved it.”
“I’m a little gutted for him.”
www.denvergazette.com/2026/01/01/o...
Kiviranta and Brindley will go on the trip. Both day-to-day. Avs could bring an extra forward with them.
January 1, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Kiviranta and Brindley will go on the trip. Both day-to-day. Avs could bring an extra forward with them.
Full practice today for the Avalanche. Leave for Carolina tomorrow.
Gavin Brindley and Joel Kiviranta are not on the ice.
Gavin Brindley and Joel Kiviranta are not on the ice.
January 1, 2026 at 6:59 PM
Full practice today for the Avalanche. Leave for Carolina tomorrow.
Gavin Brindley and Joel Kiviranta are not on the ice.
Gavin Brindley and Joel Kiviranta are not on the ice.
Avs crush the Blues 6-1.
They enter 2026 with 2 (2!!!) regulation losses. And now they’ve got a 10 point lead on the Dallas Stars.
They enter 2026 with 2 (2!!!) regulation losses. And now they’ve got a 10 point lead on the Dallas Stars.
January 1, 2026 at 4:42 AM
Avs crush the Blues 6-1.
They enter 2026 with 2 (2!!!) regulation losses. And now they’ve got a 10 point lead on the Dallas Stars.
They enter 2026 with 2 (2!!!) regulation losses. And now they’ve got a 10 point lead on the Dallas Stars.
5 shots on goal through 34 minutes of an NHL game is pretty embarrassing stuff.
January 1, 2026 at 3:32 AM
5 shots on goal through 34 minutes of an NHL game is pretty embarrassing stuff.
Stars losing to the Sabres in the third 4-1.
A win tonight and the Avs may have a 10 point lead in the Central.
A win tonight and the Avs may have a 10 point lead in the Central.
January 1, 2026 at 3:24 AM
Stars losing to the Sabres in the third 4-1.
A win tonight and the Avs may have a 10 point lead in the Central.
A win tonight and the Avs may have a 10 point lead in the Central.
That one will count. Nathan MacKinnon’s 400th career goal.
Gabe Landeskog won a battle in the NZ to start that play.
And now it’s 3-0. Nichushkin again.
Gabe Landeskog won a battle in the NZ to start that play.
And now it’s 3-0. Nichushkin again.
January 1, 2026 at 2:19 AM
That one will count. Nathan MacKinnon’s 400th career goal.
Gabe Landeskog won a battle in the NZ to start that play.
And now it’s 3-0. Nichushkin again.
Gabe Landeskog won a battle in the NZ to start that play.
And now it’s 3-0. Nichushkin again.
Reposted by Evan Rawal
Tonight's Avs warmies lines (without Kiviranta):
Landeskog -- MacKinnon -- Necas
Lehkonen -- Nelson -- Nichushkin
Colton -- Drury -- Olofsson
Bardakov -- Kelly -- Brindley
Toews -- Makar
Manson -- Burns
Girard -- Malinski
Blackwood
Landeskog -- MacKinnon -- Necas
Lehkonen -- Nelson -- Nichushkin
Colton -- Drury -- Olofsson
Bardakov -- Kelly -- Brindley
Toews -- Makar
Manson -- Burns
Girard -- Malinski
Blackwood
January 1, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Tonight's Avs warmies lines (without Kiviranta):
Landeskog -- MacKinnon -- Necas
Lehkonen -- Nelson -- Nichushkin
Colton -- Drury -- Olofsson
Bardakov -- Kelly -- Brindley
Toews -- Makar
Manson -- Burns
Girard -- Malinski
Blackwood
Landeskog -- MacKinnon -- Necas
Lehkonen -- Nelson -- Nichushkin
Colton -- Drury -- Olofsson
Bardakov -- Kelly -- Brindley
Toews -- Makar
Manson -- Burns
Girard -- Malinski
Blackwood
Joel Kiviranta will miss the game due to a lower-body injury, per Avs.
Took a hard tumble into boards last game.
Took a hard tumble into boards last game.
January 1, 2026 at 1:34 AM
Joel Kiviranta will miss the game due to a lower-body injury, per Avs.
Took a hard tumble into boards last game.
Took a hard tumble into boards last game.
Earlier this year, Devon Toews’ NCAA coach put it best.
“Not only is he a great hockey player, but he’s probably even a better person.”
“I'll be there when that time comes, but right now, I'm there for my wife,” Toews said after being named to Team Canada.
www.denvergazette.com/2025/12/31/a...
“Not only is he a great hockey player, but he’s probably even a better person.”
“I'll be there when that time comes, but right now, I'm there for my wife,” Toews said after being named to Team Canada.
www.denvergazette.com/2025/12/31/a...
Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews has unique perspective on being named to Team Canada
Make no mistake. Devon Toews was excited Wednesday about being named to Team Canada for February’s Olympic Games in Italy. He just has a few other things on his mind. “My wife’s due in February, so th...
www.denvergazette.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Earlier this year, Devon Toews’ NCAA coach put it best.
“Not only is he a great hockey player, but he’s probably even a better person.”
“I'll be there when that time comes, but right now, I'm there for my wife,” Toews said after being named to Team Canada.
www.denvergazette.com/2025/12/31/a...
“Not only is he a great hockey player, but he’s probably even a better person.”
“I'll be there when that time comes, but right now, I'm there for my wife,” Toews said after being named to Team Canada.
www.denvergazette.com/2025/12/31/a...
When asked about Team Canada and potentially joining as an injury replacement, Mackenzie Blackwood said “I’ve never talked to them, ever.”
Said he hasn’t done any testing or anything prior. Said not making it was “maybe a little disappointment, it was kind of 50/50 anyways.”
Said he hasn’t done any testing or anything prior. Said not making it was “maybe a little disappointment, it was kind of 50/50 anyways.”
December 31, 2025 at 6:45 PM
When asked about Team Canada and potentially joining as an injury replacement, Mackenzie Blackwood said “I’ve never talked to them, ever.”
Said he hasn’t done any testing or anything prior. Said not making it was “maybe a little disappointment, it was kind of 50/50 anyways.”
Said he hasn’t done any testing or anything prior. Said not making it was “maybe a little disappointment, it was kind of 50/50 anyways.”
Toews’ comments about putting his family first when given a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity speaks to his character as a person.
Devon Toews named to Team Canada.
Wrote this back in February prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off and spoke to his NCAA coach Rand Pecknold.
‘Special’ player, man Devon Toews hits the spotlight at 4 Nations Face-Off
www.denvergazette.com/2025/02/12/s...
Wrote this back in February prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off and spoke to his NCAA coach Rand Pecknold.
‘Special’ player, man Devon Toews hits the spotlight at 4 Nations Face-Off
www.denvergazette.com/2025/02/12/s...
‘Special’ player, man Devon Toews hits the spotlight at 4 Nations Face-Off
If hockey fans around the world didn’t already know, the 4 Nations Face-Off will show what friends, teammates and coaches learned long ago about Devon Toews. He’s special — not only on the ice, but of...
www.denvergazette.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Toews’ comments about putting his family first when given a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity speaks to his character as a person.
Toews is excited about being named. Said he communicated with Team Canada over the summer about this possibility. His wife is due Feb. 2, so if the baby is a little late he might be delayed arriving.
Devon Toews says his wife is due in February.
“I’m not leaving until that baby’s here and everyone’s home safe.”
“I’m not leaving until that baby’s here and everyone’s home safe.”
December 31, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Toews is excited about being named. Said he communicated with Team Canada over the summer about this possibility. His wife is due Feb. 2, so if the baby is a little late he might be delayed arriving.
Devon Toews says his wife is due in February.
“I’m not leaving until that baby’s here and everyone’s home safe.”
“I’m not leaving until that baby’s here and everyone’s home safe.”
December 31, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Devon Toews says his wife is due in February.
“I’m not leaving until that baby’s here and everyone’s home safe.”
“I’m not leaving until that baby’s here and everyone’s home safe.”
New power play units for Avs at morning skate.
PP1 at morning skate: MacKinnon, Nichushkin, Lehkonen, Nelson, Makar
PP2: Necas, Landeskog, Olofsson, Brindley, Toews
PP1 at morning skate: MacKinnon, Nichushkin, Lehkonen, Nelson, Makar
PP2: Necas, Landeskog, Olofsson, Brindley, Toews
December 31, 2025 at 5:32 PM
New power play units for Avs at morning skate.
PP1 at morning skate: MacKinnon, Nichushkin, Lehkonen, Nelson, Makar
PP2: Necas, Landeskog, Olofsson, Brindley, Toews
PP1 at morning skate: MacKinnon, Nichushkin, Lehkonen, Nelson, Makar
PP2: Necas, Landeskog, Olofsson, Brindley, Toews
The Avs host Doug Armstrong's Blues tonight.
Neither Scott Wedgewood or Mackenzie Blackwood were named to Team Canada.
December 31, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The Avs host Doug Armstrong's Blues tonight.
Devon Toews named to Team Canada.
Wrote this back in February prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off and spoke to his NCAA coach Rand Pecknold.
‘Special’ player, man Devon Toews hits the spotlight at 4 Nations Face-Off
www.denvergazette.com/2025/02/12/s...
Wrote this back in February prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off and spoke to his NCAA coach Rand Pecknold.
‘Special’ player, man Devon Toews hits the spotlight at 4 Nations Face-Off
www.denvergazette.com/2025/02/12/s...
‘Special’ player, man Devon Toews hits the spotlight at 4 Nations Face-Off
If hockey fans around the world didn’t already know, the 4 Nations Face-Off will show what friends, teammates and coaches learned long ago about Devon Toews. He’s special — not only on the ice, but of...
www.denvergazette.com
December 31, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Devon Toews named to Team Canada.
Wrote this back in February prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off and spoke to his NCAA coach Rand Pecknold.
‘Special’ player, man Devon Toews hits the spotlight at 4 Nations Face-Off
www.denvergazette.com/2025/02/12/s...
Wrote this back in February prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off and spoke to his NCAA coach Rand Pecknold.
‘Special’ player, man Devon Toews hits the spotlight at 4 Nations Face-Off
www.denvergazette.com/2025/02/12/s...