The Colorado Avalanche enter the week coming off a dominant 5-0 shutout victory against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. Here are the key storylines and upcoming schedule for the week of Feb. 2-9, 2026.
Nathan MacKinnon’s MVP Chase
Nathan MacKinnon continues to play at an elite level, recently scoring two goals against the Red Wings to become the first player in the NHL to reach 40 goals this season. He currently sits second in the league with 91 points, trailing only Connor McDavid, and is a frontrunner for the Hart Trophy.
Impending Olympic Break
This is a short week for the Avalanche. Following their game on Wednesday, Feb. 4, the NHL will pause its season for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. The Avs do not play again until Feb. 25, meaning this week’s games are crucial for entering the break on a high note.
Injury Troubles
The roster is currently tested by significant injuries. Captain Gabriel Landeskog remains out indefinitely with an upper-body injury, and his status for the upcoming Olympics is in doubt. Defenseman Devon Toews is also sidelined (upper body), while forward Martin Necas is listed as day-to-day.
Goaltending Stability
After a brief period of flux, goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood appears to have stabilized the net, coming off a 28-save shutout against the Red Wings.
Brock Nelson’s Hot Streak
Center Brock Nelson has been a standout recently, recording a hat trick late in January and solidifying the team’s second-line scoring depth.
Avalanche Schedule Feb. 2 – 9
| Date | Time (MST) | Opponent | Venue | TV / Broadcast |
| Mon, Feb. 2 | 7:00 PM | vs. Detroit Red Wings | Ball Arena (Home) | ESPN+, ALT, FDSNDET |
| Wed, Feb. 4 | 7:00 PM | vs. San Jose Sharks | Ball Arena (Home) | ALT, NBCSCA |
| Thu, Feb. 5 | Break | Olympic Break Begins | — | — |
AI tools were used to support the creation or distribution of this content, however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of The Hockey Writers editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
