CENTENNIAL, Colo. — A little excitement filled what might have been a normal Monday morning for the Colorado Avalanche. The team, which was practicing before heading to Utah, was wearing all of its Nordiques gear again. Even the coaches were wearing blue tracksuits that sported the old Nordiques logo. We saw a little mix up on the power play units and some progress on the goalie front as well.

Wedgewood named Third Star

Scott Wedgewood, as we mentioned earlier on Monday, has been on a fiery streak lately. The NHL announced its stars of the week, and it selected Wedgewood as the third star. He had a 3–0–0 record with a 1.00 goals against average and .954 save percentage throughout the week. Wedgewood has the most wins in the league (five) after his six starts this season.

 

Power play shuffle

So far, rookie Gavin Brindley has impressed the Avalanche. The coach has used him mostly in a fourth-line role, but he could add something else to his utility belt. On Monday morning, head coach Jared Bednar ran practice with Brindley on the second unit. They rarely get much time on the ice (30 seconds at most), but this could be a sign Brindley is sticking around.

Blackwood is getting close

Three days ago, the Avalanche ended Mackenzie Blackwood’s conditioning loan with the Colorado Eagles. He did not play a game with the AHL affiliate, just practiced in Loveland with the team. During the Avalanche practice on Monday, Blackwood took full reps and was doing them with the first power play unit. Additionally, Trent Miner did not take part in the practice and left the ice. Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette said that Blackwood will not travel to Utah, but he is close. Fans can probably expect another Wedgewood start.

Up Next

The Avalanche will fly out on Monday afternoon ahead of their contest with the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday night. The game, which will begin at 8 p.m. MT, will broadcast on ESPN.