Finally, the Colorado Avalanche are getting some good injury news ahead of their game against the Detroit Red Wings today. Ross Colton will make his return after his hot start to the season.

The old rivalry is renewed once again in this street duel. Can the Avs find success in the middle game of this five-game road trip?

Colorado avalanche

The Avs began the road trip with an improbable win over the Buffalo Sabers 5-4 on Tuesday night, but fell back to earth with a 5-3 result against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night. Colorado attempted another comeback but failed.

As mentioned, Colton’s return will give the forwards more of a boost than in recent games. He started the season hot and will try to get back on track starting tonight. He will play on the second line alongside Casey Mittelstadt and Valeri Nichushkin.

Other changes to the lineup include a season debut for Keaton Middleton, who comes in for John Ludvig on the blue line. Can the Avs get off on the right foot, ahead of Alexandar Georgiev in the first game in a row?

Projected lines

Artturi Lehkonen (62) – Nathan MacKinnon (29) – Mikko Rantanen (96)
Ross Colton (20) – Casey Mittelstadt (37) – Valeri Nichushkin (13)
Joel Kiviranta (94) – Ivan Ivan (82) – Logan O’Connor (25)
Nikolai Kovalenko (51) – Parker Kelly (17) – Chris Wagner (14)

Devon Toews (7) – Cale Makar (8)
Sam Girard (49) – Sam Malinski (70)
Calvin de Haan (44) – Keaton Middleton (67)

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit is in a tailspin and is trying to right the ship. Their most recent loss came on Thursday night against the Ottawa Senators in a 2-1 final, marking their fourth straight loss.

The Red Wings come home for a game after going winless on their last road trip. Similar to the Avalanche, they need all possible results and points to stay in the race.

They have the firepower with Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko and their captain Dylan Larkin. Additionally, former Av JT Compher will attempt to defeat his former team. Will Detroit get a result on home ice tonight?

Projected lines

Michael Rasmussen (27) – Dylan Larkin (71) – Lucas Raymond (23)
Alex Debrincat (93) – JT Compher (37) – Patrick Kane (88)
Jonathan Berggren (48) – Marco Kasper (92) – Vladimir Tarasenko (11)
Joe Veleno (90) – Andrew Copp (18) – Tyler Motte (14)

Simon Edvinsson (93) – Moritz Seider (53)
Ben Chiarot (8) – Jeff Petry (46)
Erik Gustafsson (56) – Justin Holl (3)

goalkeeper

As mentioned, Georgiev will get the call tonight as Scott Wedgewood plays tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils. The Red Wings have to do without two of their goalkeepers who are in daily action and will rely on Ville Husso in the goal area.