The Colorado Avalanche face the Chicago Blackhawks in an inter-divisional tilt that promises to be an entertaining matchup between two clubs in different places.

The Colorado Avalanche take on the Chicago Blackhawks in what promises to be an entertaining tilt. | Matthew Stockman/GettyImages

The Colorado Avalanche will pay a visit to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night at the United Center. Both clubs are trending in different directions, telling the story of their seasons.

So, let’s take a look at what to expect between these two clubs on Wednesday night.

Colorado Avalanche vs Chicago Blackhawks preview

Last 10 games

The Colorado Avalanche (25-15-1) are tied with the Dallas Stars for third in the Central Division. The Stars are technically third as the Avs have played two more games than the Stars and have two more losses.

In their last 10, the Avalanche are 8-1-1 and seem to finally be morphing into the team everyone expected them to be at the start of this season. The Avs have a firm grip on the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference, notching a six-point lead over the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames.

While nothing is guaranteed, the Avalanche look like a solid pick to make the postseason against this year.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks (13-25-2) are once again at the bottom of the standings. The hope in Chicago was that the team could take the next step in their rebuild and climb out of the cellar. However, that has not been the case.

The Blackhawks fired Luke Richardson earlier this season, signaling the team is not headed in the right direction. Chicago looks destined for another top-five lottery pick. So, it remains to be seen if they’ll land the top pick for the second time in three seasons.

Players to watch

For the Colorado Avalanche, the players to watch are the team’s two Hart Trophy candidates. Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon have been money in the bank all season and will look to continue leading the club.

MacKinnon is poised for the Art Ross Trophy while Makar looks to have the inside track on the Norris. As discussed in this piece, both players could get Hart nominations this season.

Beyond Makar and MacKinnon, the new-look fourth line should continue to get attention. Newcomer Juuso Parssinen looks to stick with the Avs as the club gives Tye Felhbaer and Jere Innala a shot at sticking in that fourth-line role.

I can’t help but think the Avs may dip their toes in the trade pool at the trade deadline and pick up various depth forwards to fill out that fourth line.

For Blackhawks, Connor Bedard is the player to watch. He’s been one of the best young players in the league. His performance this season hasn’t been overly convincing. Still, he projects to be the Blackhawks’ franchise player.

Prediction

While I don’t necessarily like to predict outcomes, it seems the Avs should skate away with the two points in this one. The Blackhawks don’t seem like they can overcome such a talented team that’s on a roll right now.

The Avs should cruise in this game, but don’t be surprised if the Blackhawks try to make the game interesting, particularly in the third period.