Here are the key storylines surrounding the Colorado Avalanche and their upcoming schedule for the week of April 6-13, 2026.
Clinching the Western Conference
The NHL-leading Avalanche took a massive step toward securing home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs after shutting out the Dallas Stars 2-0 on April 4.
They currently hold a commanding eight-point lead in the Central Division, making their official Western Conference clinch the biggest storyline of the week.
Cale Makar’s Injury Status
Colorado’s star defenseman missed back-to-back games over the weekend due to an upper-body injury. His health and potential return are highly monitored topics right now, as the team needs him at 100% for a deep postseason run. He is still listed day-to-day as of Monday, April 6.
Brent Burns’ Historic Milestone
Veteran Avalanche blueliner Brent Burns has just become only the second player in NHL history to play in 1,000 consecutive games.
Parker Kelly’s Breakout Value
Forward Parker Kelly is trending as one of the best under-the-radar stories for the team this season. The four-year extension he signed last July is currently being hailed as a brilliant move, with his physical play expected to be vital during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Bouncing Back Against St. Louis
The Avs are coming off a tight 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on April 5, where a late Robert Thomas hat trick broke the tie. They will be looking to immediately avenge that loss when they face the Blues again to open this week’s slate.
Avalanche Upcoming Schedule
The Avalanche have a busy four-game stretch over the next seven days, splitting their time between the road and Ball Arena. Because Colorado already holds a comfortable lead in the standings, this week’s outlook is all about load management and fine-tuning. Expect the coaching staff to prioritize resting banged-up players over pushing too hard for points, particularly as they prepare for heavier, playoff-bound opponents like the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (EDT) |
| Tuesday, April 7 | at St. Louis Blues | Enterprise Center | 8:00 PM |
| Thursday, April 9 | vs. Calgary Flames | Ball Arena | 9:00 PM |
| Saturday, April 11 | vs. Vegas Golden Knights | Ball Arena | 8:00 PM |
| Monday, April 13 | at Edmonton Oilers | Rogers Place | 9:30 PM |
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