The Colorado Avalanche visit the Anaheim Ducks on March 3, 2026, in a late-night NHL matchup at the Honda Center. This game features two of the Western Conference’s strongest teams and could play an important role in shaping the standings as the season moves toward the playoff stretch.
Colorado enter the matchup as one of the most dominant teams in the league. The Avalanche recently became the first NHL team this season to reach 40 wins and continue to showcase elite performance on both ends of the ice. Their offense, led by superstar Nathan MacKinnon, remains one of the most dangerous in the league, while their defense ranks among the best.
Anaheim, however, has been one of the hottest home teams recently. The Ducks are riding a strong winning streak at Honda Center and have turned their home ice into one of the toughest places for opponents. Despite several key injuries, Anaheim has continued to produce strong offensive performances and secure important victories.
This matchup could become a strategic battle. Colorado’s structured defensive play will face Anaheim’s aggressive attack, and the outcome may depend on goaltending and special teams execution.
Match Details
| Match | Colorado Avalanche vs Anaheim Ducks |
|---|---|
| Date | March 3, 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Honda Center, Anaheim |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
| Total Goals Line | 6.5 |
Projected Lineups
Colorado Avalanche
Forwards
- Gabriel Landeskog – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Necas
- Victor Olofsson – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
- Ross Colton – Jack Drury – Jason Polin
- Zakhar Bardakov – Parker Kelly – Gavin Brindley
Defense
- Devon Toews – Cale Makar
- Josh Manson – Brent Burns
- Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski
Goalies
- Scott Wedgewood
- Mackenzie Blackwood
Injured:
Artturi Lehkonen (upper body), Logan O’Connor (hip surgery), Joel Kiviranta (concussion)
Anaheim Ducks
Forwards
- Chris Kreider – Leo Carlsson – Cutter Gauthier
- Jeffrey Viel – Mason McTavish – Beckett Sennecke
- Alex Killorn – Ryan Poehling – Jansen Harkins
- Ross Johnston – Tim Washe – Ian Moore
Defense
- Jackson LaCombe – Jacob Trouba
- Olen Zellweger – Radko Gudas
- Pavel Mintyukov – Drew Helleson
Goalies
- Lukas Dostal
- Ville Husso
Injured:
Mikael Granlund (upper body), Troy Terry (upper body), Ryan Strome (illness), Frank Vatrano (shoulder)
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Recent Form
Colorado Avalanche – Last Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 3 | Kings | Win 4-2 |
| Mar 1 | Blackhawks | Win 3-1 |
| Feb 27 | Wild | Loss 2-5 |
| Feb 26 | Mammoth | Win 4-2 |
| Feb 5 | Sharks | Win 4-2 |
Colorado have won four of their last five games, continuing their strong season performance.
Anaheim Ducks – Last Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2 | Flames | Win 3-2 |
| Feb 28 | Jets | Win 5-4 |
| Feb 26 | Oilers | Win 6-5 |
| Feb 4 | Kraken | Win 4-2 |
| Feb 2 | Golden Knights | Win 4-3 |
Anaheim are currently on a strong winning streak, especially at home.
Head-to-Head History
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Ducks 2 – Avalanche 1 |
| Nov 2025 | Avalanche 4 – Ducks 1 |
| Apr 2025 | Avalanche 4 – Ducks 2 |
| Dec 2024 | Avalanche 4 – Ducks 2 |
Key trends:
- Colorado have dominated most recent meetings.
- Many matchups between these teams produce lower scoring games.
- Colorado have historically played well in Anaheim.
Team Stats Comparison
| Category | Avalanche | Ducks |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per Game | 3.80 | 3.25 |
| Goals Allowed | 2.42 | 3.49 |
| Shots per Game | 34.31 | 30.34 |
| Penalty Kill | 83.2% | 77.5% |
Colorado have the stronger defensive structure, while Anaheim rely more on offensive momentum.
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Key Players to Watch
Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon
One of the NHL’s top scorers this season and the driving force of Colorado’s offense.
Martin Necas
A dynamic forward who has been producing points consistently.
Cale Makar
One of the league’s best defensemen and a key contributor in both offense and defense.
Anaheim Ducks
Cutter Gauthier
Anaheim’s top goal scorer and one of their most dangerous offensive players.
Leo Carlsson
A young star who continues to develop into a top-line center.
Mason McTavish
An important offensive contributor who creates scoring chances.
Goaltending Matchup
Scott Wedgewood is expected to start for Colorado and has been very consistent this season with strong save percentage numbers.
Lukas Dostal will likely start for Anaheim. The Ducks goalie has carried a heavy workload this season and continues to be a key reason behind the team’s recent success.
Betting Odds
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Avalanche -150 |
| Underdog | Ducks +125 |
| Puck Line | Avalanche -1.5 |
| Total | 6.5 Goals |
Player Props to Watch
| Player | Prop Pick |
|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | Anytime Goal |
| Cutter Gauthier | Anytime Goal |
| Nathan MacKinnon | Over Shots |
MacKinnon continues to generate scoring chances regularly and remains the biggest offensive threat on the ice.
Best Picks
| Bet Type | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Avalanche |
| Total Goals | Under 6.5 |
| Player Prop | MacKinnon Anytime Goal |
| Correct Score | Avalanche 4 – Ducks 2 |
Final Prediction
This game brings together two teams currently playing strong hockey. Anaheim have been outstanding at home and will try to extend their winning streak in front of their fans. However, Colorado’s elite offense and defensive structure give them a slight advantage.
If the Avalanche can control the pace and rely on their strong goaltending, they should be able to secure another road victory.
Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 4 – Anaheim Ducks 2
