The Colorado Avalanche are riding high after a gritty shootout victory in Edmonton last night, but there's no time to rest. The relentless NHL schedule brings them to Calgary tonight for a crucial back-to-back against the Flames. With just two games left in the regular season, every point matters.

Tonight's matchup is about more than just two points; it's about legacy. The Avalanche sit just two points shy of tying the franchise's single-season record of 119 points, set by the 2021-22 Stanley Cup-winning squad. A win tonight would put that historic milestone within reach in their final game.

Goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood is expected to start, giving the Avalanche a chance to manage their stars' minutes. The big question is whether Coach Jared Bednar will rest other key players or push for the record with a full-throttle approach. Given the stakes, expect a highly motivated Avalanche team.

They'll face a Flames team they've beaten twice in the last ten days. Calgary will be desperate to avoid a season sweep and play the spoiler role on home ice, setting the stage for a physical and intense Pacific Division clash.

Colorado's depth has been shining. Defenseman Sam Malinski is on a tear with five goals in his last eleven games, matching his total from all of last season. The defensive pairing of Jack Achan and Nick Blankenburg held their own against Connor McDavid last night and will likely be called upon again to contain Calgary's attack.

All eyes will also be on forward Martin Necas, who is on the cusp of a career year. He needs just one point to hit the 100-point mark for the first time and one goal to reach 40. Achieving both milestones in a record-chasing victory would be a storybook moment for the Avalanche forward.

As the puck drops in Calgary, the Avalanche aren't just playing for playoff positioning—they're playing for a place in the history books. It's the kind of high-stakes hockey that defines the end of a season, and a perfect reason to gear up in your favorite Avalanche apparel.