The Colorado Avalanche faced another setback as they fell to the St. Louis Blues 3-1, marking back-to-back losses against division rivals. Coach Jared Bednar expressed disappointment, noting that their strong start quickly dissipated.

Despite heading into the midseason break with great momentum, particularly following a significant trade involving Mikko Rantanen, Colorado's offense has struggled since. With the upcoming trade deadline looming, the Avalanche must quickly regain their form to improve their playoff position, especially after this loss that places them in a precarious wild-card spot.

The Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews are set to rejoin their NHL team after a thrilling championship win for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The trio helped secure a 3-2 overtime victory against the United States, but their return to the Avalanche includes a grueling back-to-back schedule against the Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues. Coach Jared Bednar acknowledges the fatigue factor but remains confident in their elite capabilities.

As the Avalanche look to improve their playoff position, they might get a boost from Valeri Nichushkin, who is recovering from a lower body injury. His experience and production could be crucial as Colorado fights for a wild-card spot in the competitive Western Conference.

Canada's thrilling overtime victory against Sweden marked a significant moment for Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Devon Toews, the Colorado Avalanche stars who made their international debut. The game, held at Bell Centre, reignited memories of past international competitions and showcased the intense passion of hockey at its highest level.

Despite the excitement, one notable absence was Gabe Landeskog, Colorado's captain, sidelined by a long recovery from knee surgery. His leadership and competitive spirit were sorely missed, both by his Avalanche teammates and the Swedish national team.

Landeskog's journey back has been arduous, extending beyond 21 months since his last game. Echoing sentiments from his peers, there is hope for his return to the ice, possibly in time for the 2026 Olympics.

Cale Makar, the standout defenseman for the Colorado Avalanche, missed practice on Friday due to illness before Canada's crucial showdown against the United States at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. Coach Jon Cooper expressed confidence in Makar's potential return for the game, emphasizing the importance of his presence on the top pairing alongside Avalanche teammate Devon Toews and as the quarterback of the power-play unit, which also includes NHL stars like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid.

The Canadians are already facing challenges, having lost Shea Theodore from the lineup. If Makar is unable to play, the team will call in Dallas defenseman Thomas Harley as a replacement. Following the tournament, the Avalanche will look forward to their next NHL game against the Nashville Predators on February 22.

As the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off approaches, Cale Makar and Devon Toews are eagerly anticipating their role in representing Canada, but they also face the challenging task of going up against their Colorado Avalanche teammate, Artturi Lehkonen. Known for his unpredictable playing style, Lehkonen has consistently been a force for the Avalanche, making him a significant concern for the Canadian defense.

In their first matchup, Canada edged out Sweden in a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory, showcasing the depth of talent they possess. Looking ahead, Makar and Toews are set to skate against a star-studded U.S. squad before facing Lehkonen and Finland in a decisive group stage clash. Despite not being the most publicized player, Lehkonen’s reputation for scoring clutch goals and his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations make him a key player on the ice.