Five games to circle on Avalanche’s newly released 2022-23 schedule

The NHL released the Colorado Avalanche’s 2022-23 schedule on Wednesday, and it’s kind of crazy we already know next season’s slate when last season just ended.

Regardless, whenever a schedule gets dropped, there’s plenty of intrigue as fans want to know when and where the biggest games will take place. When you win a Stanley Cup, there’s plenty of great games to circle the following season, but here’s my stab at the five most enticing:

No. 5 – Colorado vs. Columbus in Tampere, Finland (November 4, 2022, 11:00 a.m.)

This is a fun little mini-series against the Blue Jackets, as the Avalanche will head back overseas for regular season action for the first time since 2017 against the Senators. Those games took place in Sweden. Get ready to blow off work on Friday and watch the Avs battle with Columbus, with an 11:00 a.m. puck drop here in Denver. They’ll also do it again the next day, Saturday, November 5, at the same time.

No. 4 – St. Louis at Colorado (November 14, 2022, 7:00 p.m.)

The Blues were arguably Colorado’s toughest opponent in the playoffs this year, as St. Louis took the Avalanche to six games in Round 2. Throw in the bad blood with Nazem Kadri and ridiculous behavior by Blues fans, and this game should have plenty of extra juice. If Kadri re-signs with the Avs (a big if), then you should also keep an eye on Sunday, December 11, which would be his return to the Arch City after his hat trick broke their hearts in Game 4.

No. 3 – Colorado at Edmonton (January 7, 2023, 8:00 p.m.)

A big, intriguing rematch of the Western Conference Finals, as the last time Colorado skated in Edmonton they were sweeping the Oilers in overtime. If Evander Kane is back with Edmonton (he’s a free agent), look for an early fight after what he did to Kadri in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. The Avs owned the Oilers in the playoffs, and will look to keep that trend going in this one.

No. 2 – Colorado at Tampa Bay (February 9, 2023, 5:00 p.m.)

The rematch of the Stanley Cup Final will have to wait until February, as the Avalanche and Lightning won’t meet until after the All-Star break. Their first matchup will be on February 9, with the second one coming five days later at Ball Arena on Valentine’s Day. Sure, the rosters will look different, but there will be some extra energy as Colorado returns to the place where it won the Stanley Cup in June.

No. 1 – Chicago at Colorado (October 12, 2022, 7:30 p.m.)

Opening night is always a can’t miss event, but you know Ball Arena will be rocking when the Avalanche raise their third Stanley Cup banner to the rafters. The game against the Blackhawks should also be a beatdown as Chicago isn’t very good. The price tag on this game won’t be quite the same as the Stanley Cup Final, but you can bet this ticket is going to be an expensive one.

Did I miss any? Let me know on Twitter @PetersenWill and check out the full schedule right here.
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