For the first time in 24 years, the Avalanche will host a Halloween night game against a hot‑streak Flames squad.
Key points
- A victory could bring the Avalanche within one point of second place in the Central Division.
- Calgary will likely start backup goalie Arsenii Sergeev, marking his first start of the season.
- Defenseman Noah Juulsen is expected to see increased minutes for Colorado due to Josh Manson’s eight‑week injury.
Colorado will open its home stand on Oct. 31 with a Halloween‑themed contest against the Calgary Flames at Ball Arena, kicking off at 8:00 p.m. MDT (10:00 p.m. EDT). The game marks the first Halloween matchup in Denver since 2002 and offers both clubs a chance to gain ground in the tightly contested Central Division.
The Avalanche (7‑5‑1) come off a 5‑2 win over the New Jersey Devils, a performance that highlighted the return of forward Nicolas Roy, who recorded an assist after missing six games with injury. Defenseman Josh Manson is out for eight weeks with an ankle injury, prompting head coach Jared Bednar to lean on backup defenseman Noah Juulsen, who has impressed in his limited appearances.
Avalanche recent performance
Calgary (6‑7‑0) entered the weekend on a four‑game winning streak, largely thanks to goaltender Devin Cooley before his recent injury. With Cooley listed as week‑to‑week, backup Arsenii Sergeev is expected to start; he has one NHL start to his name, a 3‑1 win over Los Angeles last season. The Flames also face a spate of injuries, including left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (hip surgery) and forward Samuel Honzek (week‑to‑week).
Both teams have offensive leaders poised to impact the game. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon leads the league in points (22) and assists (14), while Artturi Lehkonen tops the Avs in goals (10). For the Flames, rookie Matvei Gridin leads with five goals, and Joel Farabee and Matt Coronato share the team lead in points (14 each). A win would pull the Avalanche within a point of second‑place Utah, while Calgary looks to extend its recent road success.
Flames' recent surge and injuries
Projected lineups feature MacKinnon, Lehkonen and Cale Makar anchoring Colorado’s forward and defensive units, with Mackenzie Blackwood likely in net. Calgary’s expected roster includes Farabee, Backlund and a start by Sergeev between the pipes. The contest will be available on ALT, ESPN+, NHL Center Ice (U.S.), Sportsnet (Canada) and via Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM.
Reader questions
When and where is the Avalanche‑Flames game being played?
The game is scheduled for Oct. 31, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. MDT (10:00 p.m. EDT) at Ball Arena in Denver.
How can I watch the game?
It will be broadcast locally on ALT, ALT+, ESPN+, NHL Center Ice in the U.S., and on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ in Canada.
Who is expected to start in goal for the Flames?
Backup goaltender Arsenii Sergeev is slated to start, after Devin Cooley was listed as week‑to‑week following an injury.
Source: milehighhockey.com
