Avalanche vs Kraken Preview: Colorado Looks to Build Playoff Momentum in Regular-Season Finale
The Colorado Avalanche return to Ball Arena on Thursday night for their regular-season finale against the Seattle Kraken, with an opportunity to carry momentum into the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Although Colorado has already clinched its postseason berth, the matchup still offers value as the Avalanche continue to fine-tune their game before the opening round. Seattle, meanwhile, enters the night looking to close out a disappointing season with a statement performance against one of the Western Conference’s most dangerous contenders.
For Colorado, the focus shifts from simply securing points to sharpening details. Defensive structure, special teams execution, and maintaining offensive rhythm will all be under the microscope as the postseason approaches. With a home crowd expected to bring playoff energy to Ball Arena, Thursday night offers one final dress rehearsal before the games begin to carry far greater consequences.
Makar and Dunn Headline the Blue-Line Matchup
One of the most compelling storylines entering the game is the battle between two elite puck-moving defensemen in Cale Makar and Vince Dunn.
Makar continues to serve as the engine of Colorado’s transition game, using his skating and vision to create offense from the back end. Few defensemen in the league can dictate tempo the way he can, and his ability to turn defensive recoveries into scoring chances remains one of Colorado’s biggest advantages. Dunn provides a similar role for Seattle, driving possession and helping the Kraken generate speed through the neutral zone.
If either defenseman is able to control the pace early, it could shape the way the game unfolds from the opening faceoff.
Special Teams Could Shape the Night
Even in a late-season game with limited playoff stakes, special teams could still determine the outcome.
Colorado’s power play remains a dangerous weapon with Nathan MacKinnon attacking downhill and Makar distributing from the point. When the Avalanche move the puck quickly, few penalty kills can consistently contain them. Seattle’s penalty kill has shown inconsistency throughout the season, meaning unnecessary penalties could quickly swing momentum toward the home side.
At the other end, the Kraken have enough skill to capitalize if Colorado gets careless. Jared McCann remains Seattle’s most dangerous scoring threat, and the Avalanche will want a clean, disciplined effort before postseason hockey begins.
Avalanche Looking for the Right Finish
While the standings may not dramatically change for Colorado, the importance of finishing the regular season the right way should not be overlooked.
The Avalanche have spent the past several weeks trying to establish consistency in all three zones. Their star players have continued to produce, but Colorado’s postseason success will ultimately depend on defensive commitment and secondary scoring. Thursday’s game gives the Avalanche one final chance to tighten those details before the intensity rises significantly next week.
Seattle enters with less pressure, which can sometimes make a dangerous opponent. Teams with nothing to lose often play freely, and the Kraken would welcome the opportunity to spoil Colorado’s final tune-up before the playoffs.
Prediction: Avalanche 4, Kraken 2
Colorado’s top-end talent and home-ice advantage should be enough to close the regular season on a high note.
Expect Seattle to compete early, but the Avalanche’s speed and offensive depth should create separation as the game moves into the third period. A strong night from Makar and another productive performance from MacKinnon would give Colorado exactly what it wants heading into the postseason — confidence, rhythm, and a clean finish at home.
